Purpose: This study investigated the interplay between social networking addiction, excessive usage of internet gaming, and mental health outcomes, particularly stress, depression, and anxiety, among young students during the lockdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic in India.

Design/methodology/approach: The data was collected from students studying in high school, undergraduate, and postgraduate degree colleges in Mumbai, India. The duration of data collection was between March 2021 and December 2022. The purposive and quasi-experimental sampling technique was adopted.

Findings: The data was analyzed using ANOVA, regression analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modeling. The findings reveal gender as a significant predictor, with females experiencing higher levels of mental health issues. Further, COVID-19 infection status also correlates with heightened stress, depression, and anxiety. The findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions and support systems to address mental health challenges, especially during crises.

Originality: The study is original. The data was collected during the first and second lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic in India.

Research limitations and implications: The study observes a limitation of only assessing a few demographic variables of the students from Mumbai, India. And hence generalization on the wider sample cannot be taken. This study would be useful for developing interventions to cope with problems of internet gaming, and social networking addiction and addressing issues of stress related to it.

Practical implications: This study would be useful for young individuals, parents, healthcare professionals, and academicians to develop coping mechanisms to overcome addictive technological behavior. Newer methods can be developed to channel this behavior for productive output.

Social implications: Further, the social implication of the study would be helpful for people to overcome internet addictive behaviors and cope with the negative outcomes arising out of it.