Emergence of New Mental Disorders Result of the Internet

By admin October 23, 2013 14:31
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technologyBy: Taylor Pineda

It is inevitable that the internet and mobile devices are primary tools of our ever day life, and are likely unavoidable. So what are the repercussions of internet and mobile device use? According to a new study by TechHive, there is a recent emergence of at least 8 new psychological diseases directly linked to the use of internet and mobile devices.

On one hand technology saves lives, on another it has negative implications on mental health. The first condition is called Phantom ringing syndrome; in which 70% of people who use mobile phones have experienced a phantom buzzing sensation, which makes them think their phone is ringing. According to experts, as mobile technology moves toward visual stimulation, it is possible one day people will start seeing images that aren’t really there.

According to a report from The Daily Mail, Nomophobia, or the fear of not having access to a mobile device is another negative implication. This may affect as many as 77% of individuals, depending on the age group examined. Overall, 66% of all mobile users experience this anxiety, which can be related to a dead cell battery or forgetting a phone.

In addition to dependence of mobile devices, one may also feel physically ill. Caused by a disease called  cybersickness, or what computer experts call the parallax effect. This is a 3D imagery process used on many smart phones and devices which makes icons appear to float on top of the screen. This tricks the brain into feeling motion sickness even though it is not moving.

The “like” button on Facebook has all new meaning with the creation of Facebook depression. Lack of social interactions may lead to depression. Individuals either post positive images and statements, making others believe their lives are better than others, or posts can be negative, drawing people into depressing drama.

Moderation is key to your internet and mobile device use. The internet action disorder may be a result of a larger disease falling under the blanket of depression. If you cannot disconnect from your electronics, or doing so causes you anguish and pain, you should seek help.

One of the less noticed diseases, but still prevalent, is the addiction of online gaming. People have died from this disease as a result of a heart attack or heart failure. The triggering of a reward system of the brain falsely engages and stimulates interactions.

Cyberchondria, similar to hypochondria, affects individuals who believe they have self-diagnosed themselves through medical conditions read online, often times believing worse-case scenarios.  

Of all the new mental disorders out there, the Google effect is being reported as one of the scariest. Possibly being an issue throughout the entire internet-using population. Constant access to unlimited information makes the brain retain less, actually making people less intelligent.

Depression, an already common disease is reported to amplify in some cases due to internet usage. Research from experts in Australia and China in 2010 found teenagers who regularly use the internet have a 2.5 times increased risk for depression. “This result suggests that young people who are initially free of mental health problems but use the internet pathologically could develop depression as a consequence,” the authors wrote.

By admin October 23, 2013 14:31

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