Internet addiction – A silent scourge of public health concern

Dear Editor, The article “Multipronged effects of increased screen time on nutritional imbalance: A cross-sectional study of students aged 6–16 years in Amritsar” sheds light on a significant concern regarding the impact of increased screen time on the health and well-being of students.[1] It underscores the need for addressing this issue, given the pervasive use of the internet and social media in today’s society. The internet has become an integral part of daily life, permeating all aspects of society globally. As of April 2022, there were 5.32 billion mobile users (67%) and 5.00 billion internet users (63%), with 4.65 billion people (58.7%) using social media globally. The annual growth rate of internet users is 4.1%, equivalent to 196 million people. On average, individuals spend 6 hours and 57 minutes per day on connected activities, with younger individuals, particularly young women, spending more time online than older generations.[2] It has been estimated that 20%–40% of college students in India are at risk for internet addiction.[3] Internet addiction is mainly due to developing brains’ sensitivity to signals of excitement, making it difficult for them to control their internet use.[4] It can lead to withdrawal symptoms, prompting individuals to spend more time online. It affects various life aspects, including work, school, and relationships, and has serious health implications such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, and disrupted eating and sleep patterns.[5] Studies have also emphasized the importance of distinguishing technology use by intent and necessity, highlighting that essential usage time is negatively linked to mental fatigue.[4] The statistics provided highlight the need for proactive measures to mitigate the negative effects of excessive screen time, calling for significant policy interventions by the Government of India. India currently lacks specific nationwide laws targeting internet addiction. In addition, even the diagnostic criteria for internet addiction in the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD 11) and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM 5) are not comprehensive. It is thus crucial for India to take remedial measures. A multifaceted approach that addresses both individual behaviors and societal factors is required. Strategies such as creating awareness campaigns to educate about internet addiction and healthy usage can be initiated. Healthier digital habits can be promoted by encouraging parental supervision of children’s screen time and the content they access. Digital detox programs that disconnect individuals from technology and engage them in offline activities such as sports, hobbies, and social interactions to bring about a balanced technology use can be conducted. Introducing regulations and legislation to limit access to certain online content or activities, especially for minors, and enforcing restrictions on internet cafes and gaming centers can also be done. Implementing these measures would require collaboration between government agencies, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and the community to address the complex issue of internet addiction effectively. Policymakers need to urgently introduce intervention strategies to reduce problematic internet use, encourage healthier food choices, and cultivate healthy eating habits among young adults. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.