Elon Musk's Starlink service aims to link even the most deserted areas to the web. While a&nbsp;remote tribe in the Amazon has now connected with the world using Musk's services, things haven't gone quite how the community would have wanted. Elders of the tribe are complaining that the youngsters have gotten hooked to social media and pornographic content.

The Marubo tribe of Brazil which is located along the Itui River is known to be quite conservative. The ideals of the tribe don't permit kissing in public as well. With the wide variety of content available online, members are apprehensive of the impact this would have on the age-old customs of the tribe.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/melodi-vibe-sets-off-wave-of-congratulations-for-pm-modis-expected-third-term-728852">'Melodi' vibe sets off wave of congratulations for PM Modi's expected third term</a>

Tsainama Marubo, a member of the tribe told The New York Times, “When it arrived, everyone was happy. But now, things have gotten worse. Young people have gotten lazy because of the internet, they’re learning the ways of the white people.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-x-alters-porn-policy-adapts-system-which-blocks-under-18-users-728513">Elon Musk's X alters porn policy, adapts system which blocks under-18 users</a>

Social media has been known to wreak havoc in people's lives and the tribe also learned that the hard way.&nbsp;Initially, they saw the many positives to having an internet connection, such as unlimited access to resources online that let them dream about their future,&nbsp;abundant information on travelling the world or becoming a dentist. Internet access also helped&nbsp;people contact the concerned authorities in case of emergencies at the earliest.

However, the tribe was not ready to face the worst of the online world.&nbsp;The youth of the tribe is now so addicted to their phones that they are not even carrying out their routine tasks in the tribe. Men have been sharing pornographic content and it is being said that this has made them sexually more aggressive.

With the growing influence of the internet, members are concerned about the adverse impact it would have on the culture of the tribe.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Elon Musk's Starlink service aims to link even the most deserted areas to the web. While a remote tribe in the Amazon has now connected with the world using Musk's services, things haven't gone quite how the community would have wanted.

Elon Musk's Starlink service aims to link even the most deserted areas to the web. While a remote tribe in the Amazon has now connected with the world using Musk's services, things haven't gone quite how the community would have wanted. Elders of the tribe are complaining that the youngsters have gotten hooked to social media and pornographic content. The Marubo tribe of Brazil which is located along the Itui River is known to be quite conservative. The ideals of the tribe don't permit kissing in public as well. With the wide variety of content available online, members are apprehensive of the impact this would have on the age-old customs of the tribe. Also read | 'Melodi' vibe sets off wave of congratulations for PM Modi's expected third term Tsainama Marubo, a member of the tribe told The New York Times, “When it arrived, everyone was happy. But now, things have gotten worse. Young people have gotten lazy because of the internet, they’re learning the ways of the white people.” Also read | Elon Musk's X alters porn policy, adapts system which blocks under-18 users Social media has been known to wreak havoc in people's lives and the tribe also learned that the hard way. Initially, they saw the many positives to having an internet connection, such as unlimited access to resources online that let them dream about their future, abundant information on travelling the world or becoming a dentist. Internet access also helped people contact the concerned authorities in case of emergencies at the earliest. However, the tribe was not ready to face the worst of the online world. The youth of the tribe is now so addicted to their phones that they are not even carrying out their routine tasks in the tribe. Men have been sharing pornographic content and it is being said that this has made them sexually more aggressive. With the growing influence of the internet, members are concerned about the adverse impact it would have on the culture of the tribe. (With inputs from agencies)

A Brazilian tribe is hooked to porn and social media, and the adults are fuming

According to researchers, being addicted to the internet during adolescent years alters one's brain chemistry which can lead to an adverse impact on overall cognitive functioning. Adolescence is a period when the body goes through several changes be it physical or mental and thus the brain is more vulnerable to addiction during that phase.

