How Is Internet Addiction Affecting Your Mental Health?

Introduction

The internet is an integral part of modern life. The global population is using the internet day and night, for various purposes. However, we may or may not realise that using the internet has not just become our habit, but an addiction. This addiction is also the reason we notice an excessive rise in mental disorders among people all over the world. It is a psychological dependence that leads to an impairment of various life activities. Not just internet addiction, internet gaming disorder (IGD) is also having negative impacts on your psychosocial functions. Excessive internet use is related to many psychiatric and psychosocial disorders.

If you feel the need to constantly check your social media accounts or play games, give up on sleep, trying to reach new levels, you may be experiencing “problematic Internet use.” Let us delve deeper into the causes of Internet Addiction, symptoms and treatment.

What Causes Internet Addiction?

There may be multiple factors that cause Internet Addiction Disorder. When you have IA, your brain starts working in a way an addict’s brain would. It is similar to alcohol or intoxicating drug dependency. The prefrontal region of your brain is affected and it becomes difficult for you to remember details, pay attention, focus and prioritize tasks. The addictive behaviour will likely trigger a release of dopamine and eventually, you will crave more of this to derive some kind of pleasure.

The variable reinforcement effects of Internet addiction are another cause of this behaviour. You might be so addicted to the internet because you are playing games, shopping or gambling and it provides you rewards. You may be addicted to social media because you have many friends you like talking to or you like to read updates and keep coming back for more. 

Biological predispositions are another contributing factor to this addiction. You may have lower levels of dopamine and serotonin which require you to engage in more such behaviours to derive pleasure, increasing the chances of internet addiction.

If a person is dealing with anxiety and depression, there are chances he or she does not socialise enough and may turn to the Internet to feel better or less lonely. 

Excessive Internet use may create a heightened level of psychological arousal, resulting in little sleep, failure to eat for long periods, and limited physical activity, possibly leading to the user experiencing physical and mental health problems such as depression, OCD, low family relationships and anxiety.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

Symptoms Of Internet Addiction

It is a fact that if you look around, almost everyone is looking at or busy with their phones. So how do you know if someone suffers from Internet Addiction Disorder? While it is a little difficult to identify this disorder at first, here are some evident symptoms to look out for – 

• Anxiety and depression
• Feeling of guilt
• Inability to prioritize or keep track of schedules
• Isolation and lack of interaction
• Losing the sense of time
• Procrastination or avoidance of work
• Agitation and frequent mood swings
• Sense of fear
• Boredom with everyday tasks
• Makes you less productive

You may further experience some physical symptoms of internet addiction disorder which include:

• Backache and neck pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness and weakness in the hand and arm.
• Frequent headaches
• Insomnia
• Lack of nutrition 
• Poor personal hygiene 
• Dry eyes and other vision problems due to increased screen time
• Weight gain or loss

Treatment Of Internet Addiction

To begin with proper treatment for internet addiction, it is important to first address and recognise your condition. Once you believe you have a problem, you need to seek treatment and must be willing to recover. There must be a significant change in your behaviour, in a positive way. You may use some software to limit your access to some websites. You must seek professional help and there are options of therapies, counselling and medications which prove to be effective. You may have to undergo treatment for getting better. Physical activity also plays an important role in the treatment of internet addiction, you must meditate and perform yoga regularly to stay calm and focused. You may join certain groups that help you modify your behaviour and stay engaged, seek support from friends or a trusted family member, You may also try to indulge in new hobbies and look for alternate recreation to keep your mind diverted.

Conclusion:

We are living in the digital age and we are surrounded by technology. In this case, it is easy to give in to the temptation. Be it ordering food or buying clothes, everything is just a click away! However, there is a thin line between the use and overuse of the internet and one must draw their boundaries very carefully. It may not necessarily be about the time you spend online, but how you use the internet is vital. Internet Addiction can cause physical, social and emotional disorders, before it is too late, you must take appropriate measures to keep your internet use in check and avoid dependence.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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