Are YOU one of the Internet Addict? Study finds 182 million of People around the World now Struggle to stay Offline

Obviously I am part of the 182 million people. In fact, who in this technology generation is not an internet junkie? But I agree some are at extreme obsession and can go gaga about it. Okay!

New research according to Capio Nightingale Hospital, reveals 6 per cent of people - roughly 182 million  around the world are internet addict. On the extreme, the Middle East is  said to be the most addicted region of the world.

 

So, If you're concerned you, or someone you know, may have an internet addiction ask yourself:

• Do you stay up late into the night using the internet? Are you grumpy or anxious when you can't log on?
• Do you ignore and avoid other activities to spend more time using devices?
• Do you think about being online when you are offline?
• Do you feel criticised by others about the amount of time they spend online?
• Do you feel tense or bad if you can’t get online - a feeling which noticeably goes away when you are allowed to get back online?Do

 

 Cecelia Cheng and Angel Yee-lam Li  chose 80 global studies, covering reports of web addiction across 31 nations in seven regions averaged at 6 per cent. These countries covered in the stud include the US, Australia, Austria, Estonia, France, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Iran, Isarel, Lebanon, Turkey, China, Hong Kong, India, South Korea, Taiwan, and Columbia. Why is Africa missing? Hmmm..
 

Based on previous paper research, where a total of 544 participants were surveyed about their internet habits with almost a 50/50 split between the genders - 49 per cent were male  and the average age was 18.42 years. Also included is the nation’s gross domestic product, internet penetration and reported number of web users.

 

The highest web addiction case were found in the Middle East, at 10.9%, which included Iran, Israel, Lebanon and Turkey.
 

The lowest prevalence was reported in North and West Europe on 2.6%, by comparison South and East Europe was on 6.1%
 

North America had an internet addiction prevalence rate of 8% Oceania was on 4.3% and South America had no reported cases. 

New technology study on addiction shows that 68 per cent of people in the 31 countries have access to the web, known as internet penetration rate (IPR).
 

In this new study Dr Richard Graham, runs a technology addiction programme at London's Capio Nightingale Hospital, MailOnline reports:
 
'The internet is integral to modern life and ubiquitous, it is important that we can find the right balance between maximising the benefits of new technologies without forming an unhealthy dependence. 
 

'When electronic devices start to have more influence over behaviour than anyone else or anything else, that is the moment when really you need to start changing things. 
 

'When people feel an uncomfortable sense of withdrawal when they are not near devices that will allow access to the internet and when people clearly do not get the same buzz doing any other activity then we know that the relationship with technology is not being managed properly.'
 

Capio Nightingale Hospital also offers an online test that assesses the extent of your relationship with technology addiction. Although designed for adults, parents can take this test on behalf of their children, for example, gambling, shopping social media, watching streamed or recorded videos on YouTube, and dating apps.
 

'Unfortunately unhealthy relationships with technology such as phones, computers and games can cause destructive consequences; physically and psychologically. Lives can be impaired by extensive and unregulated time online, on-screen or in-game.'

Technology addiction in Children : Spotting the signs

LACK OF INTEREST IN OTHER ACTIVITIES 

Dr Graham explained that if this reluctance increases and 'it becomes harder and harder to get them to do anything other than engaging with technology', they may be showing signs of addiction.

'A bit of groaning at having to do anything else is common,' added Dr Watts. 'But if your child has difficulty paying attention it's worth finding out what is going on, and whether this is a problem at school too.'

 

CONSTANTLY TALKING ABOUT OR GETTING DISTRACTED BY TECHNOLOGY: According to Dr Graham: 'Look for signs of them constantly wanting to get back to their devices. For example, if they keep playing and checking their phone wanting to switch it back on.'

MOOD SWINGS AND ARGUMENTATIVE BEHAVIOUR

Equally, if they 'become very sensitive when any concern is expressed about their technology usage to the point it can easily escalate into an argument.'

Some children may tell the adult they don't understand because they didn't have devices when they were growing up.

According to Dr Watts: 'It's difficult for anyone born before 1980 to realise how central social media is to children's lives nowadays.

'Adults tend to have Enid Blyton fantasies of how kids should spend their childhood.

'There is going to be a generational difference between you and your kids, but agree some kind of rules on what is allowed, for example "No smartphones at meals".'
 

WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS

'They may become distressed or angry by small things and when they are back online become calmer' and advises parents to check for signs of anxiety, agitation and irritability.

Dr Watts added: 'A little agitation at not being able to be online with one's friends is pretty normal, but if a child continuously can't get over this, its time to start a conversation.'
 

INCREASE IN LYING OR A RISE IN DEVIOUS BEHAVIOUR

Dr Graham said children with potential addiction 'will try to do as much as they can to minimise the extent to which they are asked about their technology use' by keeping it a secret.

Dr Watts added it's normal for children to want to have some space and secrets but advises parents to 'ask friends how much time their similarly-aged kids are spending online, or check forums.'

Dr Graham continued: 'The benefits of the technologies we all use on a daily basis are clear to see. However, in a short period of time the world we all inhabit has drastically changed and we have had little time to adapt.
Read more on Technology Addiction Test

 


Credit: Excerpt from Mailonline