The Negative Effects of Internet Addiction in Children
Nowadays, individuals cutting across generations use the Internet. However, it is teens who use it more than other age groups. They use it for various reasons, from taking help for academics in the form of online tuitions to staying connected with their peers and family. However, excessive Internet use (EIU) can cause a child to develop Internet addiction or compulsive internet use (CIU), which can cause several ill effects. It can also result in a range of harmful behavior such as wrong use of social media, impulsive online buying, excessive video gaming and online gaming which is collectively termed as problematic use of the internet (PUI).
Negative effects of Internet addiction
Anxiety, sadness and depression: Kids or teens who spend most of their time in the virtual world gradually move away from the real world and start living in a world of fantasy. After a certain period, they become dependent on the Internet to feel upbeat. And, when they are unable to access the Internet, they start experiencing anxiety, sadness and depression.
Unable to keep schedules: Teens use the Internet to do a lot of things like looking for information, corresponding, paying bills, and doing financial transactions. However, in the case of Internet addicts, they spend most of their time engaged in browsing, chatting or gaming, instead of doing what they are actually supposed to do. Also, they are unable to keep track of the time they spend in doing such activities. As a result, they are not able to keep up with their schedules or studies which is one of the bad effects of internet on students.
Sleep deprivation: Most kids and teens nowadays own smartphones and/or tablets, which they carry with them wherever they go, even to the bed. They also use these devices to hook on to the Internet before going to sleep to catch up on what’s happening around them. While normal teens may log off after a while, those addicted to the Internet keep browsing for long hours. As a result, they suffer sleep-related issues like late sleep time, insufficient or restless sleep, and late waking time. This sleep deprivation/disturbance can also worsen or magnify symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Social isolation: Those who spend a lot of time on the Internet tend to become a part of one or several online communities. They end up developing close friendships or intimate relationships with a lot of individuals. To remain connected with these individuals, Internet addicts stay online for long hours. Owing to such behaviour, Internet addicts often end up isolating themselves from their families and peers.
Dishonesty and lying: Almost all Internet addicts understand that they have a problem. However, when confronted or questioned by family members, friends or employers, they try to conceal their habit. They try to do this by either lying or being dishonest about the time they spend on the Internet.
Mood changes: Internet addicts use the Internet to reduce their stress and boost their mood. They feel happy or euphoric when they are connected to the Internet. However, if they have to stop using the Internet or are unable to access it, they become gloomy or irritated and angry.
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