Pathological Internet use becoming a growing concern

By Samantha Wigfield

As many studies have shown, the Internet may be causing people more harm than good.

Social media like Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr are all platforms for people to connect and share their lives with others.

While on the surface, the Internet appears to be a good thing, a report published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, revealed teenagers and young adults who are on the Internet too much are far more likely to be diagnosed with depression then those who used it within reason.

During the study, more than 1,000 Chinese teenagers were studied regarding their Internet usage and current mental health. Those with an Internet addiction were 250 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with depression nine months later.

Cheryl Poupard, a single mother of two in Windsor, said she has concerns about her children using too much Internet.

“I think using the Internet is okay for an hour or two a day, but any more than that isn’t good,” Poupard said. “Children should be playing outside or doing something else, not on a computer or an iPad. Even watching TV too much is bad.”

While many young people are addicted to the Internet, websites such as 7 Cups of Tea are there for those who need help. It is an emotional support service provided online with trained “listeners” to provide someone to talk to without judgement or opinion.

A 30-year-old woman going by the username brightSpace49 is a listener on 7 Cups of tea and said in the training provided they are not supposed to give advice, but to just listen and help people through their issues.

“I don’t think many of these people want to be judged or ridiculed. And it’s nice to get outside perspective from someone who doesn’t personally know you. I bet many people feel like they don’t have anyone close enough to them they can talk too, or maybe they don’t trust anyone,” Brightspace said. “So these people go on the Internet to escape the reality of life and to just talk to someone. Maybe they’re just lonely.”

More than two hours of Internet usage is called “pathological Internet use” and it is thought to cause other problems aside from depression. These include poor physical health, aggressive behavioural issues, physiological disorders and relationship problems.