Assessing The Psychological Impact Of Internet Blackouts: A Stress Analysis Case Study

Abstract

Internet connectivity plays a vital role in communication, education, business, and access to essential services in today’s digital world. When internet services are suspended during politically sensitive situations, it can significantly influence people’s mental well-being. Such disruptions may lead to increased stress, anxiety, frustration, and emotional instability.
This research analyzes the psychological effects of the internet shutdown that occurred during the Bangladesh Quota Movement in July 2024. A total of 2,085 individuals participated in the survey, sharing their experiences related to academic activities, workplace responsibilities, and social interactions during the shutdown period.
The collected textual responses were analyzed using Natural Language Processing (NLP) methods to identify patterns related to emotional and behavioral changes. To classify stress levels, a Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) model was implemented. The study highlights how sudden digital disconnection can impact mental health and emphasizes the importance of stable internet access in modern society.