Recently, Internet addiction has become a serious problem for all age groups. Psychological counselor, Hilal Usta, offers insights about Internet addiction and actions to be taken to prevent this addiction. She stressed that Internet addiction is a particularly common problem for children and youths, as they have not yet developed a sense of self. "Youngsters can spend hours online chatting with friends, online gaming and communicating on discussion boards," she said. In terms of gender, Internet addiction is two or three times more common among males than females. However, Usta underscored that the time spent on the Internet is not the only criterion used to determine whether a person is addicted to the Internet or not. "The most important criterion is whether the Internet disturbs a person's daily life or causes problems such as depression, sleep disorder or anxiety. An Internet addict feels uneasy and anxious when he or she cannot connect to the Internet," she emphasized.
Thanks to the Internet, one can easily access information, entertainment, clothing, cars, real estate or anything else desired online. Moreover, the Internet allows you to research the things you are looking for. An individual creates the image he or she wants on social media and satisfies his or her social needs by becoming someone that he or she cannot be in real life. "For example, there is a concept called 'keyboard manhood.' A person who is shy can be a bully on social media or a woman can Photoshop their photos and present herself as someone different and more beautiful. For young girls, the likes they receive online become a source of satisfaction for them," Usta explained.
The Internet has become a part of every aspect of our lives, from our homes and workplaces, to mobile phones and watches. According to Usta, trying to stay away from it completely or preventing our children from connecting to the Internet all together will not work. "What we need to achieve is to understand and be aware of the risks, learn how to use the Internet consciously and teach our children," she stressed.
Usta highlighted that adults should be a role model to their children in order to teach them how to use the Internet safely and make them feel that they have understanding parents who will listen in any uncomfortable situation. "We need to grasp tha
t not all the information on the Internet is true, and check the information we have from various sources in order to confirm it. Moreover, we need to teach our children this awareness."
As Usta suggested, having alternative interests feeds individuals socially. "If a person's only source of happiness is the Internet, this situation leads to addiction. Therefore, having new social activities and interests helps us to fight Internet addiction. We know that overcoming an addiction is much easier in families with good communication and harmony. We need to review our family relations, and if we have problems, we have to solve them. If necessary, families can consult an expert," she concluded.
