In a recent radio interview on 610 WTVN, I talked with Joel Riley about the negative effects of Internet addiction. It’s a fascinating topic, especially since it has gained rapid momentum in recent years. Although Internet addiction is not technically considered a clinical addiction, that may soon change. The American Psychiatric Association may be adding Internet Addiction Disorder to its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders. With that in mind, let’s explore how the Internet and our dependence on smart phones and social media may be affecting our lives.

Breakdown of Communication

Our growing dependence on the Internet has dramatically changed the way we communicate with others. Instead of talking to people or spending time with them, we often resort to less personal forms of communication like texting or emailing. There’s nothing wrong with using these methods of communication, but they lack voice inflection and emotion, and that often confuses or frustrates people. At the same time, these less personal forms of communication make it easy to ignore the people we’re with. It’s sad to see friends out to dinner who are looking at their phones instead of each other. So, while the information on our smart phones may be fascinating, let’s be careful not to miss out on the joy that comes from personal relationships with family or friends.

Increased Need for Instant Gratification

The Internet has taught us that everything and everyone is available at the touch of a button. Gone are the days of relying on “snail mail” to connect with people far away.  While I’m thankful for the increased technology and how it helps us connect with people around the world, I worry about our increasing dependence on instant gratification. When we know that people are able to send and receive texts and emails instantly, we inadvertently impose unrealistic expectations on others and on ourselves. We live in a technological age where people expect others to drop everything to respond to a text, email or tweet.

Inability to Focus on the Present

The advent of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram has created an obsessive need to share our personal lives with the world. Many people have trouble “living in the moment” because they are too busy sharing the “moment” with everyone else. This constant need to peer into the lives of others can open the door for feelings of jealously, judgment and neglect.

Effect on Children

Internet addiction affects young people in many ways, from sleep deprivation, to social withdrawal, to poor grades. Children who are allowed unrestricted access to the Internet can encounter harmful information that may be dangerous to their well being. Cyber bullying is a serious issue among young people, and it can create lasting mental and emotional effects. Internet predators should also be a concern. Many of these individuals are extremely tech-savvy and constantly on the lookout for new ways to connect with children.

What You Can Do

When it comes to technology, here’s how you can create a healthy balance:

• Set time and usage restrictions for your entire family.
• Set aside specific times for responding to emails or reading text messages.
• Avoid distractions from your smart phone by turning it off or moving it out of sight.
• Establish boundaries for your kids regarding cell phone, social media and Internet usage.
• Create an honest dialogue with your kids about their Internet usage, and familiarize yourself with the people, websites and apps they connect with.

David Lowenstein, Ph.D. is a Psychologist and the Clinical Director of Lowenstein & Associates, Inc. in Columbus, Ohio. In addition to providing therapeutic services to individuals and families, he offers training and consultation to numerous associations, schools and agencies around the country. Additionally, he is a frequent radio and TV guest and a resource and contributing writer for numerous newspapers and magazines nationwide.

Contact Dr. David Lowenstein at 691 South Fifth Street
Columbus, OH 43206 or by phone at 614.443.6155 or 614.444.0432.