Addicted to internet

Internet addiction is the excessive use of the internet that interferes with personal life. Although the term "internet addiction" remains controversial within the scientific community, many cases have been reported, particularly among children and adolescents, who spend excessive hours in front of a computer screen playing online games, chatting in online chat rooms, or using social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter), while neglecting or forgetting other important activities.

The internet has the ability to meet certain psychological needs of an individual. One of the characteristics of this medium, resulting from its nature, is that it can create an "ideal self-situation," where a person can explore different aspects of their personality without limitations or consequences.

On the internet, there are no immediate consequences for actions. The user can enter and exit whenever they wish, and can cover their external appearance, since, in many cases, there is no visual contact.

At the same time, the addicted user may take on different roles or adopt different identities depending on the online experience, due to the anonymity, which is a defining feature of the internet.

Withdrawal syndrome symptoms may include psychomotor agitation, voluntary or involuntary finger movements from typing, anxiety, obsessive thoughts about the internet, and dreams about the internet. Excessive consumption of time or even money on internet-related activities (software, hard drives, etc.).

The functionality of the person is reduced on social, family, and personal levels. In advanced cases, individuals may not sleep and neglect personal hygiene. In the worst cases, they may stop eating or, conversely, gain a lot of weight.

To address this phenomenon, motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy models, family counseling interventions, and addiction recovery groups have been proposed. There is also some evidence regarding the role of pharmacotherapy in treatment. Particularly important in addressing internet addiction in children and adolescents is the shared stance of the parents, providing support without covering up, and placing the computer in a visible area of the house, rather than in the child's room. Family counseling plays an essential role in addressing internet addiction by creating a supportive framework that will positively contribute to the therapy. Motivational interviewing can be particularly effective in dealing with denial of the problem, a common obstacle observed in all age groups.

Within the framework of cognitive-behavioral therapy, cognitive distortions that trigger and maintain problematic internet use are identified, cognitive restructuring is promoted, and a more balanced and adaptive way of thinking is encouraged. At the same time, various behavioral strategies are used, such as recognizing internet use patterns and implementing a program with diametrically opposed usage behaviors, setting usage time limits with external cues, motivating engagement in enjoyable alternative activities, using reminder cards, complete abstinence from particularly problematic online applications, and incorporating set usage periods into the user's weekly schedule. Addiction recovery groups use practices from other addiction recovery programs, such as the 12-step program, or rely on the principles of group psychotherapy.