Avicenna Journal of Neuropsychophysiology

en Internet Addiction and its Relationship with the Need for Cognition among Law and Unani Medical Students in Calicut, India Anxiety and Stress پژوهشي Research Article Background and objective Internet addiction (IA) is associated with a reduced propensity for cognitive engagement, leading people to show disinterest in mentally demanding tasks. Despite the importance of this problem, there is a lack of research. This study aims to examine the prevalence of IA, identify associated factors, and evaluate the impact of IA on the need for cognition(NFC). Materials and methods We conducted a cross-sectional study with participants chosen through a random sampling method. The Young's Internet Addiction Test was utilized to assess IA, while the Need for Cognition Scale (NCS) measured students' inclination towards thinking, reasoning, and decision-making. Results The results showed that 42.5% of students in both groups were classified as normal Internet users. However, 47.2% and 10.2% of students had mild and moderate IA, respectively. Among the law and Unani students, 21.25% were classified as normal internet users, 27.5% as mild users, and 19.6% as moderate internet users. In comparison, 7.08% and 3.14% of the law and Unani students were respectively classified as moderately addicted to the Internet. No statistically significant correlation was found between IA and NFC (r=-0.041, P>0.001). Regression analysis revealed that NFC could not be predicted by IA (F(1,125)=0.207, P>0.001). The Fisher test used to examine the association between IA and gender did not yield a significant result (Fisher test=4.76, P= 0.082). Conclusion The study highlights varying levels of IA among students, with significant proportions falling into the "mild" and "moderate" categories. It is noteworthy that law and Unani students exhibited different prevalence rates. These results highlight the complexity of Internet usage patterns and their relationship with cognitive factors and gender. An epistemic cognition intervention should be carried out to convince how effectively the Internet can be used without causing a decline in cognitive functions. Indian students, Internet addiction, Law, Need for cognition, Unani. 12 18 http://ajnpp.umsha.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-742-2&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Ahmed Rasheed S M rashidsm123@gmail.com 10031947532846007596 10031947532846007596 No Department of Psychology, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak-484887, Madhya Pradesh, India Lalit Kumar Mishra lalit.mishra@igntu.ac.in 10031947532846007597 10031947532846007597 No Department of Psychology, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak- 4848787, Madhya Pradesh, India Gyanesh Kumar Tiwari gyaneshpsychology@gmail.com 10031947532846007598 10031947532846007598 Yes Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Doctor Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar, 470003, Madhya Pradesh, India