Technology addiction, or internet addiction, as it has been mentioned more recently, is a new concept in psychology. Internet addiction, including computer games, has been causing serious mental health problems among children, adolescents and adults in recent years. Especially children and adolescents spend most of their life at home by surfing and playing games on the internet, and they expose themselves to this and make it a habit. Unfortunately, the growing generation and adults are also following this trend and this danger applies to them too. According to a study conducted in Korea, the internet usage rate among young people was determined as 91.3 percent, while in Turkey this situation is seen at 72.8 percent. (TUIK)
Internet addiction is conceptualized as the individual's inability to control internet, computer or phone use, resulting in a certain distress and/or functional impairment. This addiction, which has only recently found a place for itself in the psychology literature; It is based on the definition of gambling addiction and substance addiction. Internet addiction can cause many psychological disorders. For example; Many disorders, such as social phobia, withdrawal, mood disorders, eating disorders, anger problems, etc., can cause the disease.
There are some diagnoses and definitions for internet addiction. DSM-5 diagnostic criteria are taken as basis. For DSM, other addictions, such as gambling addiction, are included in the same category. In addition, during the same years, Young identified some criteria, and if you have at least 5 of them, you are addicted.
Diagnostic Criteria Recommended by Young for Internet Addiction:
1. Excessive mental preoccupation with the Internet. (constantly thinking about the internet, dreaming about activities done on the internet, thinking about the next activity planned to be done on the internet, etc.)
2. Feeling the need to use the internet more and more to get the desired pleasure.
3. Unsuccessful attempts to control, reduce or stop using the Internet.
4. If internet use is reduced or stopped completely, restlessness and depression may occur. Feeling angry or angry
5. Staying online longer than originally planned
6. Experiencing problems with family, school, work and friends, endangering or losing an education or career opportunity due to excessive internet use.
7. Lying to others (family, friends, therapist, etc.) about time spent online
8. Using the Internet to escape from problems or distract from negative emotions (e.g. helplessness, guilt, depression, anxiety)
In children, it can often cause anger problems and social phobias that may occur in the future. Children who spend too much time on phones or computers often become addicted to it. When you take these devices away from them (this could also be a form of punishment), they may throw a tantrum. For example; He may throw down or break everything around him, or he may insult, swear at, or attempt to physically harm those around him, or he may do the same directly. In addition, since he spends most of his time with these devices, he may turn into a homebound person. Life outside no longer gives him pleasure and this leads him to virtual friendships. He may come to the point of breaking away from real friendships, his peers, his family, and perhaps his school. In addition; This addiction, caused by spending too much time in front of the computer or phone, causes physical damage as well as psychological diseases. For example; back and neck pain, loss of muscle strength, serious damage to the eyes….
Addicted children generally follow suit when they start to build a life in the virtual world, and this is one of the biggest reasons for the deadly games we see on television, the internet and social media. The reason for the gradual proliferation of games like Blue Whale, Momo and their derivatives is internet addiction. Since children are generally more prone to this addiction, they may make these mistakes unconsciously and undesirable results may occur. That's why serious studies are being carried out for internet addiction, and remember that the easiest way to get rid of this addiction is to get professional support. If you are thinking of putting an end to this by keeping computers and phones away from children, you may be wrong. Because believe me from the age of technology They can access these tools everywhere, and moreover, they can see you as an enemy and make more serious mistakes.
Introverted and Shy People Are More at Risk;
When such people are overwhelmed, bored, or lonely (most addicts always prefer to be alone), the first stop they take refuge in is the internet when they don't get the attention they expect or are embarrassed to do something else. They feel better there, they are happier, and their loneliness and shyness ends here. Some conditions, especially in adults, may make them more susceptible. For example; People who experience moments of emotional emptiness such as depression or anxiety disorders are more prone.
When addicted people generally want to use technology even for transactions such as information and invoices, they immediately show their addiction again and start doing other things, so hours pass.
Shy-introverted people; Especially if men are in this situation, the risk of addiction increases. Because it is easier to meet people on social media and express themselves to them. He can also express his opinions more easily there. These advantages seem more logical and enjoyable to them. Thus, the addiction continues. It may even become more rigid.
One of the other problems caused by internet addiction is that it increases the possibility of catching other addictions, such as gambling and drug addictions. The most important thing to consider here is that children are more prone to internet addiction, and in today's conditions, it should be seen as a great possibility that substances such as drugs become popular and more easily accessible, thus bringing such a risk with them.
Clinical and Treatment Approaches;
An internet (computer, phone, tablet, etc.) addict whose addiction has progressed, that is, has become fully addicted, can stay on the internet for most of the week and use it continuously for about a day at a time. To put it more clearly; The week consists of 168 hours and the addict can spend up to 80 hours online. And this can increase to 20 hours a day. Sleep patterns over time His appetite is disrupted and he may take drugs (excessive amounts of caffeine and acidic drinks) to stay awake. Over time, physical activities decrease and it may become inevitable to encounter problems such as obesity, back pain, eye pain.
One of the most important treatments for addiction treatment is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which has become more developed recently, and family therapies. They can get rid of addiction with therapy-treatments such as.
As a result; Internet addiction, which has become one of the biggest problems of our age, is starting to spread more and more. It is obvious how big problems this addiction, which is becoming more common especially in children, can cause when left untreated. For treatment, it is necessary to get help from experts.
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