Background and Aim: Internet plays a growing role in the life of adolescents and young adults in the third millennium. The attractiveness of internet has caused that many adolescents and young adults prefer keeping company with computer rather than interacting with parents and peers. This may gradually reduce the pleasant experience of participation in the family and other groups and may eventually result in isolation and depression. This study was performed to assess the relationship between depression & social isolation among internet-user adolescents and young adults and the routine time duration they spend using internet. Method & Materials: This was a descriptive correlation study. The sample consisted of 118 adolescent and young adult internet users randomly selected from the usual clients of approved coffee-nets of Isfahan city at 2006. Beck Depression Inventory and a researcher made questionnaire were respectively used to assess depression and social isolation. Demographic data were also collected. Data were analyzed using SPSS- software and Spearman-Pearson correlation coefficient and independent groups T tests. Findings: Significant relationships were found between both depression and social isolation and the mean routine time duration of internet use (P Conclusion : Excessive internet use may cause hazards to adolescents' and young adults' mental health and social development. This issue needs further well-designed investigations. Families should be informed about the available evidences in this regard. Keywords: Internet, Adolescent, Young adult, Internet user, Depression, Social isolation.

Keywords: Internet, Adolescent, Young adult, Internet user, Depression, Social isolation

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