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/