Excessive computer use increases susceptibility to anxiety and depression
Latest statistics reveal that among the world's over 200 million internet users, approximately 11.4 million suffer from some form of internet-related psychological disorder, accounting for roughly 6% of the online population. The onset age for internet-related psychological disorders ranges from 15 to 45 years old, with males comprising 98.5% of cases and females 1.5%.
The concepts of "psychological death (premature aging)" and "cyber psychological disorders" share some overlap. Research indicates that individuals who use computers for prolonged periods are more susceptible to psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder compared to the general population."Excessive computer use does indeed increase susceptibility to various emotional disorders," experts note. This so-called "psychological death (premature aging)" is closely linked to internet addiction, sharing common underlying factors.
College Students' "Emptiness" and Internet Dependency Form a Vicious Cycle
Xiao Hua has been in college for over half a year. If his lack of focus last semester was due to exploring new experiences, this semester—with everything settled—he's only worsened. Sitting at his computer, he logs into QQ out of boredom, chatting aimlessly with strangers even when he has nothing to do.
This feeling is terrifying. With piles of academic work looming, I end up copying others' assignments at the last minute. Studying seems like an afterthought—entertainment is the priority. It's not that I lack goals; I have several. But somehow, I've lost my drive. I've reminded myself countless times, made plans repeatedly, and tried fresh starts over and over... Yet I remain just as sluggish.
Editor's Picks: College Students Should Reject Emptiness; College Students' Minds Are Also "Malnourished"
Office Workers Must Avoid Internet Addiction
Due to constant computer use, many office workers exhibit symptoms of internet addiction, experiencing behavioral difficulties when away from computers and returning to normal life.
Internet addiction refers to a phenomenon where excessive internet use causes significant social and psychological harm. Those addicted often spend excessive time and energy chatting or browsing online without clear purpose or restraint, damaging their health and exhibiting behavioral abnormalities, psychological disorders, personality disorders, and partial autonomic nervous system dysfunction.Typical manifestations include: depressed mood, loss of pleasure or interest, sleep disturbances, disrupted circadian rhythms, decreased appetite and weight loss, fatigue, psychomotor agitation or retardation, diminished self-esteem and reduced capability, slowed thinking, suicidal ideation and behavior, reduced social engagement, heavy smoking, alcohol consumption, and substance abuse.
Simultaneously, research suggests internet addiction correlates with other mental health issues like depression, impulse control disorders, and low self-esteem, or personal factors such as poor social relationships, lack of friends, dissatisfaction with appearance, and disabilities. Individuals prone to addiction often exhibit distinct personality traits before developing internet addiction, including excessive shyness, introversion, and social withdrawal.
Experts note that prolonged screen exposure causes eye strain and head tension; individuals experience low energy, feeling mentally exhausted, with impaired concentration, memory, and comprehension. Spending most waking hours isolated from human interaction leads to diminished enthusiasm for life, weakened adaptability to new environments and experiences, and a lack of creativity and ambition.Lifestyles become simplistic and careless, making it difficult to find genuine interest. Individuals may grow sensitive, suspicious, self-centered, and prone to jealousy, easily arguing over minor issues or dwelling on people and events they dislike. They may become stubbornly set in their ways, lacking desire to change their circumstances, experiencing no excitement, and never reaching emotional peaks.
Reasonable Desires Are Life's "Vitality Boosters"
Frequent, prolonged computer use does necessitate guarding against premature psychological decline. First, maintain appropriate desires and cultivate a joyful mindset. A fable illustrates this well: After catching fish, a fisherman rested. A passerby asked, "Why not keep fishing?" The fisherman replied, "I've caught enough to sustain myself."The passerby countered, "Keep fishing and you could save up for a new boat, hire crew, start a company, buy a villa, and then lounge comfortably by the sea soaking up the sun." The fisherman replied, "But I'm already comfortably soaking up the sun by the sea!" Thus, whether life is joyful is entirely up to you.
Second, stay connected with family and friends through face-to-face interactions to strengthen bonds.Family members are the safest and most comfortable people to interact with. "Visit home often" isn't just a song lyric—maintaining mental health should start with fostering harmonious family relationships. Additionally, on weekends, holidays, and special occasions, instead of just texting or calling friends, why not try the most "primitive" method: gather a few friends to breathe fresh air in the countryside, or sit and chat in a café or bar.Many people use work fatigue as an excuse to stay indoors during holidays, yet this often yields less relaxation than going out to unwind.
Furthermore, actively participating in physical exercise can significantly release psychological pressure and alleviate fatigue. Exercise improves central nervous system function, enhancing the excitability, balance, and flexibility of cerebral cortex neural processes.