ADHD AND INTERNET ADDICTION

Recent years have witnessed a significant surge in both ADHD and Internet Addiction, surprising many who never foresaw the potential for internet dependency. However, public perception has since shifted, illuminating the gravity and consequences of internet addiction in our modern society.

The Impact of Short-Form Social Media Content

The rise of short-form social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube shorts, and Instagram reels has contributed to diminishing attention spans and an increasing reliance on smartphones for entertainment. Extensive scientific research, with over 300 studies, substantiates this trend, underscoring internet addiction disorder as a medically rooted concern. Notably, South Korea has identified approximately 10 million individuals, roughly 20% of its population, as being at a considerable risk of developing internet addiction disorder.

ADHD and Its Connection to Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD)

What about ADHD? What is it, and how does it relate to internet addiction disorder (IAD)? ADHD stands for Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, a condition that affects approximately 3% of the global population. It exhibits issues with attentiveness and impulsiveness.. Individuals with ADHD may exhibit restlessness and irritability when required to focus on a task for extended periods. They are also more prone to addictive behaviors, including IAD. Around 20% of young adults with ADHD also experience IAD.

Recognizing the Signs of Internet Addiction

How can one recognize the signs of internet addiction? There are several indicators to be aware of:

• Limited access to the internet may lead to feelings of irritability or aggression.
• Difficulty stopping internet use despite having other important commitments
• Feeling unhappy, sad, or depressed when not online
• Constant thoughts about favorite internet activities when offline
• Concealing the extent of internet usage from others due to fear of their reaction
• Sacrificing social activities or previous interests in favor of spending more time online

Addressing Internet Addiction for Individuals with ADHD

For individuals with ADHD, IAD poses particular challenges because internet use is a highly stimulating activity that triggers dopamine release in their brains. As a result, they have a significant amount of unstructured free time as they spend the majority of it using internet-connected devices. To address this, individuals with ADHD can take various steps such as using specialized apps to limit internet usage and replacing internet activities with healthier alternatives like sports.Strongly recommend seeking professional help.

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