NEW DOPE ON DIGITAL ADDICTION

Doctors are warning of Problematic Internet Use Disorder and Internet Gaming Disorder among youth stuck on gadgets and the online life

Medical professionals in the UAE are warning that addiction to smartphones and technology among young people can be as powerful as addiction to gambling and drugs, with its own host of health and psychological problems.

In many developed nations — the UAE included — it isn’t uncommon to see young children on a tablet or smartphone, with their parents besides them seemingly oblivious to any potential health risks.

“Mental health risks of increasing addiction to technology, specifically internet usage, are clear and present,” said Dr Binu George, Consultant Paediatrician (paediatric neurodevelopment and neurodisability) at King’s College Hospital London Medical and Surgical Centre in Abu Dhabi. “Excessive access to digital media, the internet and especially online gaming has in fact given rise to new mental health conditions . ... a couple of these new conditions are called Problematic Internet Use Disorder and Internet Gaming Disorder.”

According to Dr George, studies have shown that ‘‘problematic’’ internet use is extremely widespread among young people.

“The prevalence of ‘problematic’ internet use among children and adolescents is between 4 per cent and 8 per cent, and up to 8.5 per cent of US youth 8 to 18 meet the criteria for internet gaming disorder,” he said.

Another expert, Dr Andrea Tosatto of the Dubaibased Synergy Integrated Medical Centre, noted that compulsive use of devices among young people — and adults — triggers the same processes in the brain as other vices.

“It dispenses dopamine and other hormones, and they (devices) trigger the production of these hormones within our brain. If you get a ‘like’ on Facebook or write something cool, you get dopamine,” he said. “The effects of gambling, porn and cocaine trigger the same hormones. The effects on the brain are the same.”

While Dr Tosatto said he doesn’t believe children are any more prone to compulsive Internet use in the UAE than in other countries, he noted that the high levels of Internet-penetration in the country mean that young people here are more exposed to the threat of addiction.

“Given the average lifestyle of young children, access (to technology) might increase compared to peers in other countries,” he said. “In Italy, for example, there is still a good number of teenagers without access to Internet, not by choice, but for economic and social reasons. In some way, this protects them.”

“Here, (young people) have smart phones and computers, and are a bit more exposed,” he added.

Health Risks

Dr George noted that a variety of problems stems from overuse of technology among young people.

“It is well-recognised that the use of media while engaged in academic tasks has negative consequences on learning,” he said. “Research has also established links between media exposure and health behaviours among teenagers. Although there are some reported benefits from the use of social media in moderation, increased risks of depression are reported with the high rate of Internet use.”

“Obvious physical effects include the risk of obesity. The odds of being overweight were almost five times greater for adolescents, who watch more than 5 hours of TV per day compared to those who watch zero to 2 hours,” he added.

“Another issue is the effect on sleep. Studies show that those with higher social media use or who sleep with mobile devices in their rooms were at greater risk of sleep disturbances. The obvious risk of dry eyes due to reduced blinking frequency is also well documented.”

What can be done?

According to Dr Tosatto, a difficult — but sometimes necessary step — can be to remove devices from a child’s life entirely. “Every time you are addicted to something, it’s important to remove access to the medium,” he said.

“For example, if (a young person) is addicted to Facebook or a smart phone, remove them. It’s very difficult. Nowadays we are all a little bit addicted to that,” he added.

Dr George, for his part, noted that it is “imperative that parents monitor the amount and the quality of social media and technology use by their children.”

“There are websites that allow parents to calculate the allowed time per age, other activities and recommended sleep allowances,” he said. “Parents should also encourage a healthy lifestyle in children, including promoting exercise and physical activities.”