Loneliness and Problematic Internet Use during COVID-19 Lock-Down

(1) Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, strict lock-down and quarantine were widely imposed by most governments to minimize spread of virus. Previous studies have investigated consequences social isolation on mental health present study examines loneliness problematic internet use. (2) Methods: The current research used a cross-sectional survey during phase pandemic. A sample 593 participants from Middle East region (Kuwait, Saudi Arabia) tested using short form Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale Internet Addiction Test. (3) Results: Results regression analyses showed an association between Problematic Use (PIU), number hours spent online. Younger reported greater loneliness. quality relationship with person(s) whom they spending their was also correlated Those who obtained frequent news about pandemic media. use associated predictors ANOVA dose-response PIU. (4) Conclusions: This highlights influence characteristics local culture feelings