Hit the Pause to Break Internet Addiction

The internet has become a pivotal resource for information and communication in modern society, indispensable for everyday activities. It is being widely used by the educated and uneducated, such as smartphones, computers, and tablets. This ease of access has led to many applications, from gaming and social networking to shopping and dating, being used globally. Consequently, the world is subtly sliding towards internet addiction. The term “internet addiction” refers to behavioral compulsions, such as compulsive online gaming, that affect dopamine pathways and brain structures similarly to chemical addictions. Kimberly Young notes that diagnosing internet addiction is complex because, unlike chemical dependencies, the internet also offers substantial benefits like enhanced communication and access to information. However, this constant influx of information can overwhelm individuals, leading some to self-diagnose illnesses online, a phenomenon known as hypochondriasis. The fear of being without a mobile phone, or nomophobia, is becoming increasingly common.

Unrestrained and imprudent internet use can negatively impact personal development and health. Engaging in multitasking online—such as listening to music, eating, or studying—can decrease efficiency and productivity as switching tasks too often can cause mental blocks. Research from Hong Kong (Kin JH, 2010) suggests that internet users engage less in health-promoting behaviours, with female students showing severe internet addiction and exhibiting poorer eating attitudes than their peers. Social media usage, particularly on image-centred platforms like Instagram, has been linked to poor body image and satisfaction, potentially exacerbating eating disorders.

The addiction extends beyond individual consequences, influencing societal health. Long hours spent sedentarily browsing the internet contribute to obesity and other chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The rise in such disorders among teenagers and adults underscores the pervasive impact of internet addiction.

Furthermore, the issue of internet addiction among young people is often a result of inadequate parental supervision. Parents may inadvertently set a precedent for excessive internet use by providing devices to young children and through their behaviours. Parents must be proactive in managing their children’s internet use to prevent addiction and its associated risks.

In response to these challenges, families need to reintegrate traditional activities, such as playing board games or outdoor sports, into daily life. Such involvement should be a joint responsibility of both parents, not relegated to grandparents or caregivers. Addressing internet addiction requires a collective effort to recalibrate the balance between online engagement and physical and mental well-being.