ICT addiction and mental health

Pages: 1616-1619
Atul (Department of Psychology, B.R.A Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, Bihar)

This research study tries to explore all negative impacts of Information And Communication Technology (ICT) addiction. Internet addiction disorder (IAD) is newly identified psychiatric disorder. American Psychiatric Association (APA) includes IAD as an impulse control disorder in new DSM-5, which does not involve use of an intoxicating drug. The intrusion of ICT (Information & Communication Technology) has affected every aspect of life across all ages, professions and occupations. It’s rapid and deep penetration has changed the mental horizon, concept and style of life entirely. There are a number of risk associated with ICT use, specially, negative effects on mental health. Maladaptive pattern of ICT use, leading control, and continued excessive use despite knowledge of negative effects, loss of interests excluding ICT, and use of the ICT to escape a Dysphoric Mood, along with these preoccupation or withdrawal symptoms must be attached. 86 % situations encountered in IAD included social phobia, depression, anxiety disorders, shyness, introversion, loneliness, substance addiction, sexual compulsivity, attention deficit, hyper activity disorder, personality disorders and dementia. IAD has 5 subtypes of addictions which are Cyber-sex addiction, Cyber-relationship addiction, Information Overload, Computer gaming addiction and Online Computer Gambling. The reason for ICT become so widespread in such as Cooper has defined under “Triple A Engine” (Access, Affordability, & Anonymity). These popularization facilitating factors may increase ICT Addiction. Regular using ICT initiate mood disorders and negative self-view. Those suffering from ICT addiction, use of vital fantasy world to connect real people through the internet, as substitution for real life human connection which they are unable to achieve normally. Impairments of real life relationship are disrupted as a result of the excessive use of the internet (ICT). Spend less time with real people in their lives and are often viewed as socially awkward. ICT have play a significant role in making people become more isolated. Lack of face to face contact could alter the way genes work, upset immune response, hormonal levels, function of arteries and influence mental performance. This could be increase the risk of health problem like cancer, stroke, heart disease and dementia. Face to face interaction has sharply fallen with increase in use of ICT. It has the first evidence that social isolation is linked to alterations in human gene transcription. DNA analysis showed 209 genes were differentially expressed for people with high level of social isolation. Immediate attention is required from Mental Health Professionals to deal with such new emerging problems, which are affecting society at large level.