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Excessive internet usage leads to high stress, adverse mental health in teens: Study

Our dependence on the internet for everyday things is increasing, and so are the negative consequences, according to research.

A new study conducted by researchers in South Korea has found that this has had a particularly negative impact on teenagers, linking increased internet use in teens to adverse mental health impacts and suicide ideation.

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The study – entitled ‘Impact of Internet usage time on mental health in adolescents: Using the 14th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey 2018’ – involved a survey which examined over 28,000 high school students aged 16 to 18 to understand the effects of too much screen time.The group with above-average internet usage rates had poorer subjective health, higher stress levels, and feelings of sadness and suicidal ideation compared to the group with below-average internet usage.

In the above-average internet usage category, there were around 3,500 (12.3 percent) male respondents and 4,138 (13.5 percent) female users.

The researchers found that internet usage times differed according to grade level, sex, the type of school, economic status, academic achievement, living arrangements, and experience of violence. Internet usage was the highest amongst students who were either female, of a low economic status, low academic achievement, as well as those who experienced violence or lived in a children’s home.

“Internet usage time differed according to subjective health status, stress, feelings of sadness, and suicidal ideation,” the report stated, adding that internet usage time was higher among those who reported having poor health, high stress levels, feelings of sadness, or suicidal ideation.

“To effectively manage Internet usage time, interventions to lower Internet usage and leisure programs that could replace Internet usage need to be developed,” the researchers wrote, adding that the internet penetration rate in most developed countries exceeded 90 percent, with the number of internet users consistently rising.

Throughout the pandemic, internet use among adolescents increased, using the internet for various purposes such as education, entertainment, and communication.

“While the Internet has a variety of favorable functions, such as sharing of information, communication, and stress relief, excessive Internet usage can create issues such as dependence and interference with daily living, thereby posing a significant public health problem,” they wrote.

The transitional nature of the adolescence period means that individuals undergo a lot of drastic adjustments physically, mentally, and socially, alongside “crises related to academic stress, peer relations, and school adaptation.”

“Internet usage in adolescence has been shown to be associated with emotional and physical problems,” the study stated, adding that this is particularly crucial when taking into consideration the changes that adolescents go through as they have yet to establish “a self-identity, they are vulnerable to becoming dependent and addicted to internet use,” and that it could also be associated with psychosocial problems, such as failing to distinguish between the real and virtual worlds, the report stated.

Other adverse factors associated with excessive internet usage included “maladaptation in life, poor academic progress, and avoidance of interpersonal relationships, as well as excessive fatigue and reduced sleep duration.”

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Central Avenue Dubai exclusive UAE residents offer. Get 10% off the best flexible rate, and
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Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest at ADIHEX 2024: A celebration of ancestral elegance

The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) announce the return of the prestigious Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest, a unique initiative aimed at highlighting the significance of purebred hunting dogs and fostering a connection between the new generation and their rich ancestral heritage.
Under the esteemed patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club (EFC), this iconic event is scheduled from 31st August to 8th September, 2024, at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, celebrating the blending of deep Emirati cultural traditions with cutting-edge innovation and technology across 11 diverse sectors.
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The Arabian Saluki Centre was established in Abu Dhabi in 2001 alongside the Emirates Falconers’ Club, marking the first facility of its kind in the Arabian Gulf region and the Middle East, to revive the tradition of desert hunting using Saluki dogs, a cherished aspect of desert heritage.
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The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest, held during ADIHEX, is more than a beauty pageant. It celebrates the essence of the Saluki by focusing on the dog’s personality, skills, reflexes, and sensory response. Unlike typical dog competitions, this contest evaluates the Saluki’s breed characteristics, behaviour, overall appearance, structure, hunting skills, and psychological traits. Judging criteria include the dog’s gait, head, eyes, mouth, ears, coat, colour, and general impression.
The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest is an integral part of ADIHEX’s mission to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the UAE and the wider Arab world. This contest not only showcases the beauty and abilities of the Saluki but also plays a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of preserving traditional hunting practices and the Saluki’s role in them.
This year’s competition will feature four categories: ‘Smooth (Hoss) Males,’ ‘Feathery (Aryash) Males,’ ‘Smooth (Hoss) Females,’ and ‘Feathery (Aryash) Females.’ The event is scheduled to take place during ADIHEX 2024, and, per the rules, participants must ensure their dogs are healthy, microchipped, and vaccinated.
The Saluki’s enduring legacy is celebrated through this competition, which draws participants and spectators from across the region and beyond. It provides a platform for Saluki enthusiasts to connect, share their passion, and celebrate a breed that has remained virtually unchanged for millennia, reflecting the diverse hunting landscapes and traditions of the Middle East.
Aside from the alluring Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest, as the largest edition of ADIHEX to date, the 21st edition will showcase thousands of brands across 11 diverse sectors, offering a dynamic platform for new business opportunities and captivating audiences of all ages. This exhibition celebrates the thrill of an adventurous outdoor lifestyle, allowing visitors to explore falconry, hunting, equestrian sports, veterinary products, fishing and marine sports, environmental preservation, cultural heritage, arts and crafts, and the latest in technology and innovation across all the represented sectors.

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Sharjah Ruler directs allocation of beach for women in Khorfakkan’s Al Luluyah area

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