The invention of mobile phones and the internet, has created an escape from reality for everyone around the world. They can connect with others and share memories by having them saved onto the pixels of their screens. But when you can’t stop checking for recent text messages or apps, it may appear as a problem.
Being addicted to your mobile phone can sometimes be referred to as “nomophobia” (fear of being without a mobile phone). This is sometimes powered by overusing the internet or becoming addicted to it. The online world is what connects us after all, not the devices. Sometimes they can also cause impulse-control problems. Here is a list of problems that can be caused by being addicted to the internet.
- Information Overload
Playing video games, checking newsfeeds and web surfing can lead to becoming unproductive in life for work or school. It can also cause you to isolate yourself from the world, which can increase antisocial behaviour. This can lead to missed opportunities in life that are connected to your hobbies, relationships or social pursuits.
- Virtual Relationships
With the internet evolving each day to create more connections, dating apps and messaging have become more popular. This has caused people to become glued to their phones more and more, causing them to ignore those right in front of them. However, online relationships and connections are not a healthy substitute compared to real-life relationships and connections. Although online relationships can be great as you get to connect with people across the world with similar interests or find a good person to start a romantic relationship with, it can cause more stress, have more demands or make relationships last short-term instead of long-term.
- Sexual Addiction
With the internet giving access to tons of online sources, games, apps and dating, it also provides adult content. This can include graphical pornographic material, nude-swapping and adult messaging services. However, it is extremely harmful as it leads to an expectation of unrealistic relationships or causes you to spend hours engaging in fantasies.
- Online Compulsions
Gambling is a huge part of certain video games, stock trading, online shopping and even bidding on auctions. It can lead to financial and social damage and the internet makes it more accessible to gamble online. EBay buyers can sometimes lead to unhealthy sleep schedules to wake up at odd hours to arrive at an auction for an item that they want, or for the last minutes left on an auction. People can buy something that they don’t need or can’t afford just to feel the excitement of winning a bet or grabbing the latest thing that is trending.
Edited by Sean McDonough.
