Background and Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between membership in virtual space and the general health of third-grade elementary school male and female students.
Methods: This was a correlational study. The statistical population consisted of all male and female students in elementary schools in Isfahan city during the 2018-2019 academic year. The sampling method was cluster random. The statistical sample size, with a test power of 0.95, was 120 participants. Data were collected using the General Health Questionnaire and a researcher-made questionnaire. Data analysis was performed at two levels: descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. At the inferential level, Pearson's correlation coefficient was used, and to examine the effect of internet use on general health, univariate regression analysis was employed.
Findings: Based on the findings of this study, there is a significant positive correlation between the amount of internet use and the subscales of physical symptoms, and anxiety and sleep; as internet use increases, mental health scores also increase. However, there was no significant positive correlation between the amount of internet use and the subscales of social functioning and depression.
Conclusion: The Internet, like all mass media, has both positive and negative aspects, and its improper use can threaten children and adolescents. Therefore, necessary education should be provided to children and adolescents in this regard.