Anna's media palace :)

***Teens And Internet Addiction***

– Effects of Teen Internet Addiction

by 78 Comments

Everything has two sides – Internet also. Hardly could we say Internet is bad because it depends on the way of how human using it. With the huge amount of information present on the internet, teenagers can use it for academic purposes. They can know everything happening in the world and be informed inside.

However, there are various impacts of internet addiction found from different researches. According to Helpguide.org, internet addiction can be defined as compulsive use that interferes with the natural flow of one’s daily life, relationships or work. To know whether a person gets addiction or not, Dr. Kimberly Young, Director of the Center for Internet Addiction Recovery, identified the following potential warning signs for children with pathological Internet use:

  • Loses track of time while online

  • Sacrifices needed hours of sleep to spend time online

  • Becomes agitated or angry when online time is interrupted

  • Checks email several times a day

  • Becomes irritable if not allowed access to the Internet

  • Spends time online in place of homework or chores

  • Prefers to spend time online rather than with friends or family

  • Disobeys time limits that have been set for internet usage

  • Lies about amount of time spent online or “sneaks” online when no one is around

  • Forms new relationships with people he or she has met online

  • Seems preoccupied with getting back online when away from the computer

  • Loses interest in activities that were enjoyable before he or she had online access

  • Becomes irritable, moody or depressed when not online

In China, Korea, and Taiwan, internet addiction is a growing health issue: studies indicate that up to 30% of the population in these countries may experience problematic Internet use. The negative impacts of Internet addiction includes, the impact on interpersonal relationship where the relationship of an individual is getting further from surrounding (Morahan-Martin, 2005). Individual might face behavioural problem due to over usage of Internet where they are reacting differently than the normal behaviour (Kubey, Lavin & Barrows, 2001). In addition, physical and psychological problems may occur. All these harms will be discussed in the followings. 

Social effect

People who have Internet addiction tend to lose track of time and neglect responsibilities. They uncontrollably use the computer to relieve stress or try to find self-confidence. With the Internet, through social networking sites, Students can make a lot of friends from other countries. After a long time, they may feel sick or anxious when staying away from the computer. Thus, they will easily  alienate themselves from family and friends. The social circle breaks.  The addiction can lead to the inability to communicate in the real world by depriving the addict of the daily practices involved with interpersonal communication.

A study by Stanford University found that for those spending more than 10 hours per week online, up to 15 percent reported a decrease in social activities. Addicts will have less time for the old relationship. Some may even feel afraid of chatting face to face with friends. They just feel comfortable when they at home in front of a computer. They feel shy in reality. They prefer to talk and chat in somewhere which can separate them from the real world. Therefore, social circles in the real-life are finally fading. 

Psychological problems

Some researchers also argued that excessive Internet users exhibit more severe Internet addictive behaviours. The extent of Internet use increases depression and decreases self-esteem (Jeon, 2005; Young, 2006; Yang & Tung, 2004). Wellman and Gulia (1999) reported that online relationships can be strong and could strengthen real world relationships but later it could be faded it. 

A new study by psychologists at Leeds University in England found that people who spend a lot of time online are more likely to show signs of depression. Here are some signs of depression from the National Institute of Mental Health:

  • Difficulty concentrating and making decisions

  • Decreased energy and fatigue

  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness

  • Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism

  • Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness or excessive sleeping

  • Irritability and restlessness

  • Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once found pleasurable

  • Overeating or appetite loss

  • Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems

  • Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” feelings

  • Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts

  • Abandoning hobbies, friends and activities the teen once enjoyed in favor of being online.

  • Frustration, irritability or anger when the teen is not able to be online.

  • Drop in school performance, including worsening grades.

Addictive surfing can have a serious impact on mental health. Frequent Internet use has been linked to anxiety, addiction and social isolation. 

Physical health

Internet overuse can lead to weight gain and a decline in physical fitness. Other symptoms can include carpal tunnel syndrome, dry eyes, migraine headaches, a decline in personal hygiene and back aches, according to Maressa Hecht, founder of Computer Addiction Services and a member of the Harvard Medical School. Evidence also suggests that internet addiction can contribute to sleep disturbances. Studies of Chinese and American children, published in the “Journal of Sleep” and the “Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics,” found that the use of computers before bedtime has also raised concerns to affect the quality of sleep.

On the one hand, the American researchers (October 2015 Journal of School Nursing) recruited 331 adolescents, aged 14 to 17, to study whether Internet use might influence blood pressure in teens. The survey discovered that 4 out of 10 teens used the Internet more than 2 hours every day. 19 percent of these heavy users had high blood pressure. That’s compared to just 7 percent of light users. Another 4 in 10 teens reported moderate use. These teens had moderately high blood pressure.