The impact of internet addiction is not only limited to physical symptoms like headaches, weak eyesight, risk of obesity, etc. it also has larger implications such as mental health issues, behavioral changes, etc.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-woman-throws-milkshake-at-reform-uk-leader-nigel-farage-on-first-day-of-campaigning-728956">Watch: Woman throws milkshake at Reform UK leader Nigel Farage on first day of campaigning</a>

PLOS Mental Health published a study to understand the neural alteration that takes place in the brain due to addiction. It was concluded that the individuals who were addicted were slow in decision making and there was a decrease in functionality of parts of their brain that involved active thinking.

Study’s lead author and an MSc student at the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (GOS ICH), Max Chang told The Guardian, “The findings from our study show that this can lead to potentially negative behavioural and developmental changes that could impact the lives of adolescents. For example, they may struggle to maintain relationships and social activities, lie about online activity, and experience irregular eating and disrupted sleep.”

Watch |&nbsp;<a>Tornado wreaks havoc in South Africa, leads to large-scale destruction</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tornado-wreaks-havoc-in-south-africa-leads-to-large-scale-destruction-728972/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>What can be done to deal with the pressing problem of internet addiction?</h2>

The first step in seeking redressal to this problem is identifying that professional help is required and consulting a specialist. The specialist can recommend psychotherapy or suggest treatment for specific parts of the brain.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-nitish-kumar-tejashwi-yadav-in-same-flight-to-delhi-netizens-say-they-may-land-in-10-janpath-728890">Watch: Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Yadav&nbsp;sit next to each other on flight to Delhi</a>

Since adolescents are not mature enough to make decisions, parents need to be vigilant and keep a check on the screen usage of children and ensure that it is not excessive.

The most effective way to deal with internet addiction is to practice self-control and not let the internet dictate one's life.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

According to researchers, being addicted to the internet during adolescent years alters one's brain chemistry which can lead to an adverse impact on overall cognitive functioning.

According to researchers, being addicted to the internet during adolescent years alters one's brain chemistry which can lead to an adverse impact on overall cognitive functioning. Adolescence is a period when the body goes through several changes be it physical or mental and thus the brain is more vulnerable to addiction during that phase. The impact of internet addiction is not only limited to physical symptoms like headaches, weak eyesight, risk of obesity, etc. it also has larger implications such as mental health issues, behavioral changes, etc. Also read | Watch: Woman throws milkshake at Reform UK leader Nigel Farage on first day of campaigning PLOS Mental Health published a study to understand the neural alteration that takes place in the brain due to addiction. It was concluded that the individuals who were addicted were slow in decision making and there was a decrease in functionality of parts of their brain that involved active thinking. Study’s lead author and an MSc student at the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (GOS ICH), Max Chang told The Guardian, “The findings from our study show that this can lead to potentially negative behavioural and developmental changes that could impact the lives of adolescents. For example, they may struggle to maintain relationships and social activities, lie about online activity, and experience irregular eating and disrupted sleep.” Watch | Tornado wreaks havoc in South Africa, leads to large-scale destruction What can be done to deal with the pressing problem of internet addiction? The first step in seeking redressal to this problem is identifying that professional help is required and consulting a specialist. The specialist can recommend psychotherapy or suggest treatment for specific parts of the brain. Also read | Watch: Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Yadav sit next to each other on flight to Delhi Since adolescents are not mature enough to make decisions, parents need to be vigilant and keep a check on the screen usage of children and ensure that it is not excessive. The most effective way to deal with internet addiction is to practice self-control and not let the internet dictate one's life. (With inputs from agencies)

Researchers say internet addiction can lead to altered neural activity in adolescents

This might come as a bittersweet news for some Chinese parents and children if reports are to be believed, children under age 18 will be restricted access to their smartphones in China. The country's latest move is aimed at curbing the growing internet addiction in kids.

China: Strict rules for internet-addicted minors, kids between 16-18 to get 2 hours mobile access

Internet addiction is a real issue. However intense it may be, it cannot be justified to&nbsp;put&nbsp;children in solitary confinement. That’s what happened in China.

A group of men who ran a de-addiction centre for kids who can’t get off their screens in China have been sentenced to prison time. According to court documents, men with surnames Wu, Reg, Zhang, and Qu were imprisoned for illegally confining 12 people in the Yuzhang Academy in Jiangxi province for over ten days. Out of these, 11 were minors.

