The Mediating Role of Social Support in the Relationship Between Internet Addiction and Social Alienation Among Students of Shahed University in Tehran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD in Sociology, Faculty of Law and Humanities, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Law and Humanities, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran.

10.22080/sod.2025.30661.1034

Abstract

In the digital age, excessive use of virtual space has become one of the major psychosocial challenges among university students. Internet addiction can negatively influence social interactions and psychological well-being, with social alienation being one of its most significant consequences. Social alienation refers to a state in which individuals experience feelings of detachment, isolation, and disconnection from their surrounding social environment. In contrast, social support, as an emotional and interpersonal resource, may act as a protective factor that mitigates the adverse effects of problematic internet use. The present study aimed to examine the mediating role of social support in the relationship between internet addiction and social alienation among students of Shahed University in Tehran. This quantitative survey was conducted on a sample of 384 students selected through stratified random sampling based on Cochran’s formula. Standard questionnaires—including Young’s Internet Addiction Test, Kentz’s Social Alienation Scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support—were used for data collection. Structural equation modeling revealed that internet addiction positively predicted social alienation while negatively influencing social support. Moreover, social support significantly reduced social alienation and played a meaningful mediating role. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening social support within family and academic environments.

Keywords

Journal of Social Order and Developement
Volume 1, Issue 2
June 2025
Pages 105-137

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History

  • Receive Date: 29 November 2025
  • Revise Date: 22 December 2025
  • Accept Date: 24 December 2025

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