Internet addiction is a serious problem that is not being adequately addressed by mental health professionals, parents, and governments. The problem is particularly evident in teenagers, who are increasingly turning to the Internet for solace and entertainment. Although statistics vary widely, it is estimated that between 15 and 25 percent of teenagers now suffer from Internet addiction, making it one of the most pervasive psychological disorders for this age group.
The attraction of the Internet, for adolescents, is the feeling of anonymity, combined with increased access to the networks of people and information found online. There is also an immense amount of material available on the Internet, leading to an over-exposure to all sorts of material, including some that is inappropriate or dangerous. Unfortunately, this means that many teens are spending too much time online, and are not getting enough real-life interaction.
Once on the Internet, teens can become hooked by activities such as gaming and chatting. Hours can be spent in chatrooms or playing video games, and when combined with the lack of social interaction, these activities can lead to depression, anxiety and other psychological issues.
Internet addiction can also have serious financial consequences. Often, teens will be lured into “in-game” purchasing, spending their parents’ money to purchase virtual goods, without realizing the real-world consequences. Furthermore, teens may be exposed to online scams and advertising, tricked into giving away personal information, or even spending real money on false goods.
In order to address the issue of Internet addiction, parents should be more involved in their children’s online activities. For example, setting limits on the amount of time that children can spend online, and ensuring that website viewing and downloads are properly regulated. It is also important to talk to your children to ensure they are not falling prey to scams or advertising campaigns.
Mental health professionals should also be aware of Internet addiction and the potential dangers that it presents to adolescent development. Professional help should be available to assist parents in regulating Internet usage, and help teens to recognize when they are becoming too dependent on the Internet. Governments should also take steps to ensure that appropriate parental controls are in place, and to look more closely at the types of materials that are available online.
In conclusion, Internet addiction is a serious issue and one that needs to be addressed by parents, mental health professionals, and governments. Without proper regulation and help, many teens are at risk of developing serious psychological issues as a result of online over-use. As such, parents need to be more involved in the online activities of their children, mental health professionals need to be aware of the dangers, and governments need to ensure that proper controls and parental controls are in place.
