Addiction is considered as something really chronic or psychological condition of being addicted to a specific substance or even a certain type of activity. same when a tech addiction comes to mind it literally mean that being addicted to technology. Now a days internet or digital addiction becomes prevalent concern, especially when it comes to teenagers and student whether they are from primary, middle, higher or university student, causing and impacting their mental. This real effects on a person develops when constant social media scrolling or gaming or addictive use of digital media can lead to anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and focusing issues.
Excessive use of technology in any form of addicted nature or behaviors or social media platform can contribute to feelings of inadequacy comparison and even fear of missing out or zoning out from the current situation. This not only impact individual psychological health like affecting self-esteem sleeping disorder fatigue, lack of concentration and even overall well-being. prolonged screen time for example 74.7% of social media use before going to sleep according to sleeping foundation survey. The average person mainly aged from 16 to 64 spends 6 hours and 40 minutes per day on screens across various devices to pass their time or distract themselves. Specifically, 18.67% showed addiction to mobile phones, 16% to the internet, 4-6.67% to pornography and 14.67% to video games. But this cause disrupts sleep patterns due to blue light exposure and mental stimulation which leading to sleep disorders and daytime fatigue. Age particularly showed a negative correlation with addiction which shows that younger individuals were more prone to addictive behaviors with respect to the technology use.
As the younger ones more prolonged to screen time and to the use of technology as the research shows that prevalence of internet addiction especially among students with 45% is label as addicts based on young’s internet addiction test (IAT) which led to somatic symptoms and even poor mental health. The studies of demographic analysis even describe and explain addiction is relevantly more in male than female even though male mental health is healthier than females. This distinctiveness suggests complex interactions between gender internet use patterns and mental health.
The study then delved into mental health implications of internet addiction. This study shows that internet addiction is basically linked with the person with poorer mental health. There are some signs of having addiction of technology. Firstly, Inability to stay focus or pay attention self-observation with thinking. Secondly, Ignoring important events and tasks of life. Thirdly, D-enchant in social and amusement activities. Fourthly, using digital media in menacing situation such as while driving. Fifthly, Facing unnecessary mental health symptoms. Moreover, Lying or hiding digital usage from others. Additionally, Usage of social media for longer periods of time. Lastly, using these social media to induce pleasure.
We can prevent this serious addiction by designing effective intervention like digital detox programs which has a work to build encourage in individuals to take break from technology and engage with physical world. Moreover, cognitive behavioral therapy is based on interventions to discourse and sermonize addictive behaviors and maladaptive coping mechanism linked with internet addiction. Also to create awareness as awareness plays an important role in balancing any situation or course of event. Last but not the least, integration of interventions for internet addiction and provide platforms and centers which provides affordability for individuals for seeking help.
To summarize, the impact of internet addiction on mental health reveals the importance of the urgent need for interventions, tactics and strategies. The excessive rise in internet use particularly among young adults and university students has brought to light and aware the individuals from the challenges associated with excessive screen time and digital engagement. Creating awareness about the risks of excessive internet use is important in encouraging individuals to make informed choices about their digital usage. Education initiatives targeting and institution and even social media platform, young adults, parents, and educators can raise awareness about the signs of addiction and seek for interventions.
With the increasing of partnerships between healthcare professional’s guider, counselors, policymakers, technology companies, and community organizations can be established to address internet addiction. In essence, addressing internet addiction and promoting mental well-being in the digital age require concerted efforts, innovative approaches, and a collective commitment to fostering healthier digital lifestyles. Through this constant research education and collaboration, we can overcome the challenges caused by excessive technology use and create a more balanced and mindful relationship between digital technologies and real life.
Author can be reached at sammanakhtar6@gmail.com