Title: Psychiatrists Warn of Rising Trend of Internet Addiction Disorder among Youth
Subtitle: Increasing internet usage leads to mental stress and addiction, experts say
Chennai, India – Psychiatrists are raising concerns about the alarming rise of Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) among youth and are urging parents and young individuals to be aware of its potential dangers. Although addiction is commonly associated with substance abuse, such as alcohol and drugs, it has become evident that excessive internet and social media usage can also lead to addiction.
The younger generation has increasingly embraced the internet and social networking sites, making it an integral part of their lives. However, experts warn that spending excessive hours on social media platforms and online gaming not only results in mental stress but might also contribute to the development of IAD.
According to a report released by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) last year, India has 759 million internet users, with 360 million residing in urban areas and 399 million in rural areas. The majority of them use smartphones to access the internet, and this number is expected to reach 900 million by 2025. Concerned parents have voiced their experiences:
Ka. Lakshmi, a parent residing in Thenampet, said, “When children come home from school, they no longer read books but instead spend hours glued to their cell phones. They pass the time playing games and chatting on WhatsApp with their peers. It is challenging to reprimand them.”
Sridhar, a parent from Koratur, added, “Children are always engrossed with their cell phones at home, even neglecting television and outdoor activities. They refuse to go out and meet their friends. If we take away their phones, they argue that it hampers their studies. Controlling their internet usage has become a difficult task.”
Malayappan, the Director of Kilpakkam Government Mental Health, expressed concern over the increasing internet use among school children and adolescents. He stated, “The younger generation is spending more time on online games, social networking sites, and even porn sites. Excessive use transforms a necessary service into an addiction, making individuals neglect their responsibilities and function poorly without the internet.”
Internet addiction is observed when individuals become angry and agitated after having their cell phones taken away. Psychiatrist Lakshmi Vijayakumar highlighted the seriousness of the condition, stating, “Internet addiction disorder is on the rise globally, particularly among individuals aged 10 to 20. Adolescents addicted to the internet experience hormonal stress in their brains, leading to repetitive engagement in the same online activities.”
Individuals suffering from IAD exhibit symptoms similar to those observed in alcohol addiction, including hand tremors, palpitations, and social isolation. They often develop an inferiority complex. The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to an increase in internet addiction rates in India, with numbers rising from 25% to 30%.
To combat this growing concern, experts advise families to reduce internet usage after 9 pm and avoid cellphone use during meals. Moreover, children should be encouraged to participate in outdoor activities that stimulate their minds and bodies, aiming to reduce their dependence on the internet.
The rise of Internet Addiction Disorder poses a significant challenge to mental health professionals and communities worldwide. It is crucial for parents, educators, and policymakers to work together in raising awareness about the potential risks of excessive internet usage and implement measures to ensure a balanced lifestyle for the younger generation.