Psychological effects of the Internet Use

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Psychological Effects of the Internet Use

The Internet, according to Cambridge dictionary, is the large system of connected computers around the world that allows people to share information and communicate with each other. The term “psychological” refers to human mind and feelings. There have been many researches on the psychological effects of the Internet use. Most of the studies have concluded that the uncontrolled use of Internet has serious effects on physical and psychological health of the people, especially teenagers and young adults, people’s behavior, and productivity.

Children and adolescents who spend long time on the Internet are prone to serious psychological effects. Today’s children particularly in middle income and high income families spend long hours on the Internet, especially on the social networking sites such as Facebook, and Instagram. This exposes them to cyber bullying, which results in victims suffering from low self-esteem, stress, and depression. In a study conducted in Canada, out of 177 students, fifteen per cent reported that they were cyber bullied and four per cent said they did not know the bullies. Studies across the world report that cyber bullying is on the increase. This implies that more and more young people are going to suffer from mental health problems. Children who spend long hours on the Internet suffer from insomnia, and in a study conducted for adolescents from grade seven to grade twelve, it was found that prolonged use of the Internet can make the users susceptible to obesity and diabetes.

Research has found that the Internet is causing changes in the way people behave. Since the communication on the Internet does not involve physical interaction, people feel more free than they are in person to act differently online. And, on the other hand, widespread use of modern gadgets such as cameras and recorders is making people hesitant to behave naturally when they are online. They fear people on the other side may not approve of their actions. Sometimes, they fear that their acts could be recorded and circulated in social media sites by mischief mongers.

The Internet in general has led to decrease in productivity in workplaces. Many organisations are blocking social networking sites after observing employees getting distracted by continuous messages and notifications on their mobile phones. A survey conducted to assess the productivity levels of the people who used social networking sites, it was found that the productivity of the employees who used social networking sites was one and half times less than those who did not.

Internet addiction is another problem which people who use the Internet for long hours are prone to. These users become so dependent on the Internet that they are unable to perform routine activities at home, workplace, and community. Psychologist and Internet Addiction and Online Behaviour expert Kimberly Young says there is link between Internet addiction and mental health problems, predominantly depression. In a presentation based on a study at the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health, UK, it was reported that screen dependency was similar to alcohol and drug addiction: flickering graphics generated instant stimulation resulting in the release of dopamine, the chemical that is central to motivation function of the brain.

In conclusion, the effect of the Internet in decreasing the productivity is to be considered seriously as it not only affects the overall output but also causes appreciable damage to the individual’s concentration and his or her deep thinking and creative thinking ability. Behavioural changes brought about the Internet can result in the individuals losing their original identity for the sake of winning others’ approval. Adult users need to set a good example for children as children and young adults are highly affected because of indiscriminate use of the Internet.