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This article is from [Healthy Hangzhou];
Expert of this issue
Wang Yongguang
Director and chief physician of the Mental Health Third Department (Substance Dependence Department) of Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital
Personal Profile
Specializes in addictive behaviors, adolescent psychological issues, and non-drug treatments for mental disorders. Has presided over more than 10 longitudinal projects including National Natural Science Foundation General Projects, Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation, and has published over 70 papers. Honored with titles including Young Talent in Chinese Mental Health Work, Most Beautiful Anti-Drug Personnel in Zhejiang Province, Emerging Talent in Zhejiang Province Medical Circle, and Hangzhou City’s 131 Talent.
Clinic Hours
Monday mornings, Wednesday afternoons
Highlights of this issue
Internet addiction is not just about internet gaming addiction.
How to identify if adolescents are addicted to the internet?
Why does internet addiction occur?
What to do if internet addiction occurs?
01
If you show these signs
You might be addicted to the internet
“I’ll play just one more round, just one round”
“Just another five minutes, definitely just five minutes”
“If I buy again next time, I’ll swear off buying ever again”
“I promise next time I won’t recharge for gambling”
…
Internet addiction refers to a major category of mental disorders characterized by sustained and repeated use of the internet leading to significant harm and distress. Many people first think of internet gaming addiction. However, in reality, it goes far beyond that.
It also includes various forms such as internet pornography addiction, information collection addiction, internet relationship addiction, internet gambling addiction, internet shopping addiction, and more.
These addictive behaviors can make adolescents immerse themselves in a virtual world, neglecting learning, family, and social interactions in real life, causing serious impacts on their physical and mental health.
If you exhibit the following signs, you might be addicted to the internet!
1. Strong craving for internet use;
2. Continually increasing internet usage time and involvement;
3. Decreasing or abandoning previous interests, entertainment, and other important activities;
4. Concealing the true time spent on the internet and the extent of addiction from family or friends;
5. Withdrawal symptoms: when internet use is suddenly reduced or stopped, patients may experience symptoms such as irritability, easy agitation, lack of concentration, sleep disturbances, and in severe cases, impulsivity, aggression, and destructive behaviors.
02
Why does internet addiction occur?
Actually, the causes of internet addiction are like a complex symphony involving multiple aspects.
Release of pressure
Facing pressures from life, study, work, etc., some people choose to seek temporary relaxation and enjoyment by watching short videos, etc.
Self-identity needs
The online world provides people with a platform to showcase themselves and gain recognition from others. Some individuals who lack sufficient recognition and attention in real life seek to demonstrate their self-worth online.
Pursuit of psychological satisfaction
Short videos and other online platforms provide users with a plethora of materials to imitate, create, and share, thus obtaining psychological satisfaction.
Psychological characteristics of adolescents
Adolescents possess a mix of adult and child psychological characteristics. On one hand, from the onset of adolescence, they show strong demands for independence and social interactions. On the other hand, adolescents exhibit psychological traits from childhood such as emotional instability, lack of security, strong curiosity, inadequate discernment, and self-control.
03
How to break free from internet addiction?
Image provided by the source
Enhance self-awareness
Realize the harm of internet addiction, clarify personal goals and values, and firmly resolve to quit internet addiction.
Develop a reasonable plan
Allocate time sensibly by integrating study, work, rest, and leisure, and avoid prolonged immersion in the internet.
Seek alternative activities
Find beneficial alternative activities for mind and body, such as sports, reading, socializing, to enrich one’s life.
Strengthen communication and interaction
Maintain good communication and interaction with family, friends, colleagues, share life experiences and feelings, and build harmonious interpersonal relationships.
Seek professional help
If unable to quit internet addiction independently, seek help from professional psychologists or psychiatrists, and undergo treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Contributed by: Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital
