Depression and internet addiction among adolescents:A meta-analysis

•Using meta-analysis to examine the relationship between broader IA and depression among adolescents.•Adolescents with IA were found to have a higher risk of depressive disorders and vice versa.•IA had a stronger effect on depression risk.•Aim to provide effective strategies for early screening and intervention of adolescents with IA and depression. Depression and Internet addiction (IA) are both prevalent and burdensome in adolescents. Findings on the relationship between depression and IA remain equivocal, and we therefore conducted a meta-analysis to confirm their correlation. We searched for relevant studies, with the last search being conducted on November 10, 2022. Adolescents aged 10 to 24 reported objectively measured depression and IA using scales that have been used worldwide and are valid. Random effect models were used to produce combined odds ratios (OR) and coefficient of regression (β) We included 42 studies presenting data from 102,769 participants. The meta-analysis confirmed that depression is positively correlated with IA and vice versa. Adolescents with depressive disorders were found to have a higher risk of IA. Adolescents with IA were found to have a higher risk of depressive disorders. In addition, IA had a stronger effect on depression risk. Screening for Internet addiction in depressed adolescents is recommended at initial diagnosis and follow-up. Similarly, Internet addicts should be screened regularly for depression.