Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p> The rapid proliferation of digital technologies has led to increased concerns regarding internet addiction and its impact on mental health, particularly among young adults. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between internet addiction, sense of agency, and psychological symptoms, as well as to investigate the moderating role of sense of agency in this relationship. A sample of 437 young adults (M <sub>age</sub> = 22.7 years, SD = 2.82) from various regions of India was selected using purposive sampling. The findings revealed a strong positive relationship between internet addiction and psychological symptoms, while sense of agency was negatively correlated with psychological symptoms. Structural equation modeling (SEM) indicated that internet addiction significantly predicted higher psychological symptoms, whereas sense of agency significantly predicted lower psychological symptoms. Importantly, the interaction effect between internet addiction and sense of agency was statistically significant, demonstrating that sense of agency moderates the relationship between internet addiction and psychological symptoms, such that higher levels of agency weaken the adverse impact of internet addiction. Further, the findings highlight internet addiction as a significant risk factor for psychological distress, while identifying sense of agency as both a protective and buffering mechanism. The study contributes to the existing literature by integrating a psychological resource variable within a structural framework, offering a more comprehensive understanding of mental health outcomes. The results have important implications for intervention strategies, emphasizing the need to enhance self-regulation and perceived control among young adults. </p>