Loneliness is a risk factor associated with adolescents being drawn into compulsive internet use. The risk of compulsive use has grown in the corona virus pandemic , loneliness has become increasingly prevalent among adolescents, who spend longer and longer periods of time online.

A study investigating detrimental internet use by adolescents involved a total of 1,750 Finnish study subjects , who were studied at three points in time at 16, 17 and 18 years of age. The results have been published in the “Child Development ” journal.

Adolescents net use is a two-edged sword; while the consequences of moderate use are positive , the effects of compulsive use can be detrimental. Compulsive use denotes , among other things , gaming addiction or the constant monitoring of likes on social media and comparisons to others.

“In the corona virus period , loneliness has increased markedly among adolescents . They look for a sense of belonging from the internet. Lonely adolescents head to the internet and are risk of becoming addicted . Internet addiction can further aggravate their malaise, such as depression“, says Professor of Education and Study Lead Katariina Salmela-Aro from the University of Helsinki.

HIGHEST RISK FOR 16 YEAR OLD BOYS

The risk of being drawn into problematic internet use was at its highest among 16 year-old adolescents, with the phenomenon being more common among boys. For some, the problem persists into adulthood , but for others it eases up as they grow older. The reduction of problematic internet use is often associated with adolescent development where their self-regulation and control improve, their brains adapt and assignments related to education direct their attention.

“It’s comforting to know that problematic internet use is adaptive and often changes in late adolescence and during the transition to adulthood . Consequently, attention should be paid to the matter both in school and at home . Addressing loneliness too serves as a significant channel for preventing excessive internet use. If parents are not very interested in the lives of their adolescents, the latter may have difficulty drawing the lines for their actions.

PROBLEMATIC NET USE AND DEPRESSION FROM A CYCLE

In the study participants , compulsive internet use had a link to depression. Depression predicted problematic internet use , while problematic use further increased depressive symptoms.

Additionally, problematic use was predictive of poorer academic success which may be associated with the fact that internet use consumes a great deal of time and can disrupt adolescents sleep rhythm and recovery, consequently eating up the time available for academic effort and performance.

Parents should take care of their children and continuously monitor their activities . They are the future of our country. Make them involve in social activities and to understand their social responsibilities . Encourage them to work creatively and usefully. Loneliness and depression are the illusion created in their minds thinking that they are unnoticed by everyone around them. It actually occurs in everyone’s teenage . We just diverted ourselves by moving out , exploring new places and gaining knowledge. But in this pandemic situation they are compelled to spend their whole time in their room. We should save the youngsters from this disease of depression than from corona virus.

STORY SOURCE:

Materials provided by University of Helsinki. Original written by Katariina Salmela- Aro , Suvi Uotinen.

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