 

 

 

 

Reference:

  1. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/11386325/Chinese-teen-chops-hand-off-to-cure-internet-addiction.html
  2. https://www.techwalla.com/articles/the-effects-of-internet-addiction
  3. http://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/internet-addiction
  4. http://www.about-teen-depression.com/ATD/internet-use-linked-to-depression.html
  5. https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/internet-use-may-harm-teen-health
  6. https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/internet-use-may-harm-teen-health
  7. https://www.webroot.com/hk/en/home/resources/tips/ethics-and-legal/family-internet-addiction-what-can-parents-do
  8. http://www.livestrong.com/article/134688-internet-addiction-health-effects/

Comments

  8. All trends of medicament. Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information.
    [url=https://stromectolst.com/#]stromectol nz[/url]
    Get here. Read information now.

    Reply

  10. Get warning information here. Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe.
    [url=https://stromectolst.com/#]stromectol ivermectin buy[/url]
    Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics. Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions.

    Reply

  11. Everything what you want to know about pills. Read now.
    [url=https://stromectolst.com/#]ivermectin price uk[/url]
    drug information and news for professionals and consumers. What side effects can this medication cause?

    Reply

  15. Read information now. safe and effective drugs are available.
    [url=https://stromectolst.com/#]stromectol tablets for humans[/url]
    Actual trends of drug. Everything information about medication.

    Reply

  19. Some trends of drugs. Read now.
    [url=https://stromectolst.com/#]ivermectin 8000[/url]
    What side effects can this medication cause? Top 100 Searched Drugs.

    Reply

  25. Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side. drug information and news for professionals and consumers.
    [url=https://nexium.top/#]can i get generic nexium tablets[/url]
    Commonly Used Drugs Charts. Everything about medicine.

    Reply

  31. Read here. Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics. [url=https://avodart.science/#]can i get cheap avodart without prescription[/url]
    Some trends of drugs. Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side.

    Reply

  34. Generic Name. Cautions.
    [url=https://mobic.store/#]how to get generic mobic price[/url]
    Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information. Medscape Drugs & Diseases.

    Reply

  37. Best and news about drug. Read information now.
    [url=https://azithromycins.com/]how to buy zithromax online[/url]
    Everything information about medication. Commonly Used Drugs Charts.

    Reply

  47. What side effects can this medication cause? earch our drug database.
    [url=https://clomiphenes.com]cost generic clomid pill[/url]
    Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side. п»їMedicament prescribing information.

    Reply

  48. Best and news about drug. Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions. [url=https://amoxicillins.online/]buy amoxicillin online no prescription[/url]
    All trends of medicament. Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics.

    Reply

  50. Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side. Cautions.
    [url=https://azithromycins.online/]zithromax drug[/url]
    Everything about medicine. Get here.

    Reply

  51. Read here. п»їMedicament prescribing information. [url=https://amoxicillins.online/]buy amoxicillin without prescription[/url]
    Drugs information sheet. Get here.

    Reply

  55. Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions. Read here.
    [url=https://edonlinefast.com]ed medications online[/url]
    Actual trends of drug. Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information.

    Reply

  56. Read information now. Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions.
    [url=https://edonlinefast.com]ed meds online without doctor prescription[/url]
    All trends of medicament. Get here.

    Reply

  62. Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe. Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions.
    best male ed pills
    Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side. Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics.

    Reply

  65. What side effects can this medication cause? Everything what you want to know about pills.
    [url=https://canadianfast.com/#]prescription drugs without doctor approval[/url]
    Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions. Get here.

    Reply

  67. Drug information. Read here.
    [url=https://canadianfast.com/#]online canadian drugstore[/url]
    Get warning information here. Best and news about drug.

    Reply

  68. Read here. Best and news about drug.
    [url=https://canadianfast.com/#]amoxicillin without a doctor’s prescription[/url]
    Get information now. Cautions.

    Reply

  69. Everything about medicine. Get here.
    [url=https://canadianfast.com/#]cat antibiotics without pet prescription[/url]
    What side effects can this medication cause? Actual trends of drug.

    Reply

  72. Generic Name. drug information and news for professionals and consumers.
    [url=https://canadianfast.online/#]buy prescription drugs without doctor[/url]
    drug information and news for professionals and consumers. Actual trends of drug.

    Reply

  77. Everything information about medication. earch our drug database.
    [url=https://canadianfast.online/#]the canadian drugstore[/url]
    Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe. Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *