The Development Of The Internet Affect The Mental Health Of Teenagers
In this emerging era when resources are gradually scarce but technology is constantly evolving, technology is already a tool that penetrates everyone’s bones. Whether it is our mobile phones, TVs, or computers, they are all changing our lives imperceptibly. And with the advent of the Internet, countless technologies have been woven and integrated by this invisible web, and finally formed the modern and convenient society that we enjoy today. Perhaps more than ten years ago, people could not imagine that a small screen could accomplish almost all the necessary tasks in life, but now, no one would deny the value that a screen can bring to life. However, for a specific group-teenagers, the Internet is undoubtedly a double-edged sword for them. While bringing them convenience, it will gradually cause some harm to themselves or their mental health.
Although cyber violence is already a commonplace issue. In other words, almost every adult, adolescent, or child has suffered from online violence. But the group we need to pay particular attention to is undoubtedly those young people who have already suffered from mental illness. In the article from University of Nevada, Reno-Impact of Social Media on Youth Mental Health: Statistics, Tips & Resources, the author writes that according to the National Institute of Mental Health, the prevalence of any lifelong mental illness among adolescents is 49.5 %. And 22.2% of teenagers will suffer from severe mental disorders in their lifetime. (University of Nevada, Reno,2019) It can be seen from these real data that the group of young people with mental disorders is already a relatively large group that cannot be ignored. So we can imagine that the impact of cyber violence on these groups can be doubled. For these people with mental disorders, even some slightly ironic words may make them make very dangerous actions. For example, when a teenager suffering from severe depression posts his mental state on the Internet seeking sympathy, some harsh netizens may comment-don’t be so hypocritical or deliberately miserable. Then these comments are likely to cause a fatal blow to his already fragile mental state. In fact, there are many things we can do for individuals and the government. If we can classify websites more reasonably or filter users with mental disorders, this group can use the Internet more comfortably.
As one of the most important products of network tools, social media has clearly changed people’s lifestyles. Its appearance not only shortens the distance between people, but also expands people’s circle of friends to a certain extent. But for some teenagers, social media can also have a certain impact on their mental health. In the article from University of Nevada, Reno-Impact of Social Media on Youth Mental Health: Statistics, Tips & Resources, the author writes, regardless of age, 20% of people who have at least one social media account need every three hours Check the account once. Otherwise they will feel very anxious. (University of Nevada, Reno,2019) From this phenomenon, we can see that both teenagers and adults will feel anxious about not using social media for a long time. And for teenagers whose psychology is not so mature, this anxiety is more likely to double. Therefore, controlling the time that teenagers use social media is an urgent matter. In fact, in my personal opinion, I think it is a good way to set the number of times to use social media every day for different ages.
Among the factors that affect the mental health of adolescents by the Internet, addiction to online games is undoubtedly the most harmful and worthy of attention. In Jason Shiers’ article Expert advice on gaming addiction in young people and children, the author mentioned that when young people become dependent on online games, they usually have the following behaviors. First, when parents interrupt their games, they will be angry and quarrel with their parents. Second, when they leave the game world, they will have a strong sense of urgency to return to the game. Third, long-term immersion in the game world will make young people feel lonely due to lack of communication with others. Fourth, long-term cessation of playing games may make game addicted teenagers become depressed. (Jason Shiers, 2020) From the situation given in the article, it can be seen that the harm of game addiction is great for teenagers. At the same time, even with a good game rating system and anti-addiction system, I think the supervision of family members and teachers is extremely important. If some parents fail to supervise their children’s online time due to work or their own reasons, no matter how good the anti-addiction monitoring system is, it will not work.
In conclusion, the products derived from the development of the Internet deeply affect our current lives. But at the same time, for young people, their mental health will also be affected by the development of the Internet. Therefore, I hope that in the near future, better network supervision can reduce the negative effects of the Internet on young people in the future.
Resources:Impact of Social Media on Youth Mental Health. (2019, December 30). Retrieved December 09, 2020, from https://onlinedegrees.unr.edu/online-master-of-public-health/impact-of-social-media-on-youth-mental-health/
Online gaming in young people and children. (2020, January 08). Retrieved December 09, 2020, from https://www.internetmatters.org/hub/news-blogs/expert-advice-on-gaming-addiction-in-young-people-and-children/