Similar facilities everywhere

The facility is one of many such treatment centres to spur up in China over the last years with newly found concerns for people who spend a lot of time browsing content online.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/xi-jinpings-hunger-for-power-grows-as-china-struggles-with-pandemic-311714" hreflang="en">Xi Jinping's hunger for power grows as China struggles with pandemic</a>

China does not go easy on its internet users, where people are subjected to heavy censorship and the government exercising full control over the internet. This happens in a country with one of the world’s largest internet user bases.

In 2008, China recognised internet addiction as a real disorder, which may have set the stage for child abuses across the country in such treatment centres.

Cruel intentions?

A 19-year-old girl was killed in the Chinese city of Zhengzhou after handles at one of these de-addiction centres beat her black and blue.&nbsp;Many reports also suggest that such centres use electric therapies to “treat” children.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/china-launches-operation-fox-hunt-to-target-dissenters-captures-ex-interpol-chief-311725" hreflang="en">China launches Operation Fox Hunt to target dissenters; captures ex-Interpol chief</a>

Wu, the major perpetrator was put in prison for three years. Ten and Zhang received two years, seven months and one year, ten months prison time respectively. Qu only recently 11 months of prison time.

State-run Global Times claimed that kids in the academy were put in dark dingy rooms with just a blanket and a toilet pot.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/eu-urges-china-to-free-activists-on-crackdown-anniversary-311720" hreflang="en">EU urges China to free activists on crackdown anniversary</a>

The government in China is not too far behind. In November 2019, an internet curfew was announced for people aged below 18. As part of this, they can play 90 minutes worth of video on weekdays, and three hours worth of clips on weekends. Additionally, minors in the country cannot play video games between 10 PM and 8 AM.

Currently, 850 million people in the country have access to the internet. Out of these, 200 million are aged between 15 and 35.

Internet addiction is a real issue. However intense it may be, it cannot be justified to put children in solitary confinement. That’s what happened in China. A group of men who ran a de-addiction centre for kids who can’t get off their screens in China have been sentenced to prison time.

Internet addiction is a real issue. However intense it may be, it cannot be justified to put children in solitary confinement. That’s what happened in China. A group of men who ran a de-addiction centre for kids who can’t get off their screens in China have been sentenced to prison time. According to court documents, men with surnames Wu, Reg, Zhang, and Qu were imprisoned for illegally confining 12 people in the Yuzhang Academy in Jiangxi province for over ten days. Out of these, 11 were minors. Similar facilities everywhere The facility is one of many such treatment centres to spur up in China over the last years with newly found concerns for people who spend a lot of time browsing content online. Also read: Xi Jinping's hunger for power grows as China struggles with pandemic China does not go easy on its internet users, where people are subjected to heavy censorship and the government exercising full control over the internet. This happens in a country with one of the world’s largest internet user bases. In 2008, China recognised internet addiction as a real disorder, which may have set the stage for child abuses across the country in such treatment centres. Cruel intentions? A 19-year-old girl was killed in the Chinese city of Zhengzhou after handles at one of these de-addiction centres beat her black and blue. Many reports also suggest that such centres use electric therapies to “treat” children. Also read: China launches Operation Fox Hunt to target dissenters; captures ex-Interpol chief Wu, the major perpetrator was put in prison for three years. Ten and Zhang received two years, seven months and one year, ten months prison time respectively. Qu only recently 11 months of prison time. State-run Global Times claimed that kids in the academy were put in dark dingy rooms with just a blanket and a toilet pot. Also read: EU urges China to free activists on crackdown anniversary The government in China is not too far behind. In November 2019, an internet curfew was announced for people aged below 18. As part of this, they can play 90 minutes worth of video on weekdays, and three hours worth of clips on weekends. Additionally, minors in the country cannot play video games between 10 PM and 8 AM. Currently, 850 million people in the country have access to the internet. Out of these, 200 million are aged between 15 and 35.

