Ananaya Khanna
Where Emotions Flow Research
Internet addiction (IA) is defined as an overwhelming and uncontrollable drive to use the internet, frequently at the expense of one’s job, daily life, personal relationships, and overall well-being.
● SYMPTOMS: The signs of IA include loss of control over internet use, troubles in interpersonal relationships, deceptive behavior, reduced work or school performance, extended durations of internet usage, and poor sleep.
● SOURCE OF THE DISORDER :
People with a history of psychiatric problems, like depression or anxiety, may turn to
compulsive behaviours to avoid unpleasant emotions. They may also use the internet as a safer alternative to substance addiction.
Maladaptive coping: People with a maladaptive coping style, like avoidance, may be more likely to develop IAD. They may also expect to use the internet to change their mood.
● EFFECT ON RELATIONSHIPS: Individuals may spend an excessive amount of time online, neglecting face-to-face interactions and failing to fulfil their social and emotional responsibilities. The result can be an emotional disconnect, decreased quality time spent with loved ones, and a sense of isolation among those affected by the addiction.
Additionally, internet addiction can lead to secrecy and dishonesty in relationships as individuals attempt to conceal the extent of their online activities, eroding trust. In
extreme cases, it can even lead to relationship breakdowns, as the addiction consumes more time and emotional energy than the maintenance of meaningful connections.
● PRECAUTION: By time management, engaging in offline hobbies, socialising offline, digital detox, self-monitoring, and seeking professional help we can prevent internet addiction disorder.
● EMOTIONAL REGULATION:
◇ Emotional dysregulation as a risk factor: People with emotion dysregulation may use internet use as a way to cope with negative emotions. it may contribute to emotional dysregulation or be result of it.
◇ Social support: Lack of social support and poor parent-child relationships can negatively affect emotional regulation.
◇ Metacognitive abilities: Metacognitive abilities can help protect against emotional dysregulation. They are the ability to process and retain information through self-reflection and recognition.
◇Gender differences: Men are more likely to report problematic internet use than women.
◇Cognitive behavioural therapy: Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) can help
with emotional dysregulation by identifying negative thinking patterns and replacing them with positive behaviours.
References:
Diamondrehabthailand.com (05/02/24), symptoms
Emotional dysregulation (11/01/22) www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Metacognitive skills(16/0824) indeed.com
Withdrawl symptom(31/08/2011) betterhealth.vic.gov.au
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