Internet Addiction and Its Negative Impacts on Health

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Internet Addiction is a serious problem that affects people both physically and mentally. There are many negative health consequences caused by Internet addiction.

The mental effects of internet addiction include: depression, brain damage, and sleep deprivation.

Depression is a major factor of internet addiction. People begin replacing real life social interactions with online interactions, and becoming addicting to online things which are not real can lead to great depression in real life. You can read more about Depression linked to Internet addiction in a previous blog post found here: http://internetaddiction6.blogspot.com/2013/11/could-excessive-internet-use-link-to.html

In studies, it has been found that Internet addiction can lead to brain damage similar to the brains of those exposed to alcohol, cocaine, and marijuana. Scientists believe that being hooked on a behavior can be just as physically damaging as being hooked on drugs.  Brain scans of internet addicts show disruption to "white matter" nerve fibers that connect vital parts of the brain, such as emotions, decision-making, and self control.

Sleep deprivation is also a major effect of Internet addiction. Staring at a lighted screen for extended periods of time has shown to cause symptoms of insomnia and disrupted sleep rhythms. Extensive computer use has also been shown to have effects on later bed times, less restful sleep, waking up late, and an overall decrease in sleep.

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On top of the shocking mental effects of Internet addiction, there are also many physical effects:

·         Weight-gain and a decline in personal hygiene

    -Caused by less physical activity and laziness while being in front of a computer

·         Weaker immune systems

   -Not getting out much because you're in front of a computer all the time, won't expose you to germs and natural things that would strengthen your immune system normally

·         Back aches

 - Spending the majority of your time sitting in front of a computer will eventually cause back problems from slouching and leaning forward too much.

·         Dry eyes and Migraines

- These two are caused by the lit up computer screen. Eventually your eyes will start burning and become dry leading to migraines.

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On top of all the mental and physical effects of Internet addiction, it can also negatively impact your everyday life.  Negative life consequences of Internet addiction include:

·         Losing your job

-Spending too much time online can cause you to suffer in the work place and eventually lose your job

·         Ruining your marriage

-Internet addiction can cause strain on a marriage and may eventually end up in divorce

·         Becoming financially in debt

-Online gambling and online gaming addicts may have the biggest problem with becoming financially in debt.

·         Academic failure

-Not going to classes or studying because you are too busy being addicted to the Internet can cause serious failure in your academics and future career.

Not only does Internet addiction cause dreadful mental problems and appalling physical repercussions, it can affect and ruin the outcome of your life and future.

Sources

Cocke, A. (2010, May 29). Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/134688-internet-addiction-health-effects/.

Waugh, R. (2012, January 12). Retrieved from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2085369/Internet-addiction-cause-physical-damage-brain-just-like-drugs-say-researchers.html.

Can Internet Addiction be Deadly?

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Internet addiction is a global thing. It is easy to think Internet addiction only affects a few or even maybe just the United States, but research that has been conducted in South Korea gives more statistics to a growing problem.

"After a series of 10 cardiopulmonary-related deaths in Internet cafes and a game-related murder, South Korea considers Internet addiction one of its most serious public health issues.  Using data from 2006, the South Korean government estimates that approximately 210,000 South Korean children (2.1%; ages 6-19) are afflicted and require treatment.  About 80% of those needing treatment may need psychotropic medications, and perhaps 20% to 24% require hospitalization" (Block, 2008).

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It's alarming to me that Internet addiction could ultimately lead to someone's death.  We hear about people becoming less social, but gaming to the point of death is cause to bring up more awareness in the world.  It is something that is becoming a global problem and definitely needs more attention and recognition.  China has created early prevention techniques to help their use.  They have created laws to prevent more than three hours of Internet usage.  This brings up a question:  China is known for more strict policies, but do you think the United States should fully recognize this as a disease to have the power to fully regulate the usage of the Internet?

Sources

Block, J. (2008). Retrieved from http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/article.aspx?articleid=99602&.

Could Excessive Internet Use Link to Depression?

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Researchers have found a striking amount of evidence that some users of the Internet have developed compulsive Internet habits, whereby they replace real-life social interaction with online chat rooms and social networking. This addictive surfing can have a serious impact on mental health. According to Catriona Morrison, lead author of Psychopathology, "The Internet now plays a huge part in modern life, but its benefits are accompanied by a darker side" (Hendrick, 2010).

There is a small subset of the population that finds it hard to control the amount of time they spend online. This amount of time can interfere with their daily activities as well. Research suggest that this small subset of people also have a higher incidence of moderate to severe depression than users of the Internet that are not considered addicts.

