Prediction of Computer Voyeurism and Stigma of the First Wave of the Coronavirus Disease-2019 Pandemic based on the Dimensions of Internet Addiction among Youth

Today, the Internet and Internet addiction are among the most important issues involving the young generation. Regarding the spread of coronavirus disease-2019 (Covid-19) as a destructive factor, this problem has caused mood disorders, anxiety, and aggression, which need proper identification. Therefore, the present study aimed to predict the computer voyeurism and stigma of the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic based on the dimensions of Internet addiction among young people.

This study was conducted based on a practical, descriptive, and correlational design. The study population included all undergraduate students in Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran. Out of all students, 252 cases were selected to participate in this study through an online voluntarily call due to traffic restrictions. The data were collected using the Yang Internet Addiction Assessment Questionnaire, a researcher-made computer voyeurism questionnaire, and a researcher-made corona stigma questionnaire. The data were then analyzed using Pearson statistical methods and multivariate regression.

According to the results, all dimensions of Internet addiction correlated significantly with the rate of computer voyeurism and Covid-19 stigma. Out of the dimensions of Internet addiction, lack of control, and negligence of professional and educational tasks can predict the extent of changes in computer voyeurism and Covid-19 stigma among young people.

There is a significant relationship between the increased level of Internet addiction and the power of direct prediction of computer voyeurism and youth stigma. With an increase in each of the dimensions of the mentioned variables, the amount of Covid-19 stigma increases, thereby promoting the mood-anxiety disorders among young people.