A Study of Addictive Behaviors, Physical, Psychological and Social Impact of Virtual Internet Usage in adolescents of Chandigarh, India

Abstract

Introduction 

Social media plays a significant role in shaping the identities of today's adolescents. They curate their online personas, often presenting idealized versions of themselves to their peers. This can lead to both positive and negative effects on self-esteem and self-image. In contrast, older generations may have had fewer opportunities to construct such curated identities online. Therefore, it is a need of time to study and research about effects of virtual reality on community so that adverse effects can be prevented which is the main goal of public health research.

Objective The study was conducted to assess the prevalence of addictive behaviors, to examine   the physical health consequences, to explore the psychological impact and to investigate the implications of virtual internet world on social behavior of adolescents.

Methods It is a cross-sectional observational community setting study conducted in adolescents of Chandigarh. It includes students from 6^th   to 10+2 ongoing school children. It includes representation from both government and private schools during year 2023. 

Results As per study 57.3% of adolescents shows mild to severe internet addiction. Internet gaming addiction is severe in 4.6% and moderate in 6.3% adolescents.  2% adolescents show severe online shopping addiction and 37.1% shows video streaming addiction out of which 16.3% shows moderate to severe addictive behavior. Social media has high addictive behavior of 42.2% and severe addiction of social media at 7.1% is quite alarming. 12% of adolescents shows mild to severe stress, 26% adolescents have moderate to severe anxiety and 28% of adolescents shows mild to extremely severe depression out of which about 8% has severe depression. Eyes strain (37.3%) and shoulder or back pain (31.4%) are the most observed physical discomforts associated with internet usage in adolescents of Chandigarh. 19% adolescents are socially isolated and more than half of adolescents are active on almost all social parameters. Facebook/Instagram is significantly associated with Stress, Anxiety and Depression in adolescents. WhatsApp/Telegram is also significantly associated with Stress. all five addictions are highly significantly correlated with Stress, Anxiety and Depression. Social Score is mostly inversely correlated with addictions except online shopping addiction which is positively correlated. Significant correlation of Social Score is only with video streaming addiction which means if adolescents are socially active there is significant reduction in video watching. Virtual internet world is affecting adolescents physically, psychologically and socially and even addictive behaviors are also seen.