Sociology Essay: Internet Addiction, Mental Health and Solutions

This sociology essay delves into the escalating issue of internet addiction and its detrimental effects on mental health and social behavior in a globalized, digitized world. The essay explores how excessive internet use contributes to mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, and social exclusion, particularly among adolescents. It examines the shift in lifestyles and the increasing dependence on technology, leading to isolation and detachment from the physical world. The analysis highlights the psychological and psychiatric disorders associated with internet addiction, including poor sleep, impulsivity, and impaired cognitive functions. The essay further discusses various treatment approaches, such as psychological therapies (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, art therapy), physical exercises, yoga, and mindfulness practices, to combat internet addiction and promote mental well-being. It emphasizes the importance of awareness, community support, and the integration of mental health experts in educational settings to address this growing concern. The essay concludes by advocating for increased research and global discussions to mitigate the negative impacts of internet addiction and improve the quality of life.

Running head: SOCIOLOGY
Sociology
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author’s Note

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Shared responsibility of common good is not being realized
Humankind is experiencing an altogether different crisis as an era of globalization. The
digitalization of the world also has an impact on the lifestyle of people due to the increased use
in technologies. Problems have arisen eventually, and the most common one persisting to the
overuse of internet is the deteriorating condition of mental health. Problems like depression,
anxiety, stress and other mental illness are cropping up which is a severe global problem. The
world is getting closer with the help of internet. It is not only restricted to gathering information
on search engines, but is also an important mode of communication (Dieris-Hirche et al., 2017).
The dependability of internet has grown so much that people get anxious when they are away
from their smartphones. Moreover, the lifestyle has also changed where day to day activities are
attached to the use of smartphones. This problem has become a global issue where adolescents
are getting increasingly confined to their rooms, being socially excluded with their access to high
speed internet. With a click of the mouse one can get access to millions of information, movies,
songs, games and everything (Masih & Rajkumar, 2019). This has resulted in the detachment
from the outer world. The extent to which the youth have been affected has also led to other
problems like poor sleep quality, mood disorder, impulsivity, and even suicide. It also affects the
normal functioning of the brain that includes poor decision making skills, low attention span and
others. In this analysis, the excessive usage of internet and its addiction will be discussed, and
how it has affected people of all age by psychiatry and psychological disorders. The article also
aims to throw light on how to battle this situation and help people overcome this increased social
exclusion backed by mental illness in professional community, locally and globally.
Combatting mental illness

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The gradual increases in the cases related to mental illness is striking. Internet addiction is one of
the main reasons which escalates the feeling of loneliness, social exclusion thereby leading to
anxiety, depression, etc. Many people are prone to share their personal lives on social media
platforms posting photographs and videos of their lives. Often, some people tend to have the fear
of missing out which ultimately destroy their peace of lives and make them suffer from anxiety
related problems. In order to combat this situation, the World Health Organization has
introduced the Mental Health Gap Action Programme Intervention Guide with an aim to reduce
the disparity. It has a clinical guideline which provides effective, user-friendly, diagnosis-
specific and straightforward instructions for the better treatment. It also provides evidence based
practice which helps in the better determination of the problem.
Internet addiction disorder is also a common name to this problem which has multiple physical
symptoms like back ache, neck pain, insomnia, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, poor personal hygiene
due to skipping bath to stay online, vision problems like dry eyes, weight problems including
obesity and weight loss, etc. Emotional symptoms include depression, isolation, lack of sense of
time, dishonesty, avoidance of work, anxiety, inability to prioritize work, fear, mood swings,
procrastination and many such others (Knaak, Mantler & Szeto, 2017). It is a matter of great
controversy and discussion as to whether one needs treatment related to this condition or not.
The researcher have suggested that this particular problem is the reason for underlying
depression and anxiety. The solution too should be the therapy that treats anxiety and depression
related problems. Some of the common psychological treatment for Internet addiction disorder
are Reality Therapy, Art Therapy, Individual/ group/ family therapy, Dialectical Behavioral
therapy, Behavior modification, Recreation therapy, Equine therapy, and cognitive behavioral
therapy (Ungar, Knaak & Szeto, 2016). All these therapies and the modes of treatment are done

3SOCIOLOGY
in various center which are cropping up in large numbers due to the increase in mental illness.
The therapies also help in the effective determination of psychological disorder, and aims to
provide the patient with effective treatment. It is important to note that these therapies are
designed to help the patient open up with their problems and embrace the activities other than the
virtual world they try to cling to. It is done through self-realization and improvement programme
which focus on individual interests, conversations, and other important aspects that help an
individual to overcome the problem.
Schools also need to incorporate psychological classes at times which would allow the students
to speak to experts about issues related to mental health. Motivational Interviewing is one such
solution which will direct the client to a right path by a set of processes like open-ended
questions, reflective listening, positive response and summarization (Santos et al., 2016). Some
males also suffer from Internet pornography viewing which can be controlled by Acceptance and
Commitment Therapy protocol.
Apart from therapies and psychological treatment, another way that can effectively combat the
problem of internet addiction is physical exercise, workout and yoga. The importance of
becoming fit and mindful is the key to the problem that arise from this particular mental
problem. Therefore, it is important to incorporate regular exercises and yoga in daily schedule,
which will help one to keep themselves calm and fit (Kuss, Griffiths & Pontes, 2017). Along
with this, meditation is also helpful as it increases the concentration level. It also helps one get
focused which would allow them to focus more on work avoiding distractions. These are
potential complementary therapies which help one to avoid the problems related to internet
addiction. Therapeutic yoga includes techniques and postures which reduces psychological
problems, anxiety, depression and others by soothing the nerves. It is an effective treatment

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which needs to be promoted worldwide to decrease the problem of internet addiction disorder.
Mindfulness which is an integral aspect of yoga or meditation, aids in effective remedy to the
problems like insomnia, distraction, and increases focus.
In reference to the above analysis, it also needs to be added that these solutions should be
incorporated in every walks of lives (Young, 2017). Awareness related to mental health should
be spread, and these symptoms should not be avoided which can escalate the condition further.
The rehabilitation, mental care, and therapeutic centers should be promoted in local
communities. Increasing awareness of the benefit of physical exercise and yoga should be
promoted which would encourage more people to join it actively. In addition to that, schools,
colleges and universities should include more mental health experts and psychologists who can
provide effective suggestions to the students in their adolescence. Along with that, personal
grooming and skill enhancement programme should be introduced at all levels which will help
people in gaining confidence, and overcome their loneliness and social anxiety (Griffiths et al.,
2016). Face to face interaction, theatre and skits, street plays and other activities that demands
social interaction should be introduced so that all the people suffering from internet addiction
disorder can find their way to these place and get the proper remedy to their problems. At global
level, more discussions and research regarding the solution to these problems should be taken
into consideration, which would help in the reduction of suicides and low quality of living
arising from mental health.

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References
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