Text No4: Internet Addiction
Internet addiction is a behavioral disorder that’s characterized by compulsive Internet use despite
negative physical, mental, and emotional consequences.
This may be called problematic internet use (PIU) or internet addiction disorder (IAD).
Many of us have felt the short-term and long-term effects of Internet use as it’s become an integral
aspect of our everyday lives to complete school, work, projects, and as a means of entertainment.
Daily use can quickly turn to Internet addiction, which may be recognized by signs such as excessive
use, lying to hide Internet use, a lack of control over Internet use, and other effects.
An Internet addiction can lead to several physical and mental health effects, as well as effects on
relationships, employment status, and interpersonal interactions in real life.
However, this issue disproportionately affects adolescents and young adults who have grown up with
streaming networks, social media, video games, and other uses of the Internet as primary sources of
fulfillment.
Internet addiction has been found to have a significant impact on students, as higher levels of Internet
use typically lead to difficulty concentrating, lower grades, and worsened exam performance.
The article discusses how this level of uncertainty, though uncomfortable, encourages us to take
control of our lives and adopt more proactive approaches for future situations.
Though the implications of Internet addiction may seem alarming, we have control over these
outcomes.
With better practices and techniques for self-monitoring Internet use, you can regain areas of your
life that have been controlled by excessive Internet use.
Pay attention to how your mind and body respond to this time spent on the Internet, and implement
new behaviors based on those findings.
Set time limits on your phone and computer, and plan screen-free activities to pursue in time spent
off of the Internet. This will provide a healthy alternative to fill that void and encourage better
patterns.
If further help is needed, the best treatment approach for Internet addiction is cognitive-behavioral
therapy (CBT), a therapy approach that involves replacing negative thought patterns with positive
coping strategies, improving self-awareness and problem-solving skills.
Tammy Waitt, americansecuritytoday.com, May 6th, 2022
