Internet Addiction: A Growing Concern In India

Abstract

India stands second in the world with approximately 500 million Internet users. Fast technological improvements have increased the accessibility and uses of internet in all age group tremendously since past decade arising threats that many individuals especially adolescents, will be affected by internet addiction. Purpose of this paper is to present comprehensive overview of the current literature on Internet addiction. Though internet addiction is not officially recognized as a distinct behavioral disorder yet but in context of rapidly growing internet use, the internet addiction (IA) is been recognized as a global concern. It seems necessary to have some effective measures for prevention and management of internet addiction. Multi-model treatment of internet addiction looks promising but focus should also be on prevention. People should be made aware about the negative consequences of irresponsible internet use. Achieving a balance between provision of adequate internet facilities and protection of public from hazards of Internet use poses a challenge for policymakers. Mental health professionals should be aware about IA and work towards implementation of preventive, diagnostic and treatment strategies. World Mental Health Day 2018 will focus on “young people and mental health in a changing world” with an emphasis on the needs of this population on which our future depends. Young people are spending most of their time in online activities including pornography, gambling, online video games, excessive chatting, cyber bullying and cyber crimes etc. India has the youngest population in the world but it’s our responsibility to inculcate the right habits among next generation so we don’t lose the power of our young just in surfing online and they are available in real world instead of a virtual one only.