Internet Addiction Among Youth: Physical and Mental Health

Introduction and Definitional Framework

Addictive use of the internet is not necessarily a new phenomenon; however, practitioners are often unaware of the actual negative implications — both physical and mental — that come with internet addiction. Takeshi Sato's extensive research into internet addiction among Japanese youth has illuminated many physical and mental problems associated with prolonged addiction. He argues that Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) among youth is underestimated because there has been little formal definitional work on what IAD actually is. A comparison of internet addiction with traditional methods of addiction diagnosis helps map out the relative complexity of IAD. The DSM-IV model shows that prior research defined internet addiction as an "impulse control disorder that does not entail an intoxicant." Using models based on gambling addiction, Sato formulated criteria for dissecting internet addiction through the DSM-IV model, which has significantly shaped how we can view internet addiction.

In his landmark work Caught in the Net, Young set about creating a definitive diagnostic instrument using the DSM-IV, which resulted in the Internet Addiction Test (IAT). This test, along with patient feedback, has painted an alarming picture of IAD — especially among youth. Using the IAT among youth worldwide, internet addiction, particularly within college populations, has risen over 200% in the past five years. In Korea, 39.6% of college-age teenagers were found to have mild to severe IAD, with detrimental effects on both their physical and psychological health.

With regard to the characteristics of internet addiction among youth, Greenberg reported that there are specific gender patterns associated with addictive tendencies. Analysis of individual behaviors within substantive studies shows that men have much higher levels of addiction to cigarettes, alcohol, video games, and internet use. His research further identifies a strong connection between low self-esteem and internet addiction, finding that self-esteem was the strongest predictor of IAD and of the amount of time spent online per week. Among Korean youth, depression and suicidal ideation were highest among the IAD group.

Physical and Mental Health Consequences of IAD

Research into physical health afflictions as a direct result of IAD among youth is less than encouraging. IAD as diagnosed through the DSM-IV method displays similar characteristics and physical symptoms to other addictions. Wieland explains that traditional physical manifestations of IAD include "cyber shakes," which occur when addiction withdrawal becomes internalized. For youth, this is an especially serious concern because physical addiction at an early age results in intensified behavior. At the first sign of physical addiction symptoms such as "cyber shakes," youth tend to significantly prolong their internet use and thus neglect themselves physically. Severe cases of starvation and malnutrition have been observed in those who display physical symptoms of addiction. Dry eyes and carpal tunnel syndrome are also observable physical problems associated with such addiction.

Wieland has further found that a disturbing trend is the lack of attention that results from consistent internet use and IAD among youth. Internet addiction has been shown to cause a detachment from the physical environment, and as a result, young people develop a notable lack of attention and focus with respect to their daily reality. This is indicative of poor judgment and results in "lower grades in school, job loss, and indebtedness." Another strongly associated physical symptom is the persistence of migraines. Wieland observes that 40% of severe IAD youth take medication for migraines — a condition that can develop into lifelong problems that are often difficult or impossible to cure.

The physical health of young internet addicts is difficult to assess, partly because physical health problems often result from psychological addiction and are therefore attributed to general addictive behavior rather than internet use specifically. The negligence of addicts with respect to their health causes indirect health problems that may not be directly linked to IAD, yet internet use lies at the heart of how such problems arise and must be understood.

Although emotional withdrawal has been identified as the principal mental dysfunction associated with internet addiction, such emotional distress tends to be a predictor of deeper psychological problems. Katherine Chak's recent research shows that individuals drawn to internet addiction tend to already exhibit behavioral tendencies toward shyness. The less "faith a person has, the firmer belief the person holds in the irresistible powers of others and the higher trust the person places on chance in determining his or her own course of life." Social withdrawal among youth with IAD can have severe effects on their future success in both personal and professional life.

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