Digital addiction: The new disease of an Internet-dependent society

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• November 1, 2021

Digital addiction, particularly Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD), is impacting 14 percent of the global population. The disruptive impacts and implications of IAD include deteriorated physical health, reduced workplace productivity, strained healthcare systems. However, it could stimulate growth in digital wellness industries and drive changes in educational practices, environmental strategies, and regulatory policies.

Digital addiction context

Internet Addiction Disorder, while not yet officially recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, has garnered significant attention in the medical community, particularly among organizations such as the US National Institutes of Health. This institution estimates that 14 percent of the global population has an Internet addiction. Broadly defined, this disorder manifests as an overpowering dependency on internet-enabled devices, consequently compromising an individual's ability to manage their time effectively, perform tasks at work, or maintain healthy relationships in the real world. 

To better understand and address this pervasive issue, the Addiction Center has identified five primary forms of digital addiction: cybersex addiction, net compulsion, cyber-relationship addiction, compulsive information seeking, and computer or gaming addiction. Cybersex addiction and cyber-relationship addiction are characterized by an unhealthy fixation on online sexual activities or relationships, respectively, often at the expense of real-world interactions. Net compulsion encompasses a range of behaviors, including excessive online shopping and gambling, while compulsive information seeking refers to an obsessive need to constantly stay updated with information or news online. 

Several research suggests that these addictive behaviors may be linked to changes in the structure of the brain, which can lead to a diminished capacity to focus. For instance, a study conducted by the Department of Radiology at the Ren Ji Hospital in Shanghai highlighted that adolescents with IAD had significantly more white matter abnormalities in their brains compared to control subjects. These abnormalities were associated with emotional generation and processing, executive attention, decision making, and cognitive control, all of which can be significantly affected by digital addiction. 

Disruptive impact

Research has shown that excessive internet use can lead to sedentary behaviors, resulting in obesity, cardiovascular problems, and musculoskeletal issues related to poor posture. Additionally, it can disrupt sleep patterns, causing chronic fatigue and further impacting one's ability to focus and perform daily tasks. These physical health issues, combined with mental health concerns like depression and anxiety, can result in a diminished quality of life over the long term.

In addition, companies may face increasing productivity challenges as IAD becomes more prevalent among employees. An individual grappling with digital addiction may find it challenging to stay focused on work tasks due to the compulsive need to check social media, online shopping sites, or games. Employers will need to develop new strategies for managing this issue, possibly through offering digital wellness programs.

Government bodies may also need to recognize the long-term societal implications of widespread digital addiction. This disorder could worsen unemployment or underemployment, as individuals struggle to maintain jobs due to their internet dependency. Furthermore, the healthcare system may face increased burden as more people seek treatment for physical and mental health problems associated with this disorder. 

As a preventative measure, governments could look to introducing educational programs at schools to teach children about the potential dangers of excessive internet use, or they could regulate the design of addictive digital interfaces. A model to consider is South Korea, which has been proactive in recognizing and addressing digital addiction, implementing measures such as the Shutdown Law, which restricts the online gaming access of youths during late-night hours. 

Applications for digital addiction 

Wider implications of digital addiction may include: 

• The video gaming industry being required to incorporate digital well-being in their games.
• Psychologists and psychiatrists developing specific treatments for different types of digital addiction.
• Social media platforms being regulated to ensure that their applications do not contribute to Internet dependency.
• Increased demand in online therapy platforms and counseling services specializing in digital addiction, using machine learning and AI algorithms to tailor treatments to individual needs.
• Schools incorporating digital wellness and internet safety courses into their curricula, leading to a generation more aware and resilient against digital addiction. 
• New labor laws or workplace regulations with stringent rules on internet usage during work hours or mandatory digital detox periods.
• A rise in industries focused on digital wellness, such as apps promoting screen time reduction or companies offering digital detox retreats. 
• Accelerated cycle of device turnover, leading to increased electronic waste and requiring effective e-waste recycling strategies.
• Governments implementing policies limiting the design of addictive digital interfaces or providing funding for research and treatment programs related to digital addiction.

Questions to comment on

• Do you think tech firms should prioritize including digital well-being in their apps and sites? Why or why not?
• What steps do you take to ensure that you don’t get addicted to the Internet?