How to Understand Teenage Internet Addiction

Teenagers and young adults are typically more tech-savvy than adults. There's a higher chance of these adolescents experiencing an obsession with internet use. Children experiencing behavioral, emotional, or psychological problems often find it challenging to stay away from the internet. This may develop into an addiction. Without adequate help, teenage addiction may cause young adults to withdraw from the real world. Instead, these teens prefer the internet version of living. Teens experiencing internet addiction may often isolate themselves from their peers and family.

Internet Addiction Behaviors to Look Out for in Teenagers

Is your teen experiencing internet addiction? Here are some of the behaviors to note:

• Failing school
• Rage
• Defiance
• Anger
• Depression
• Isolation

Failing School

Young adults who experience an obsession with the internet may have academic problems in school. They are often disinterested in any responsibilities that deter them from spending time on the internet. Therefore, these teenagers may miss assignments and sleep in class. There may be a gradual and continuous dip in teenagers' school work grades. The prolonged exposure of students to the internet harms their cognitive ability. It can also affect their ability to concentrate, learn and make decisions in their everyday life.

Rage

Teenagers who have an obsession with the internet exhibit adverse behaviors relating to rage. This addiction often leads to some physical and mental health issues. They typically have compelling behavioral disorders and are easily irritated. Also, these teenagers may have anxiety and rage outbursts when they are away from the internet. Excessive internet use by young adults negatively affects their emotional well-being. The obsession breeds negative emotions such as rage, hurt, and sadness.

Defiance

Young adults often defy and develop a bold resistance to the opposition. When an authority threatens to take the internet away from them, they boldly defy, and their behavior escalates. Defiant young adults often tend to be full of rage and frustration. Also, these teens may refuse to follow the rules and may often suffer from Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). They strongly disobey any authority figure in their life and push away from people because they feel insecure.

Anger

Although anger is typical and expected in teenagers, internet addiction breeds extreme anger. Young adults have intense feelings; therefore, any attempt to take the internet away leads to fierce anger. They quickly lose track of time while online and become agitated when reminded and interrupted. These teenagers exhibit aggressive behaviors and mostly resort to anger when an important figure in their lives criticizes them.

Depression

Teenagers with internet addiction may have a high risk of developing depression and other psychological problems. These young adults have no motivation to do anything and often become withdrawn and sad for no reason. Internet addiction makes teenagers feel helpless and hopeless when they are not online. When teenagers fail in school, they tend to feel insignificant, leading to depression. Most young adults with internet addiction also don't have anyone to talk to, leading to more depressive symptoms.

Isolation

Compulsive use of the internet by teenagers increases their risks of loneliness. These young adults are often shy and insecure and have low self-esteem. Teenagers are always isolating themselves from others and spending more time on the internet instead. Most adolescents experiencing internet addiction often lack emotional support and use the internet to distract themselves. Children experiencing the condition lack social interaction because they often run from the "real world" to avoid making certain independent decisions. Some teens may also worry about others' opinions about them, also leading to social anxiety.

Teen Treatment at Liahona Treatment Center

If you need help, reach out to us at Liahona. We help troubled young adults who struggle with internet addiction. We also offer individual, group, and family therapy. Contact us today to learn more about our program.