China imprisons several men for confining children in internet de-addiction centres

When Danny Reagan was 13, he began exhibiting signs of what doctors usually associate with drug addiction. He became agitated, secretive and withdrew from friends. He had quit baseball and Boy Scouts, and he stopped doing homework and showering.

But he was not using drugs. He was hooked on YouTube and video games, to the point where he could do nothing else. As doctors would confirm, he was addicted to his electronics.

"After I got my console, I kind of fell in love with it," Danny, now 16 and a junior in a Cincinnati high school, said. "I liked being able to kind of shut everything out and just relax."

Danny was different from typical plugged-in American teenagers. Psychiatrists say internet addiction, characterized by a loss of control over internet use and disregard for the consequences of it, affects up to 8 per cent of Americans and is becoming more common around the world.

"We're all mildly addicted. I think that's obvious to see in our behaviour," said psychiatrist Kimberly Young, who has led the field of research since founding the Center for Internet Addiction in 1995. "It becomes a public health concern obviously as health is influenced by the behaviour."

Psychiatrists such as Young who have studied compulsive internet behaviour for decades are now seeing more cases, prompting a wave of new treatment programs to open across the United States. Mental health centres in Florida, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and other states are adding inpatient internet addiction treatment to their line of services.

Some skeptics view internet addiction as a false condition, contrived by teenagers who refuse to put away their smartphones, and the Reagans say they have had trouble explaining it to extended family.

Anthony Bean, a psychologist and author of a clinician's guide to video game therapy, said that excessive gaming and internet use might indicate other mental illnesses but should not be labelled independent disorders.

"It's kind of like pathologizing a behaviour without actually understanding what's going on," he said.

'Reboot'

At first, Danny's parents took him to doctors and made him sign contracts pledging to limit his internet use. Nothing worked, until they discovered a pioneering residential therapy center in Mason, Ohio, about 22 miles (35 km) south of Cincinnati.

The "Reboot" program at the Lindner Center for Hope offers inpatient treatment for 11 to 17-year-olds who, like Danny, have addictions including online gaming, gambling, social media, pornography and sexting, often to escape from symptoms of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.

Danny was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder at age 5 and Anxiety Disorder at 6, and doctors said he developed an internet addiction to cope with those disorders.

"Reboot" patients spend 28 days at a suburban facility equipped with 16 bedrooms, classrooms, a gym and a dining hall. They undergo diagnostic tests, psychotherapy, and learn to moderate their internet use.

Chris Tuell, clinical director of addiction services, started the program in December after seeing several cases, including Danny's, where young people were using the internet to "self-medicate" instead of drugs and alcohol.

The internet, while not officially recognized as an addictive substance, similarly hijacks the brain's reward system by triggering the release of pleasure-inducing chemicals and is accessible from an early age, Tuell said.

"The brain really doesn't care what it is, whether I pour it down my throat or put it in my nose or see it with my eyes or do it with my hands," Tuell said. "A lot of the same neurochemicals in the brain are occurring."

Even so, recovering from internet addiction is different from other addictions because it is not about "getting sober," Tuell said. The internet has become inevitable and essential in schools, at home and in the workplace.

"It's always there," Danny said, pulling out his smartphone. "I feel it in my pocket. But I'm better at ignoring it."

Is it a real disorder?

Medical experts have begun taking internet addiction more seriously.

Neither the World Health Organization (WHO) nor the American Psychiatric Association recognizes internet addiction as a disorder. Last year, however, the WHO recognized the more specific Gaming Disorder following years of research in China, South Korea and Taiwan, where doctors have called it a public health crisis.

Some online games and console manufacturers have advised gamers against playing to excess. YouTube has created a time monitoring tool to nudge viewers to take breaks from their screens as part of its parent company Google's "digital wellbeing" initiative.

WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic said internet addiction is the subject of "intensive research" and consideration for future classification. The American Psychiatric Association has labelled gaming disorder a "condition for further study."

"Whether it's classified or not, people are presenting with these problems," Tuell said.

Tuell recalled one person whose addiction was so severe that the patient would defecate on himself rather than leave his electronics to use the bathroom.

