I unconsciously touched my cell phone, and when I felt like I just started checking SNS, several hours had passed … I think there are surprisingly many people who have had such experiences.In recent years, Internet addiction has become one of the major social problems.In this opportunity, we would like to introduce symptoms of Internet addiction, preventive measures, and countermeasures.Please check it to see if you and your family are too dependent on the internet!What is internet addiction?The definition of internet addiction has not yet been decided, but to put it simply, it has the meaning of “individual who give priority to use the Internet over their physical and mental health, family and social relationships, and once it becomes chronic, the individual will be unable to control their own time.”Background of internet addictionThere are two reasons why Internet addiction is increasing rapidly.①Social changes due to the spread of the InternetIn recent years, computers and smartphones have become easily obtained, making it possible to easily collect information anytime, anywhere.They are used as a tool for communication and regional revitalization, and online shops are also widely used to procure daily necessities.Not only that,Internet contents such as video and music distribution has become easily accessed, and the Internet is now becoming an indispensable part of our daily lives.In addition, programming education in elementary schools has become compulsory starting 2020, and opportunities to come into contact with the computer and internet have increased from an early age.As a result, the opportunities and frequency of Internet usage have increased explosively, and the number of cases of Internet addiction has increased rapidly.②Outbreak of Covid-19With the outbreak of Covid-19, people who are encouraged to work from home to avoid the infection has increased significantly, and most people spend as much as possible at home instead of going out on holidays.With this situation, there are increase in people who have more opportunities to use the Internet, such as communicating with others using the Internet and social medias because they cannot meet in person, and enjoying video distribution services on holidays.Also, the spreading of Covid-19 may not be easily resolved, which is considered to be one of the main cause of increasing opportunities and addiction of internet.Internet Addiction symptomsInternet addiction is said to have the following symptoms.The individual may not be able to stop browsing the Internet or using smartphone on their own initiativeEven if someone tells them to stop, they can’tThey cannot leave the environment where they can use the InternetIf they don’t use the internet, they may feel anxious or frustratedThey think about the internet all the time, to the point that it interferes with their daily lifeOverusing the internet and online games until it puts an impact on healthThey cannot stop paying services for internet games, etc.Impact of internet addictionInternet addiction has great impact not only on the physical side but also on daily life.Internet addiction has great impact not only on the physical side but also on daily life.①Impact on the bodyMalnutrition due to an unbalanced dietDecreased physical strength and bone density due to lack of exercise②Impact on the mentalSleep disorders due to night-owl lifeFeel frustated or lethargic in an environment without internetIt can lead to depression③Impact on daily lifeBecome enthusiastic about the internet, which result on deteriorating grades, often late at school and companyPrioritizing internet over socializing with family and friends, which deteriorate human relationshipsPrevention of internet addiction①Rule makingIt is also possible to prevent becoming an internet addiction. The point is to discuss the effects of internet addiction with your family, and create rules for using the internet.The rules are decided by discussing with the family.Determine the time to use, the place to use, and the maximum of the amount of money that can be used on games services.Write the rules on a piece of paper and put it where everyone can see it.Determine the penalty for failing to follow the rules.Both children and parents need to follow the rules.②Ingenuity of time without using the InternetIt is also important to enjoy the time when you do not use the Internet.For example, create an opportunity to enjoy an environment without the Internet, such as participating in outdoor activities like camping and mountain climbing.If you are thinking of consultation…There are not many hospitals in Japan where you can talk about internet addiction. Especially, the number of medical institutions that can handle languages other than Japanese are quite limited.It is psychologically stressing to go to a distant hospital, and consult using Japanese instead of your native language, isn’t it? Moreover, it is not realistic considering that you will have to continue visiting it regularly.In such a case, we can reccommend you OHDr.!For those who wish to takean Online Medical ExaminationWe have many achievements in online medical support for technical intern trainees and also foreign residents in Japan.For [multilingual online medical support],please consult to OHDr.We can provide consultation support in Japanese, English, Chinese and Vietnamese. Doctors and all staffs will respond politely as a team! (Support in Myanmar and Indonesian are also being prepared)Reservation, medical consultation, medical examination, and medicines delivery can all be completed with your smartphone!If you are interested in Online Medical Examination,please feel free to contact OHDr. anytime!Contact Us