Internet Addiction and the Common Good: Strategies for Mitigation

This essay delves into the multifaceted issue of internet addiction, examining how the principle of the common good is compromised by excessive internet use. The author argues that the widespread availability and compulsive nature of internet usage leads to various negative consequences, including physical health problems, social isolation, and mental health issues, thereby hindering individuals' ability to achieve maximum fulfillment and contributing to societal problems. The essay proposes several strategies to address internet addiction, including acknowledging the problem, modifying communication patterns, setting limits on internet and smartphone use, seeking support from accountable partners and therapists, creating distractions to postpone internet use, prioritizing personal needs and interests, and adhering to schedules while keeping devices out of reach. The essay concludes by emphasizing the importance of these strategies in mitigating the adverse effects of internet addiction and promoting mental and physical well-being.

Running head: INTERNET EXPERIENCE ADDICTION 1
internet experience addiction
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INTERNET EXPERIENCE ADDICTION 2
Introduction.
The internet is a networking infrastructure whose objective is to connect millions of
individuals. Compulsive use of the internet is however harmful; thus, the principle of the
common good is not realized (Young, 2017). This assignment aims to describe how shared
responsibility for the common good is not being recognized in internet addiction. There is
also a description of different strategies that mitigate internet addiction.
A critique of how shared responsibility for the common good is not being
realized in internet addiction
The principle of the common good refers to diverse conditions that enable individuals
to achieve maximum fulfillment. It also refers to what is shared and is of benefit to the
majority of members within a particular community. Internet addiction, according to the
World Health Organization, is the problematic and compulsive use of the internet, which
eventually leads to impaired individuals’ function in different aspects of life (Guedes et al.,
2016). Though the internet is associated with different benefits such as easy communication
among different people, not all people benefit from the same. Effects of internet addiction are
massive weight gain due to physical inactivity. It leads to different health conditions like
diabetes and obesity. It also leads to physical ailments like back pains, neck pain, carpal
tunnel syndrome, and finally, vision problems as a result of staring at the screen of either the
computer, the computer or smartphones. Though, the internet is an essential asset to some of
the people, it is more disastrous to a section of individuals, thus shared responsibility for the
common good is not being realized.

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Proposed ways to address the challenges
The first strategy is for one to admit that they are suffering from internet addiction.
Just like excessive drug use, internet addiction is also associated with severe denial.
Acceptance is the hardest part, but it is the initial step towards recovery (Anuradha, & Singh,
2018). One should, therefore, admit verbally, and this brings clarity to mind since one is
being transparent or honest. Being honest can assist an individual in realizing how unhealthy
internet addiction is.
It is improving how to socialize. Different studies note that to address internet
addition, one has to change communication patterns. It entails spending more time with
family members and friends (Cho, 2017). It can be done through dinner with parents or
regular coffee with friends. It will eventually minimize the time spent on mobile phones and
computers, and this will mitigate internet addiction in the future.
A shift in communication patterns. Too much communicating with friends and
families online is one factor that leads to internet addiction (Kuss & Griffiths, 2015). To
avoid such, one must set up a physical date for face to face communication. Consequently,
substituting computer games with outdoor physical games can also lessen the time spent
online. There should be limits on how one uses the computer and smartphone. Several studies
note that taking total control of how one uses the internet is likely to prevent internet
addiction. This can be effectively achieved by using alarms. One can set or limit the use of
the internet to only 30 minutes a day (Kuss, Griffiths, & Pontes, 2017).
Furthermore, having network session preferences for computers can also be useful. It
is more or less to parental control software. The software is more effective among kids by
restricting attractive or addictive sites.

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Looking for an accountable partner and seeking therapy is another vital strategy. After
one has realized that internet addiction is taking a toll on his life, he should look for a friend
he/she trusts or a known therapist. One can then share their emotional triggers. If the
condition persists, one is advised to seek the help of a therapist who offers addiction
treatment or cognitive behavioral therapy to reverse or overcome addictive compulsions.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy entails a step by step therapy where the therapists assist the
patients to overcome addictive behaviors by having them formulate objectives and then
teaching them the skills to overcome the compulsive behaviors (Yu, Sun, & Gao, 2019). It is
an essential strategy in reducing internet addiction.
Creating distractions to postpone internet use is also essential. In this strategy, one can
assure themselves that they will browse or visit the internet after 20 minutes. Once the 20
minutes lapse, one can again postpone or get themselves busy as long as they can stand. One
can get active by reading novels or playing different games (Rodda, Booth, Vacaru, Knaebe,
& Hodgins, 2018). In this strategy, one can cut on or minimize the overall time spent on the
internet. Prioritizing one's needs and finding outside interests can also prevent internet
addiction. Studies note that prioritizing one's needs, such as assignment or classwork and
having clear objectives, is an excellent way to reduce the number of hours spent on the
internet. Consequently, getting more activities that don't need the computer is also beneficial.
It entails activities such as community services, volunteer programs, and engaging in civic
groups.
Adhering to schedule and keeping devices out of reach can also fight internet
addiction effectively. If the strategies mentioned above are not working, one can get a friend
or family member who can keep the devices and hand over some other time (Ryding & Kaye,
2017). Developing an outline or a daily schedule and adhering to it can also reduce the time
spent on the internet.

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Conclusion
Internet addiction is a severe public health issue. It is associated with mental disorders
such as depression, which eventually leads to suicide. Besides, it breaks the physical, social
circle among families, friends, and colleagues. Basic strategies such as admitting, a shift in
communication patterns, and seeking cognitive behavioral therapy should be put in place to
mitigate this nagging public health issue.

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References
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Young, K. (2017). The Evolution of Internet Addiction Disorder. Internet Addiction, 3-
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