Research on internet addiction may soon produce empirical results to meet medical classification standards, Tuell said, as psychologists have found evidence of a brain adaptation in teens who compulsively play games and use the internet.

"It's not a choice, it's an actual disorder and a disease," said Danny. "People who joke about it not being serious enough to be super official, it hurts me personally."

When Danny Reagan was 13, he began exhibiting signs of what doctors usually associate with drug addiction. He became agitated, secretive and withdrew from friends.

When Danny Reagan was 13, he began exhibiting signs of what doctors usually associate with drug addiction. He became agitated, secretive and withdrew from friends. He had quit baseball and Boy Scouts, and he stopped doing homework and showering. But he was not using drugs. He was hooked on YouTube and video games, to the point where he could do nothing else. As doctors would confirm, he was addicted to his electronics. "After I got my console, I kind of fell in love with it," Danny, now 16 and a junior in a Cincinnati high school, said. "I liked being able to kind of shut everything out and just relax." Danny was different from typical plugged-in American teenagers. Psychiatrists say internet addiction, characterized by a loss of control over internet use and disregard for the consequences of it, affects up to 8 per cent of Americans and is becoming more common around the world. "We're all mildly addicted. I think that's obvious to see in our behaviour," said psychiatrist Kimberly Young, who has led the field of research since founding the Center for Internet Addiction in 1995. "It becomes a public health concern obviously as health is influenced by the behaviour." Psychiatrists such as Young who have studied compulsive internet behaviour for decades are now seeing more cases, prompting a wave of new treatment programs to open across the United States. Mental health centres in Florida, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and other states are adding inpatient internet addiction treatment to their line of services. Some skeptics view internet addiction as a false condition, contrived by teenagers who refuse to put away their smartphones, and the Reagans say they have had trouble explaining it to extended family. Anthony Bean, a psychologist and author of a clinician's guide to video game therapy, said that excessive gaming and internet use might indicate other mental illnesses but should not be labelled independent disorders. "It's kind of like pathologizing a behaviour without actually understanding what's going on," he said. 'Reboot' At first, Danny's parents took him to doctors and made him sign contracts pledging to limit his internet use. Nothing worked, until they discovered a pioneering residential therapy center in Mason, Ohio, about 22 miles (35 km) south of Cincinnati. The "Reboot" program at the Lindner Center for Hope offers inpatient treatment for 11 to 17-year-olds who, like Danny, have addictions including online gaming, gambling, social media, pornography and sexting, often to escape from symptoms of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. Danny was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder at age 5 and Anxiety Disorder at 6, and doctors said he developed an internet addiction to cope with those disorders. "Reboot" patients spend 28 days at a suburban facility equipped with 16 bedrooms, classrooms, a gym and a dining hall. They undergo diagnostic tests, psychotherapy, and learn to moderate their internet use. Chris Tuell, clinical director of addiction services, started the program in December after seeing several cases, including Danny's, where young people were using the internet to "self-medicate" instead of drugs and alcohol. The internet, while not officially recognized as an addictive substance, similarly hijacks the brain's reward system by triggering the release of pleasure-inducing chemicals and is accessible from an early age, Tuell said. "The brain really doesn't care what it is, whether I pour it down my throat or put it in my nose or see it with my eyes or do it with my hands," Tuell said. "A lot of the same neurochemicals in the brain are occurring." Even so, recovering from internet addiction is different from other addictions because it is not about "getting sober," Tuell said. The internet has become inevitable and essential in schools, at home and in the workplace. "It's always there," Danny said, pulling out his smartphone. "I feel it in my pocket. But I'm better at ignoring it." Is it a real disorder? Medical experts have begun taking internet addiction more seriously. Neither the World Health Organization (WHO) nor the American Psychiatric Association recognizes internet addiction as a disorder. Last year, however, the WHO recognized the more specific Gaming Disorder following years of research in China, South Korea and Taiwan, where doctors have called it a public health crisis. Some online games and console manufacturers have advised gamers against playing to excess. YouTube has created a time monitoring tool to nudge viewers to take breaks from their screens as part of its parent company Google's "digital wellbeing" initiative. WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic said internet addiction is the subject of "intensive research" and consideration for future classification. The American Psychiatric Association has labelled gaming disorder a "condition for further study." "Whether it's classified or not, people are presenting with these problems," Tuell said. Tuell recalled one person whose addiction was so severe that the patient would defecate on himself rather than leave his electronics to use the bathroom. Research on internet addiction may soon produce empirical results to meet medical classification standards, Tuell said, as psychologists have found evidence of a brain adaptation in teens who compulsively play games and use the internet. "It's not a choice, it's an actual disorder and a disease," said Danny. "People who joke about it not being serious enough to be super official, it hurts me personally."

