Today, millions of people, especially teenagers and young adults are addicted to the Internet. The term ‘Internet Addiction’ can be defined as someone who uses the Net excessively to the point of ignoring other important activities. In fact, it is not surprising that these addicts feel utterly distressed if they do not go online for even a day! However, there is a price to pay as addiction to the Internet causes a host of problems.
Firstly, the Internet addicts may become anti-social when they confine themselves in their computer rooms for hours without interacting with people. Their interaction is with the computer, where they chat online, play computer games and surf the Net. Consequently, they have very little time to interact with their parents or other family members. This is unhealthy because some of these teenagers may have problems and need help. However, their parents may not be able to help them because they are in the dark as their children spend most of their time with their computers. Some parents may be unhappy and are concerned that their children are spending too much time on the computers and this leads to nagging which may escalates into frequent arguments, misunderstandings and strained relationships.
Besides causing family rifts, Internet addiction is also a waste of money and time. Instead of spending their time gainfully such as studying, these addicts are hunched in front of the computer surfing the Net, playing computer games or indulging in frivolous conversations. This leaves them little time to study, revise or complete their homework which in turn their grades and jeopardize their future prospects. Apart from that, they also chalk up hefty phone bills, an added financial burden to parents especially those who are already in a tight budget.
Being addicted to the Internet also takes a toll on the addicts’ health as most of them spend hours on the Net without much physical movements. The problem is compounded when they start munching on junk food, leading to obesity. The situation is worsened by the fact that they have little spare time for sports or games. Moreover, prolonged exposure to the computer may spoil their eyesight. Additionally, these addicts usually surf the Net throughout the night, thus, losing the much needed sleep. As a result, they feel exhausted and are unable to concentrate the next day. The lack of sleep may encourage them to skip school, miss lessons and lose interest in their studies.
Many Internet addicts chat with friends through programmes such as IRC. Chatting with friends through such programmes may invite problems for teenagers, especially girls who may be tricked into meeting up with their chat mates. Before long, these girls may be persuaded to indulge in indecent activities without their parents’ knowledge which may ruin their future well-being.
Another hazard Internet addiction is the easy access to pornographic sites. Such sites not only pollute the young minds but erode their moral values and are a source of bad influence.
Last but not least, Internet addiction creates maladjusted individuals. People who chat online are not interacting face to face with real people. So, when they are online, they can put on a façade and be someone else. They can be unusually bold or confident as there are no boundaries in cyberspace. But, once they are thrust into the real world, they may lose their confidence or ability to interact and communicate with real people. They may feel awkward, become social misfits and this impedes their personal development.
Finally, to avoid these hazards, we must use the Internet for the right purpose for the Internet has its pros and cons. In view of the damaging effects it has on the addicts, teenagers and young adults should restrict the time they spend on the computer. The adage ‘Regulation is the Key to Success’ should be heeded!
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