Internet addiction disorder
Internet addiction disorder is characterized by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges, or behaviors regarding computer use and Internet access that lead to impairment or distress. Young people are at particular risk of developing internet addiction disorder, with case studies highlighting students whose academic performance declines as they spend more time online. Some experience health consequences from loss of sleep as they stay up to continue scrolling, chatting, and gaming.
Excessive Internet use is not recognized as a disorder by the American Psychiatric Association's DSM-5 or the World Health Organization's ICD-11. However, gaming disorder appears in the ICD-11. Controversy around the diagnosis includes whether the disorder is a separate clinical entity, or a manifestation of underlying psychiatric disorders. Definitions are not standardized or agreed upon, complicating the development of evidence-based recommendations.
Many different theoretical models have been developed and employed for many years in order to better explain predisposing factors to this disorder. Models such as the cognitive-behavioral model of pathological Internet have been used to explain IAD for more than 20 years. Newer models, such as the Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution model, have been developed more recently and are starting to be applied in more clinical studies.
In 2011 the term "Facebook addiction disorder" emerged. FAD is characterized by compulsive use of Facebook. A 2017 study investigated a correlation between excessive use and narcissism, reporting "FAD was significantly positively related to the personality trait narcissism and to negative mental health variables ".
In 2020, the documentary The Social Dilemma, reported concerns of mental health experts and former employees of social media companies over social media's pursuit of addictive use. For example, when a user has not visited Facebook for some time, the platform varies its notifications, attempting to lure them back. It also raises concerns about the correlation between social media use and child and teen suicidality.
Additionally in 2020, studies have shown that there has been an increase in the prevalence of IAD since the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies highlighting the possible relationship between COVID-19 and IAD have looked at how forced isolation and its associated stress may have led to higher usage levels of the Internet.
Turning off social media notifications may help reduce social media use. For some users, changes in web browsing can be helpful in compensating for self-regulatory problems. For instance, a study involving 157 online learners on massive open online courses examined the impact of such an intervention. The study reported that providing support in self-regulation was associated with a reduction in time spent online, particularly on entertainment.
Consequences
Mental health consequences
A longitudinal study of Chinese high school students suggests that individuals with moderate to severe risk of Internet addiction are 2.5 times more likely to develop depressive symptoms than their IAD-free counterparts. Researchers studied pathological or uncontrolled Internet use, and later mental health problems in 1,041 teenage students in China. The students were free of depression and anxiety at the start of the study. Nine months later, the students were evaluated again for anxiety and depression, and 87 were judged as having developed depression, while 8 reported significant anxiety symptoms. Another longitudinal study of high school students from Helsinki found that problematic internet usage and depressive symptoms may produce a positive feedback loop. This cycle involves problematic internet usage worsening depressive symptoms, which in turn leads to even more problematic internet usage. Furthermore, problematic internet usage is associated with an increased risk of substance abuse.Internet Addiction Disorder is linked to a wide range of negative psychological outcomes. Excessive or uncontrolled internet use can interfere with emotional regulation, social relationships, and cognitive functioning. The major mental health consequences include:
- Depression and Anxiety
- * IAD is strongly associated with increased risk of depressive symptoms, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety disorder.
- Sleep Disturbances & Fatigue
- * Excessive internet use, especially late at night, contributes to insomnia, poor sleep quality, and daytime dysfunction.
- Stress and Emotional Dysregulation
- * Individuals with IAD often experience higher levels of perceived stress and difficulty regulating emotions, leading to irritability and mood swings.
- Social Isolation and Loneliness
- * Despite increased online interactions, IAD is linked to decreased face-to-face communication, loneliness, and impaired social functioning.
- Comorbid Disorders
- * Research shows strong associations between IAD and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder , substance abuse, and other impulse-control disorders.
Social consequences
The best-documented evidence of Internet addiction so far is time-disruption, which subsequently results in interference with regular social life, including academic, professional performance and daily routines. Some studies also reveal that IAD can lead to disruption of social relationships in Europe and Taiwan. It is, however, also noted by others that IAD is beneficial for peer relations in Taiwan.
Keith W. Beard states that "an individual is addicted when an individual's psychological state, which includes both mental and emotional states, as well as their scholastic, occupational and social interactions, is impaired by the overuse of ".
As a result of its complex nature, some scholars do not provide a definition of Internet addiction disorder and throughout time, different terms are used to describe the same phenomenon of excessive Internet use. Internet addiction disorder is used interchangeably with problematic Internet use, pathological Internet use, and Internet addictive disorder. In some cases, this behavior is also referred to as Internet overuse, problematic computer use, compulsive Internet use, Internet abuse, harmful use of the Internet, and Internet dependency.
Mustafa Savci and Ferda Aysan, reviewed existing research on internet addiction and identified a number of social and emotional factors that have been linked to this phenomenon. These include loneliness, social anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. They argued that these factors can lead individuals to use the internet as a way of coping with negative emotions or social isolation, which can in turn lead to addictive behavior.
Signs and symptoms
Physical symptoms
Physical symptoms include a weakened immune system due to lack of sleep, loss of exercise, and increased risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. Additionally, headaches, eye and back strain are common for those struggling with excessive internet use.Psychological and social symptoms
The type of IAD will affect the types of symptoms experienced. For example, overuse of social media can lead to disruption in real-world relationships. The overuse of video games can lead to neglecting family, home, and work-related responsibilities. Additionally, the overconsumption of pornographic content can create interpersonal and relational problems and can negatively affect mental health.Symptoms of withdrawal might include agitation, depression, anger and anxiety when the person is away from technology. These psychological symptoms might even turn into physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, tense shoulders and shortness of breath.