Transformation of internet addiction on the background of social isolation and security crisis

Abstract

Aim — based on the analysis of the characteristics of Internet addiction, identify its peculiarities on the background of social isolation and security crisis. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on a contingent of 120 respondents (students of higher education) aged 18 to 23, who have experience of permanent stay in conditions of social isolation in Ukraine (2020—2023), with established Internet-addiction according to Internet Addiction Test (K. Young, 1998) and Internet Use Disorders Identification Test (Linskiy I. V., Minko A. I., Artemchuk A. P. et al., 2009). The distribution of the contingent by gender was symmetrical. The research method is a structured psychological interview. Study results. In our analysis, it becomes evident that the excessive utilization of the Internet does not merely align with a series of non-chemical addictions; rather, it operates as a facilitative mechanism for a broad range of behavioral and psychological transgressions, which arise as an interconnected functional entity. Within this multifaceted spectrum, we discern two discrete categories: the formation of compulsive behavior patterns and the justification of pre-existing behavior abnormalities. Compulsive behavior patterns include compulsive gaming and gambling behavior, compulsive social media use, compulsive pornography consumption, news-related compulsive behavior. Formation of compulsive behavior patterns associated with problematic excessive use of Internet have such mechanisms: openness and accessibility of hyper-stimulating content, reinforcement and rewards with feedback loops, social comparison, escapism and avoidance, information overload. Justification of pre-existing behavior abnormalities associated with problematic excessive use of Internet include reinforcement of attention-seeking and provocative behaviors; reinforcement of rude and violent behaviors, reinforcement of self-harm and destructive behaviors, progressive reinforcement of deviant sexuality, reinforcement of cult-like behavior. Noticed underlying mechanisms: echo chambers, disinhibition due to anonymity, group polarization and competitive dynamics. Conclusions. Behavioral and psychological disorders linked to problematic excessive Internet use do not fit neatly into a singular pathological disorder classification within current assessment frameworks that may trivialize Internet addiction as a mere form of non-chemical addiction. Instead, in the contemporary context, it is imperative to examine and thoroughly evaluate the intricate array of behavioral and psychological disorders that manifest through Internet usage. Key words: Internet, addiction, Internet addiction, compulsions, behavior violations