The digital drug: Internet addiction spawns US treatment programs

As more and more services go online, people are increasingly spending extra hours hooked onto their computer screens. Since people are not strictly monitoring the time they spend on the Internet, this is resulting into addiction.

While some of us log onto the Internet just to surf, others spend crazy amount of time on social media websites liked Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others. People think this behavior is fine, but in reality, it&rsquo;s not. Today, internet addiction has become a severe issue.

It leads to mental disturbance, early depression and can have dangers of serious illness like schizophrenia. Internet addiction can also significantly hurt long-term memory and lead to suicidal tendencies.

To make things worse, internet addiction is hard to identify. You can&rsquo;t identify this disorder like the way you can find out other diseases or problems.

Different countries are treating this as a serious issue. In 2008, China declared internet addiction as a disorder and started boot camps to cure it. South Korea too considers internet addiction a public health crisis; in the US, a study is being conducted to figure the best treatment for it.

How to cure internet addiction

If you think you spend too much time on the internet, well it&rsquo;s time for you to relax, take a deep breath and follow these simple tips:

<ul>
	<li>Disable notifications for apps you constantly monitor: Enjoying the little moments of life is more important, notifications can wait</li>
	<li>Be connected, but not always: Disable internet on your phone for a couple of hours every day</li>
	<li>Keep your phone away from bed: Exposure to phone at night can lead to sleep disorders</li>
	<li>Go out and pursue a hobby</li>
</ul>

 
So, there is no need to be afraid of the online addiction. You can still be connected and be with your phones and laptops, you just have to strike a balance between your online and offline lives. Happy surfing!

As more and more services go online, people are increasingly spending extra hours hooked onto their computer screens. Since people are not strictly monitoring the time they spend on the Internet, this is resulting into addiction.

As more and more services go online, people are increasingly spending extra hours hooked onto their computer screens. Since people are not strictly monitoring the time they spend on the Internet, this is resulting into addiction. While some of us log onto the Internet just to surf, others spend crazy amount of time on social media websites liked Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others. People think this behavior is fine, but in reality, it’s not. Today, internet addiction has become a severe issue. It leads to mental disturbance, early depression and can have dangers of serious illness like schizophrenia. Internet addiction can also significantly hurt long-term memory and lead to suicidal tendencies. To make things worse, internet addiction is hard to identify. You can’t identify this disorder like the way you can find out other diseases or problems. Different countries are treating this as a serious issue. In 2008, China declared internet addiction as a disorder and started boot camps to cure it. South Korea too considers internet addiction a public health crisis; in the US, a study is being conducted to figure the best treatment for it. How to cure internet addiction If you think you spend too much time on the internet, well it’s time for you to relax, take a deep breath and follow these simple tips: Disable notifications for apps you constantly monitor: Enjoying the little moments of life is more important, notifications can wait Be connected, but not always: Disable internet on your phone for a couple of hours every day Keep your phone away from bed: Exposure to phone at night can lead to sleep disorders Go out and pursue a hobby So, there is no need to be afraid of the online addiction. You can still be connected and be with your phones and laptops, you just have to strike a balance between your online and offline lives. Happy surfing!

Spending too much time online? Tips to avoid internet addiction

internet-addiction

Internet Addiction, News on Internet Addiction, stories on Internet Addiction, articles on Internet Addiction, Internet Addiction stories at Wion, Internet Addiction news, Internet Addiction latest news