Mental health experts are urging Nigerians to take proactive steps to avoid internet addiction, warning that such dependency can lead to various mental, psychological, social, and physical health challenges. According to these experts, internet addiction may result in depression, low self-esteem, and even suicidal thoughts. They emphasize that excessive use of the internet, particularly through social media platforms, has significantly diminished the quality of family time. Many individuals are often seen engrossed in their devices, which weakens the familial bonds that were once strong before the internet’s widespread adoption.
Dr. Tosin Adekunle, a psychiatrist from the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the United Kingdom, and Chisom Grace, a consultant clinical psychologist at Garnetmind Services, stress the importance of addressing the factors that fuel internet addiction to mitigate its growing socio-psychological and health impacts. Dr. Adekunle explains that while the internet can enhance existing relationships and foster new social connections, it can also serve as an escape from social interactions, leading to increased feelings of loneliness. He notes that excessive internet use is linked to sleep disturbances, which can result in negative consequences such as exhaustion and a compromised immune system. Furthermore, the sedentary lifestyle associated with prolonged internet use can lead to physical issues like carpal tunnel syndrome, back strain, and eye strain.
To combat these problems, Dr. Adekunle suggests disrupting internet usage patterns by replacing routines with alternative activities, setting alarms to limit online sessions, and establishing goals. He emphasizes the need for parents to be proactive in preventing internet addiction in their children. While acknowledging the internet’s value for learning, he warns that excessive use can be detrimental. Parents are encouraged to set ground rules and maintain a balance between technology and family interactions. He advocates for a sustainable relationship with technology, where internet access does not come at the expense of physical activity and real-life connections. Setting screen time limits can help achieve a balance between online and offline activities.
Dr. Adekunle also advises parents to model appropriate technology use by establishing boundaries for work and family time. Engaging in technology as a family can help children learn self-regulation and understand when screen time interferes with other aspects of their lives. He highlights the benefits of parents participating in online activities with their children, as this allows for content vetting and fosters bonding through shared experiences. He further recommends that parents limit their children’s use of social media until at least the age of 13, introducing these platforms gradually to facilitate easier monitoring.
Chisom Grace adds that many individuals have become excessively attached to social media, often finding themselves isolated when they seek companionship. She points out that unhealthy sleep patterns can develop from late-night internet use, leading to insomnia. To mitigate these risks, she suggests that any gadgets given to children should have parental controls enabled. Creating Google accounts for minors linked to adult accounts allows parents to monitor their children’s online activities and restrict access to inappropriate content. Given that many children complete assignments online while parents are busy, establishing controlled accounts can help manage their internet usage even in the absence of direct supervision.
Research supports the concerns about internet addiction. A study published in BMC Psychology in 2021 found that internet addiction is prevalent among university students in Ethiopia, negatively impacting cognitive functioning and academic performance while increasing anxiety and stress. Another study in the Journal of Education and Health Promotion in 2020 highlighted the drastic effects of the internet on human behavior, noting both positive and negative outcomes. However, it concluded that excessive internet usage exposes users to the risk of addiction.
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