The relationship between internet addiction and information literacy among graduate students at Yazd University of Medical Sciences (2022-2023)

The internet, a revolutionary communication tool, while offering numerous benefits, has also been associated with potential drawbacks. Information literacy can empower individuals to effectively navigate the digital landscape, critically evaluate information, and utilize it judiciously. This study aims to assess the level of information literacy and internet usage among master’s and doctoral students at Yazd University of Medical Sciences. Furthermore, it seeks to explore the relationship between these two variables.

This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2023 to investigate the information literacy and internet addiction levels of graduate students at Yazd University of Medical Sciences. A stratified random sampling technique was employed to select participants from various faculties and fields of study. Data were collected using validated questionnaires on internet addiction and information literacy and were analyzed using SPSS statistical software.

47.6% of the students did not exhibit symptoms of internet addiction. Moreover, the average information literacy scores of these students exceeded the mean across all dimensions. A positive correlation was observed between internet addiction and the ability to effectively access information (r = 0.138), and critically evaluate information (r = 0.198).

Increased information literacy may contribute to decreased internet addiction. Given the critical importance of information literacy in the digital age, future qualitative research is recommended to delve deeper into the complex relationship between information literacy and internet addiction, providing a more nuanced understanding of this phenomenon.