DIGITAL DEPENDENCY: AN OVERVIEW
The excessive use of the internet or mobile technology, also recognized
as digital addiction, has a substantial influence on multiple dimensions
of an individual’s life like physical health, emotional status, and
social interactions.1 This phenomenon occurs when
individuals prioritize online activities above their daily tasks, use
digital platforms as a kind of escape, or utilize them to avoid dealing
with personal concerns. The outcome frequently appears as extended
periods of seclusion, during which individuals obsessively interact with
digital technology, harming their general well-being and occasionally
disregarding the adverse impacts it has on their
lives.2,3 The discourse around digital addiction
frequently centres on the question of whether the internet itself is
inherently addictive or if it just enables addiction to other pursuits.
Ongoing research is being conducted on digital reliance, although there
is limited knowledge of the elements that cause it. Certain studies
examine the fundamental psychological circumstances that lead to
excessive internet usage, while others investigate the influence of
online accessibility, its entertainment value, societal expectations for
continual connectedness, or a mix of these factors.4Despite the lack of certainty, several studies emphasize the negative
effects of relying too much on digital technology, such as increased
levels of anxiety and depression, fewer social connections, and worse
academic or professional performance.5
Digital addiction, characterized as the excessive and compulsive use of
digital devices and platforms, such as smartphones, social media, and
online gaming, has become a major worldwide health issue. The influence
of this phenomenon on health is complex, influencing individuals in
several ways, including their physical, emotional, and social
well-being.6
Extended periods of screen time linked to digital addiction can result
in a sedentary lifestyle,7,8 which can contribute to
obesity,9 cardiovascular
illnesses,10 and other health
concerns.11,12 The emission of blue light from
displays can interfere with sleep rhythms, resulting in sleep
disruptions and disorders.13 Eye strain, sometimes
referred to as digital eye strain or computer vision
syndrome,14 is a prevalent consequence characterized
by symptoms such as dry eyes, impaired vision, and
headaches.15
Psychologically, digital addiction has been associated with several
mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and attention
deficit disorders.16 The perpetual requirement for
digital involvement can result in stress and emotional disruptions,
affecting an individual’s general mental health and
well-being.17
Online interactions and digital achievements can modify reward pathways
in the brain, like other types of addiction, resulting in reliance and
withdrawal symptoms.18
Excessive computer use can detrimentally affect social interactions and
hinder social growth. People may have a growing sense of isolation from
in-person encounters as they increasingly choose to engage with others
through virtual means. This can impede the progress of social aptitude,
particularly in younger demographics, and lead to sensations of being
alone and social anxiety.19, 20.
Ultimately, digital addiction presents a multifaceted obstacle to
well-being, requiring a measured approach to the use of digital devices.
Individual awareness, societal support, and legislative measures are
necessary to reduce the negative impacts of digital technologies and
encourage the healthy incorporation of them into everyday life.