The Effects of Excessive Internet Use on Children's Mental Health

The rapid development of digital technology in recent times has precipitated a series of changes in every segment of human life. The Internet has become indispensable for members of developed societies, being intimately interwoven into the fabric of everyday life and boasting a vast user base. The technology offers numerous features that make it particularly attractive, including anonymity, impersonality, interactivity, accessibility, immediacy, and communication opportunities. With its spread, previous barriers such as distance and time have been rendered obsolete. However, there is a growing recognition of its potentially detrimental consequences, including the promotion of sedentary behaviour and the deterioration of interpersonal relationships, as well as the emergence of the concept of "Internet addiction". While the effects and consequences of Internet use are well-documented, the research community has not yet reached a consensus on many issues, necessitating further investigation.