SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCE ON PEOPLE AND ITS ADDICTION

There were times when addiction meant the intake of caffeine, drugs, and alcohol, but since past few years we are seeing a new trend of mobile phones which has became indispensable. In DSM -5 there is addition of few new disorders and one of them is the Internet Gaming Disorder.

Social media is addictive both physically and psychologically. According to a new study by Harvard University, self - disclosure on social networking sites, light up the same part of the brain that also ignites when taking an addictive substance.

We don’t know if we can say this era is a blessing or disguise. As on one hand we see it benefits us in so many ways and on the other hand we only see its harmful effects. From a child to an adult we can see people 24x7 on mobile phones, tablets, laptops, etc. Rather using it as a necessity people use these gadgets more to flaunt the new versions of technology to show the high standards of their living. We also see children sitting and playing games on mobile phones or play stations instead of going out and playing with their peers some outdoor games, which has a negative impact on their physical as well as mental health. Even at workplace 50% people remain active on social media which also affects the quality of work.

 Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) now more commonly called problematic Internet use (PIU), Compulsive Internet Use, problematic computer use, pathological computer use, refers to excessive computer use which interferes with daily life. Other habits such as reading, playing computer games, or watching very large numbers of Internet videos, such as those on YouTube, are troubling only to the extent that these activities interfere with normal life. IAD is often divided into subtypes by activity, such as gaming; online social networking blogging; email; excessive, overwhelming, or inappropriate Internet pornography use or Internet shopping (shopping addiction).Opponents note that compulsive behaviors may not necessarily be addictive.

HOW COMMON THE INTERNET ADDICTION

—  Internet addiction hasn't been studied as much as other mental health conditions, so it's not known exactly how many people have the disorder.

—  But a study in The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse found that as many as 8.2 percent of Americans may suffer from Internet addiction.

—  Other studies estimate that the disorder may affect more than 18 percent of college-aged Internet users, according to Internet Addiction: A Handbook and Guide to Evaluation and Treatment.

—  While anyone can develop IAD, the majority of people who do so are males in their teens, twenties, and thirties.

—  Some reports suggest that Internet addiction is a particularly acute problem in Asian countries.

WITHDRAWL

—  Like all addiction behaviors, IAD can lead to excess dopamine in the brain.

—  This means people with IAD effectively feel a "high" when engaged on the computer — but it also means they can feel withdrawal symptoms when they aren't online.

—  Symptoms of Internet addiction withdrawal include depression, irritability, anxiety, sweating or shakiness, insomnia, mood changes, and — in rare cases — a psychotic break with reality.

RISK FACTORS AND COMPLICATIONS

—  People who develop an Internet addiction often already feel socially isolated. They may have a difficult time creating and maintaining relationships with their peers.

—  And people with other addictions, such as to alcohol, drugs, sex, or gambling, have a higher risk of developing IAD.

—  Studies suggest that people with IAD are also at greater risk for mental health concerns, such as: Depression, Anxiety,Hostility,Psychosis,Social isolation, Impulse control problems,

Substance use disorders, such as alcoholism or drug abuse

SYMPTOMS

—  Like other addictions, Internet addiction isn't based on just an interest or hobby that someone enjoys.

—  If it's an actual addiction, it may cause one or more of the following:

—  Negative effects on your school or job performance

—  Reduced involvement with your family or friends

—  Loss of interest in other hobbies or pursuits

—  Feelings of anxiety or depression when you're away from your computer

—  When not on your computer, you spend most of your time thinking about getting back to it

—  Angry or defensive reaction when someone comments on your behavior

—  Taking steps to hide the extent of your computer/Internet use

      —  People with IAD may spend excessive amounts of time engaged in the following activities                  online:  Gaming ,Gambling ,Trading stocks ,Shopping for merchandise "Shopping" for                        relationships on dating sites ,Cybersex or pornography ,social media.

          Many of these activities can have serious repercussions if you do them to excess, such as                      relationship problems or financial consequences.

              TREATMENT

—  Corrective strategies include content control software, counseling, and CBT (Cognitive Behavioural therapy). One of the major reasons that the Internet is so addicting is the lack of limits and the absence of accountability.

—      For Internet overuse, controlled use is a more practical goal than total abstinence.