For many, Internet use is not hazardous.  That is not the case for everyone.  “What is clear, is that for a small subset of people, excessive use of the Internet could be a warning signal for depressive tendencies” (Gabbatt, 2010). Among teenagers, suicide can be occasionally linked to the questioning of depressive thoughts contributed to by social networking sites. “This study reinforces the public speculation that over-engaging in websites that serve to replace normal social function might be linked to psychological disorders like depression and addiction” (Gabbatt, 2010).

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Clinical samples and surveys report that males are more prone to becoming addicted to the Internet. Psychiatric co-morbidity is common.  In particular, mood, anxiety, impulse control and substance-use disorders are also seen. The onset for this addiction is suggested to be around early 20s to early 30s. This is mainly linked with the depression aspect contributing to part of the addiction.

Moving past this addiction, as well as depression, is easier said than done.  Addicts must first realize that they have an issue.  However, they may find help and comfort in the fact that they are not the only one dealing with this addiction, and they are not the only one weighed down by depression.  Becoming interested in hobbies that do not involve the Internet is one key step to trying to move past this addiction.  Perhaps the best way to move past these issues is to ask for help from family and friends.

Sources

Gabbatt, A. (2010, February 3). Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2010/feb/03/excessive-internet-use-depression.

Hendrick, B. ((2010, February 4). Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/depression/news/20100204/internet-addiction-linked-to-depression.

Saisan, J., Smith, M., Robinson, L., & Segal, J. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/internet_cybersex_addiction.htm.

Online Retail Therapy

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Americans are stressed, and one in every three of us shops to deal with anxiety (Gregoire).  This isn't only for the ladies, although women are twice as likely as men to turn to shopping in order to cope with stress. No matter the gender, age, or any other characteristic of each individual, there is one trait many "stress-shoppers" have in common: "They tend to seek distracting, temporary fixes to alleviate their stress" (Gregoire).

Relaxing music and a great yoga session aren't on the top of every American's stress-reliever list.  For many, the smell of brand-new clothing, the feel of a silk dress, or the sound of a credit card being swiped does the trick.  Turning to to retail therapy in times of anxiety is becoming more and more common.

If you have access to the Internet, then you have access to online shopping websites.  Many of us shop online using our iPads, laptops, and even our cell phones.  It is even more incredibly convenient to sit on the couch and continuously add items to "your cart" than it is to get yourself ready and drive to a mall or shopping center to do the same thing.  Receiving emails about flash sales, free shipping, and discounts only adds to the fire for someone who is addicted to online shopping.

As temporarily uplifting as an afternoon spent shopping online may be, excessive consumption can leave a lingering toll on your credit card statement that may ultimately lead to higher stress levels due to financial concerns.  "To curb this stress-spending habit to avoid this type of debt, dodge shopping altogether when you're feeling upset" (Gregoire).

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Try this: During free-time, make a list of items you really need.  This can consist of household items, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc.  And next time you feel the need to shop, buy these items so that the compulsion leads to a positive result.

Do you every shop to relieve stress?  What are some ways addicts can deal with this obsession with shopping?  What are some alternatives to shopping?

Sources
Gregoire, C. (2013, May 24). Retail therapy: one in three recently stressed Americans shops to deal with anxiety.  Huffington Post.  Retrieved from  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/23/retail-therapy-shopping_n_3324972.html.

Have You Been 'Catfished'?

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"Catfish [kat-fish], verb. To pretend to be someone you're not online by posting false information, such as someone else's pictures, on social media sites usually with the intention of getting someone to fall in love with you "(Catfish).

Most of us have likely seen or heard about MTV's Catfish: The TV Show.  The two main co-stars, Nev Schulman and Max Joseph, connect with people who have formed an online relationship with someone they've never met in person.  They help investigate the significant other to see if they really are who they say they are.  The moment of truth comes when the online lovers finally meet in person, revealing their true identity.  More often than not, the hopeful partner is deceived and disappointed.

In this modern age where technology and social media seem to direct our social lives and relationships, it seems completely normal for people to meet and start a relationship online.  In a perfect world, two people would meet online and represent themselves honestly in order to form a true relationship.  The problem with that is people see that they can get away with being anyone they want.

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On Facebook, you provide your personal information, you upload your profile picture, and you have the ability to add almost anyone as a friend.  This means you can portray yourself pretty much any way that you want to.  What takes this deceptive situation even farther is when it becomes addicting.  People who create these fake identities begin realizing that they can get away with it, finding some sort of thrill in it.  "It is a joy that typically springs from their inability to achieve the depth of human connection in reality that they can achieve online," according to personal accounts of the scammers on the Catfish show (Peterson).  Many of them have multiple false identities and many of them say they probably wouldn't have stopped had the television show not intervened.

With this knowledge, we should all take a step back and look at our online profiles.  Do we know every one of our online "friends"?  Are we being completely honest about who we are online?  Catfishing is just as real of a dilemma as Internet addiction, and often, the two go hand in hand.

