Due to the extensive use of technology, it is natural for humans to become addicted, starting with television and remote controls, moving on to smartphones and computers, and culminating in the internet and social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
The Internet Addiction Article
Numerous studies have indicated that at least 64% of people spend more than 4 hours in front of computer screens alone on a daily basis, not to mention the hours they spend with other technological devices. Did you know that there are currently 4.6 billion mobile phones in the world, and over a billion electronic devices were sold in the past year alone? This addiction is no less dangerous than drug addiction.
Scientists differ in their definitions of the word "addiction." Some insist that the term only applies to substances that a person consumes and cannot do without, causing withdrawal symptoms and necessitating a gradual cessation program using alternative substances, as is the case with most drugs.
However, some scientists object to this narrow definition, believing that addiction is the inability to do without something, regardless of what that something is, as long as the other conditions of addiction, such as a continuous need for more of it until satisfaction is achieved, are met.
Consequently, some scientists have come to refer to internet addicts, while others object and suggest that excessive internet use is a form of irresistible compulsion. Regardless of the definition and the scientists' disagreements on terminology, there is no dispute that a large number of internet users excessively indulge in internet use to the detriment of their personal lives. Scientists have identified a range of effects and symptoms of internet addiction, including neglecting one's work or studies, disruptions in personal schedules and relationships due to excessive internet use, which naturally has negative consequences on an individual's life.
Other symptoms include feelings of depression, anxiety, and tension when unable to access the internet, with symptoms worsening the longer the absence from the internet lasts. There is also a sense of psychological comfort and happiness upon returning to its use. Moreover, individuals with internet addiction struggle to control the time they allocate for themselves to sit and use the internet. For instance, someone might set a maximum limit of 3 hours per day but find themselves browsing the internet for over 7 hours. Internet addiction leads to a disregard for the value of time in pursuit of pleasure.
Negative Effects of Internet Addiction
Health Problems
Internet addiction leads to sleep disturbances for the afflicted individuals due to their constant need to increase their internet usage time. Many addicts spend entire nights online and get only an hour or two of sleep before their work or studies. This results in significant fatigue, impacting their performance at work or in their studies, as well as weakening their immune system, making them more susceptible to diseases.
Family Problems
The immersion of addicts in internet use for extended periods disrupts their family life. Addicts spend less time with their families and neglect their domestic responsibilities, causing tension and dissatisfaction among family members.
Academic Issues
A survey published by Dr. Kimberly Young in 1997 in USA Today titled "Questions about the Educational Value of the Internet" revealed that 86% of participating teachers believed that children's use of the internet negatively affected their academic performance. This was attributed to the lack of structure in online information and the absence of a direct connection between internet information and school curricula.
Work Problems
Since many workplaces provide internet access, some individuals may waste work hours playing online or engaging in activities unrelated to their job. This becomes a more significant issue if the individual is addicted to the internet. Additionally, staying up late on the internet can lead to a decline in work performance.
Treatment for Internet Addiction
According to American psychologist Dr. Kimberly Young, there are several methods for treating internet addiction. The first three primarily involve time management, but in cases of severe addiction, more aggressive measures may be necessary:
Reverse Action: If a patient is accustomed to using the internet throughout the week, they are asked to wait until their weekly day off to use it. If they habitually check email first thing in the morning, they are asked to wait until after breakfast and watching the morning news. If the patient uses the computer in the bedroom, they are asked to move it to the living room, and so on.
External Barriers: Patients are encouraged to set an alarm before they start using the internet, allowing them only one hour before they need to leave for work, for example, to prevent getting absorbed in online activities and forgetting their work schedule.
Time Allocation: Patients are asked to reduce and regulate their internet usage hours. For instance, if they were spending 40 hours online weekly, they should aim to reduce it to 20 hours weekly and allocate those hours on specific days and times, staying within a predetermined schedule.