Internet Addiction Disorder–when the Internet becomes not-so-friendly

The evolution of the Internet has been one of the greatest gifts to mankind. It is the one-stop solution for all our queries. One can practically do anything over the Internet– read books, watch news, make friends, shop, and the list is endless. The Internet has become a helping hand in all spheres of life, to the extent that nowadays parents have started educating their young ones via the Internet. But what happens when this iconic invention becomes such an integral part of our lives that we are unable to thrust this aside without anatomically exercising our fingers on the keyboard?

‘Internet Addiction Disorder’ (IAD) is the latest entrant in the category of youth- related problems or disorders. There have been constant arguments over whether IAD should be termed as a disorder or not, or whether to include this in the medical books; but with the colossal technological development and immense use of the Internet, IAD may very soon transform to become one of the most detrimental disorders of all time. Although it is not a physical dysfunction, IAD is a psychological dysfunction or disorder. The most appalling connotation of IAD is that, it has managed to engulf majority large section of our youth without letting them have even the frailest idea about the same.

SYMPTOMS
Some of the symptoms of IAD are:
• Spending maximum time over the Internet
• Losing track of time during the course
• Withdrawing from the real world, family and friends
• Getting defensive when told to reduce excessive Internet usage
• Finding solace when on the Internet
• Getting restless if not able to spend time over the Internet

CONSEQUENCES

Some of the consequences of IAD are:
• Backache
• Weakening of eyes
• Headache
• Leg cramp
• Joint pain
• Obesity

SUSCEPTIBLE VICTIMS

The main victims of IAD are the youth and it is due to their over dependence on the Internet. As per research, young people spend most of their available time on the Internet exploring career option, playing games, networking with friends especially with the launch of the various social networking sites such as, Facebook, Orkut and Twitter. These factors make them vulnerable and fall prey to such syndromes.

SOLUTION

Since IAD is being termed as a psychological, and not a physical disorder, there is no specific medication to fight this syndrome. A few simple steps which can help in preventing or overcoming this excessive dependency over the Internet are as follows:

• Getting involved in hobbies or outdoor activities (even if it means forcefully!)
• Changing the location of the computer. Bedroom is one of the worst places to set-up a computer. In such cases, the computer should be shifted to a hall or any specific computer room.
• Putting a timer while using the computer. One can always time their usage there by limiting their usage.
• Setting a password, known only to family members, so that they can put a tab on the usage.
• Finally, the last resort to such an obsession is to consult a counselor.

Since IAD is still not a full- fledged disorder, keeping a close tab over oneself and help in over- coming this hurdle. Also, following the preventive measures can definitely help an addict lead a balanced and a more fruitful life.

-Aditi Ananthanarayanan

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