Chelsea McEntegart
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Ask a questionInternet addiction (IA) refers to the overuse of the internet for various activities and behaviors. Social isolation refers to a lack of social connections and a disconnection from real-world relationships. Internet addiction and social isolation often go hand in hand, as spending much time online can lead to detachment from social interactions and meaningful connections in the real world.
The causes of internet addiction and social isolation include underlying mental health problems, behavioral addictions, substance abuse, illness or loss, genetics, high stress levels, and physical conditions.
Preventing internet addiction and social isolation involves establishing defined internet usage boundaries and designated online time limits, alongside establishing a balance between internet usage and in-person connections. Engaging in group outings and sharing hobbies with loved ones also helps to avoid feelings of isolation.
Internet addiction refers to the uncontrolled preoccupation with the internet. Addicts spend a great deal of time on the internet in such a way that it impacts their personal and professional lives.
Internet addiction is a broad term that can indicate a range of problematic behaviors and impulses, according to Natalie Hoeg in her 2023 article “Internet Addiction,” published by AddictionCenter. These problematic behaviors can be identified and diagnosed as separate disorders, such as online gaming addiction or online shopping addiction.
Internet addiction is not officially recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5). However, the manual does acknowledge internet gaming disorder, which could be considered a component of internet disorder.
Social isolation refers to a lack of social connections with other people. People who are socially isolated do not have a lot of people whom they can interact with regularly and might also feel emotionally detached from other people.
Social isolation is associated with higher risks for high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, dementia, and obesity, according to “Loneliness and Social Isolation — Tips for Staying Connected,” a 2021 article published by theNational Institute on Aging. People who are socially isolated might not engage in enough physical activity, consume excessive alcohol, smoke, or experience poor sleeping patterns. These factors can increase the likelihood of developing severe health problems even more.
No, social isolation and loneliness are not the same. Social isolation could lead to some people feeling lonely, and other people could feel lonely without being socially isolated. Although according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it’s difficult to differentiate loneliness and social isolation, and often the two terms are used interchangeably.
The signs and symptoms of internet addiction are listed below.
The causes of internet addiction and social isolation are listed below.
The groups that are prone to developing internet addiction are listed below.
The groups that are prone to developing social isolation are listed below.
Internet addiction can cause social isolation. People who are addicted to the internet are more lonely and socially isolated than those who are not addicted to the internet, according to Saadati et al., in their 2021 article published in the SSM – Population Health Journal. This could be due to the fact that internet addicts spend an excessive amount of time online, and they neglect their social connections with friends and family.
On the other hand, social isolation can also cause internet addiction. People who are lonely are more likely to spend a lot of time on the internet. These people are more likely to develop excessive internet use behavioral patterns, as they may see it as an easy way to cope with their loneliness and interact with other people.
An internet addiction can have a negative impact on one’s social life. An internet addiction causes a person to spend an excessive amount of time on the internet. As individuals increasingly prioritize their online activities, they may find themselves spending less time engaging with peers and family members.
This gradual withdrawal from real-world interactions can contribute to a sense of social isolation and loneliness as meaningful connections with friends and acquaintances begin to dwindle.
Yes, there are positive effects of being socially isolated. Time alone with yourself could allow for reflection on the last couple of years in terms of your job and personal life. Social isolation could also be relaxing for people who live a very busy and fast-paced lifestyle.
Taking time off from social and work commitments lets you slow down and unwind for a day or two. These quiet moments of solitude also help you plan your future goals, both in work and personal life.
Moreover, being alone often boosts creativity. Engaging in solitary activities like writing poetry or practicing a musical instrument sparks creativity. It’s a wonderful opportunity to work on neglected creative projects such as pottery, painting, composing songs, or even gardening.
Excessive internet usage is associated with low self-esteem, impulsiveness, poor sleep patterns, depression, suicide, and various other mental health disorders, according to Aderinto in his 2022 article published in the International Journal of Surgery: Global Health.
There is a strong correlation between a person’s mental health, quality of life, and internet usage behaviors. Thus excessive internet usage has a viable impact on one’s mental health and overall quality of life.
An internet dependency also has a negative impact on the social and physical well-being of a person. These addicts tend to lose friends and family, become socially isolated, and lose or gain weight at an alarming rate.
No, internet addiction is not an official disorder recognized by the DSM-5. However, it is a controversial topic in the medical field, and opinions differ. According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, a disorder is an abnormal physical or mental condition.
Healthcare professionals who do recognize internet addiction typically classify it as an impulse control disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is also often used as an umbrella term for other internet-related mental illness disorders, such as internet gaming disorder.
No, social isolation itself is not considered an illness, but it does have substantial mental health impacts. Studies have indicated that the impact of loneliness and social isolation on one’s health could be comparable to that of obesity or smoking 15 cigarettes daily, according to Amy Novotney in her 2019 article “The risks of social isolation,” published by the American Psychological Association. Research links social isolation to a heightened dementia risk of approximately 40%, while loneliness is linked to elevated occurrences of depression, anxiety, and suicide.
The ways to prevent internet addiction and social isolation are listed below.
Social media can significantly contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness. A 2023 article published by Regis College titled “Does Social Media Create Isolation?” states that social media can lead to feelings of social isolation by exposing users to unrealistic or distorted portrayals of their friends and family’s lives.
In addition to distorted portrayals, excessive use of social media can also lead to the fear of missing out (FOMO) and feeling excluded, thus, increasing feelings of isolation. Despite this, the convenience of social media has led to the development of social media addiction. Social media addiction typically develops as people spend hours per day on social media platforms in search of a real connection to friends and family.
The negative effects of social isolation are listed below.
Yes, there are positive aspects of internet usage that can counteract the negative effects of isolation.The internet allows people to keep in touch and keep up with friends and family across any distance. Before the internet, this was not possible with the same convenience and speed.
The internet can be used to connect with others, build relationships, and build communities, which can help to counteract the negative effects of social isolation.
Introversion is a personality trait, whereas social isolation refers to a lack of social connections. Introverts find comfort in moments of solitude, using them as an opportunity to recharge and reflect. They have a circle of friends and acquaintances with whom they do engage, but they also value the peacefulness that comes with being alone. While they may not be very talkative, their attentive listening skills make them trustworthy companions who can provide support and guidance when discussing worries and issues. Normal introversion is common as introverts make up between 25% – 40% of the population, according to Kendra Cherry in her 2022 article, “8 Signs You’re an Introvert”, published on Verywell Mind.
On the other hand, social isolation is often observed in individuals who are facing mental or physical issues. For many, isolating themselves becomes a way to escape the pressures of life. Those struggling with anxiety and depression may withdraw from interactions to protect themselves from the expectations of others. Similarly, individuals dealing with addiction or alcoholism might choose isolation because they feel ashamed about their actions, making it difficult for them to maintain relationships.
Chelsea McEntegart
Admissions Manager
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