Internet Addiction Disorders(IAD)

Impact of Internet on Adolescents

The internet has become an important tool for social interaction, information, and entertainment. The internet can enrich children and their school-and based learning and can be a tool for creative and intellectual work with others. However, when abused, internet usage can have a number of adverse effects on the health, behaviour and adjustment of youngsters. Internet addiction is an umbrella term that refers to the compulsive need to spend a great deal of time on the Internet, to the point where relationships, work and health are allowed to suffer. Overuse of internet affects the children in the following manner:

1.       Internet Addiction Disorders: Heavy internet users show addictive behaviours patterns called Internet Addiction Disorders (IAD). Identified symptoms of the disorder include:

2.       Adverse effect on life style: Internet addiction result in irregular dietary habits, extended periods of time spent on the internet, physical inactivity, short duration of sleep, and increased use of alcohole and tobacco among adolescents.

3.       Decline in social skills and participation: Internet dependent adolescents will lose the know-how, skills and patience to conduct social relations in the real world. They are found to be less involved in civic and social activities, and have fewer direct friends.

4.       Diminished physical and psychological health: Social disengagements due to internet addiction is associated with poor quality of life and diminished physical and psychological health. When people have more social contact, they are happier and healthier, both physically and mentally.

5.       Information fatigue syndrome

6.       Adverse effect on thinking and creativity

7.       Adverse effect on long-term memory

8.       Effect on span of attention

9.       Wastage of productive time

10.   Cyber crimes