Sources

Catfish: the TV show. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.mtv.com/shows/catfish/series.jhtml

Peterson, H. (17 January, 2013). Retrieved from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2264053/Catfishing-The-phenomenon-Internet-scammers-fabricate-online-identities-entire-social-circles-trick-people-romantic-relationships.html

Is Treatment Possible?

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"The real problem is that most people laugh at you and don't consider it a serious thing."

These are the words of Ryan Van Cleave, an Internet addict that became so addicted to online gaming that he even contemplated ending his life.  After being laid off from his job as a college professor, he was playing online games up to 80 hours a week.  He was neglecting friends and family and ignoring his wife.  However, he felt that, no matter how hard he tried to overcome this addiction, it was hard to find support when so many others didn't believe in the validity of his problem.

Doctors at the Bradford Regional Medical Center in Pennsylvania are hoping to change this.  In September, they opened the first inpatient treatment program for Internet addicts.  The program accommodates up to four individuals at a time, who all start and end the program together.  Participants stay for a 10-day treatment, which includes a 72 hour "digital detox" and a psychological evaluation.  These participants are hoping to overcome their addictions with the help of this program.

However, this isn't the first program of its type in the world.  The United States is behind other nations such as China, Taiwan, and Korea, which have all previously opened treatment centers for Internet addicts.  Doctors are hoping that, with the opening of this center in Pennsylvania, not only will addicts be able to seek treatment, but others will begin to see just how real of a problem this addiction is.

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Participants in the program may go through withdrawal symptoms similar to that of a hard drug user.  The doctors running the program believe that they may have to even medicate some of the participants in order to get them through the detox at the beginning of their treatments.  They know that this will be a tough experience for the participants, but they are looking to heal them of their addictions.

Addiction to the Internet is not currently listed as a mental illness in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual.  Therefore, being able to receive this treatment comes at a steep price: insurance will not cover a penny of the program's $14,000 cost.

While the doctors involved in the study believe this is a step in the right direction toward public recognition of this condition, other experts believe this particular experience is a bit premature.  Dr. Allen Frances, a professor emeritus at Duke University, believes it is too difficult to distinguish true Internet addicts from recreational Internet users.  He states that, while some people may spend large amounts of time on the computer, that doesn't necessarily mean that they are addicted.  "Addiction implies a pattern of use that you can't stop," he says.  Just because people may be spending many hours on the Internet doesn't mean that they can't stop.

What do you think?  Do you believe that this treatment is a step in the right direction, or do you feel, like Dr. Allen Frances, that the difference between Internet users and addicts is too difficult to distinguish?

Sources 
Tinker, B. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/07/health/internet-addiction-treatment-center/

Online Gaming Addiction

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Online gaming represents one of the biggest and fastest growing Internet businesses around the world. In countries overseas such as China and South Korea, online gaming is much more than just playing a game:  It is a lifestyle. Video games are considered to be a major social activity and many young kids aspire to become pro-gamers.  China has the largest online user base in the world, with 457 million active users, of which 2/3 engage in online game play.  South Korea is known for the fact that professional gaming has a very extensive following in the country. Major tournaments are often held and even broadcast on live television for everyone to watch. Pro-gamers are held with the utmost regards and treated as celebrities. 

Statistics on video game addiction in teens can be found here: http://www.psychology.iastate.edu/faculty/dgentile/SRCD%20Video%20Game%20Addiction.pdf

The average online computer game player spends about 25 hours per week playing online games.  This is close to the average amount of time people spend watching TV.  Television addiction is quickly becoming replaced by online gaming addiction, with people spending less time watching TV shows and more time playing games on their computers. However, the majority of addicts spend in excess of 40 hours per week playing games.  They find themselves skipping out on daily chores just to be able to play more.

The average computer game addict is a male around the age of 25. The average female addict is 32 years of age, as females become more addicted as they get older due to influences from their boyfriends and husbands. 

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Addiction to online gaming is becoming a growing problem.  The Chinese government has implemented an anti-addiction game system, while the Korean government even had to go so far as to ban anyone under the age of 18 from playing online games between midnight and 8:00 am.  While this addiction is a serious problem, these decisions are a step in the right direction.

Do you play any online games?  If so, there is a possibility that you might be addicted.  However, there are now many sites and programs to help with online gaming addiction.  In order to get self help for your addiction, we suggest visiting the Online Gamers Anonymous website.

Sources

Cain, G. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1983234,00.html

Chinese ministries schedule anti-addiction game system. (11, April 2007). Retrieved from http://www.chinatechnews.com/2007/04/11/5240-chinese-ministries-schedule-anti-addiction-game-system

Computer game addiction - MMORPGs. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://internetaddictiondisorder.org/computer-game-addiction-mmorpgs/

Online gaming in China. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_gaming_in_China