- During the pandemic, the majority of the population adopted a lifestyle based on a sedentary lifestyle due to the restrictions imposed.
- Internet addiction is a reality and when it occurs it can cause the same effects on the brain as drug use.
- From constantly checking social networks and email to doing Google searches, it has become a daily practice.
The world changes every day and one of the main culprits is technology. One of its main functions is to make daily life activities easier. But while it offers multiple benefits, there are also some risks. One of the most serious problems that have occurred is the Internet addictionbut how can it be detected and what are its consequences?
The adoption of a sedentary lifestyle as a lifestyle
To begin with, since the pandemic there has been a radical change in the lifestyle of millions of people. During this period, digitization accelerated because most professional and academic activities had to be carried out remotely. Thus began the era of sedentary lifestyle
But although the main objective was to minimize the risk of contagion from infections, a phenomenon was also generated that put physical and mental health at risk. On the one hand, the weight gain was evident due to the lack of physical activities.
At the same time, the lack of interaction wreaked havoc on the emotional side of people. Even in the case of students, it was stated that there was a lost generation because it is not the same to learn in a classroom than through video calls.
On the other hand, a trend that was notorious since before the health emergency is the Internet connection. The general population is spending more and more time connected to this tool. From constantly checking social networks and email to doing Google searches, it has become a daily practice.
On the other hand, within the Autonomous University of Guadalajara (UAG) the conference was held “Myths of Internet Addiction” where the Human Resources Recruitment and Selection Specialist, Elizabeth Delgado Covarrubiaspointed out that there is a lot of misinformation that needs to be cleared up.
In the first instance, at least 6% of the world population that has access to the Internet could suffer from this condition, according to research such as that of the Cyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking.
Myths and realities of internet addiction
Myth: Only teenagers suffer from this addiction.
Reality: Although it is more frequent in this sector of the population, the reality is that anyone who uses an electronic or mobile device could suffer from it.
Myth: The Internet is less addictive than drugs.
Reality: Research studies suggest that Internet use may have the same effects on the brain as drug use.
In fact, it has been described that the gray matter and certain physical parts of the brain are transformed by the constant use of the Internet, similar to that of people who use drugs, with cognitive and emotional affectations, among other conditions.
Myth: To determine if a person has an internet addiction, it is enough to determine the time they are connected.
Reality: Internet addiction is not defined by the number of hours a person dedicates to it, but rather by the impact that this use is having on their life.
Internet addiction is a reality and if it is used inappropriately it takes away our sleep, life time, quality time with our loved ones and with ourselves to learn new skills, communicate effectively and grow professionally.
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