Investigating the Relationship between the use of Information Technology Communication Tools (Mobile Phone, Internet, Instagram and Telegram) with Depression of Students in Mako Free Zone

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the use of information technology communication tools (mobile phone, internet, Instagram, and Telegram) with depression in Mako Free Zone students.Methodology: The current research was of correlation type and according to the purpose, it was of applied type. The statistical population of the research was made up of 17-18-year-old students, 265 of whom were randomly selected according to Morgan's table. In order to collect data from questionnaires, harmful use of mobile phones, Janar et al. (2007) with 6 items; using Internet; Yang (1998) with 3 items; adolescent depression; Kutcher (2002) with 6 items; A researcher-made questionnaire on the use of social networks with 6 items was used in the form of a five-point Likert scale. Data analysis was also done using the Smart PLS structural equation modeling method.Findings: The findings of the research showed that there was a direct and significant relationship between the use of information technology communication tools (mobile phone, internet, Instagram, and Telegram) and depression among adolescents in Mako Azad Zone (P<0.001).Conclusion: The use of the Internet, mobile and virtual networks, due to the false charms it creates for users, causes the loss of face-to-face communication and causes people to become introverted, thus people gradually avoid direct communication. Finally, it becomes the cause of their depression and loneliness.