Resources

The challenges of internet addiction are on the rise, especially in a post-pandemic world. While most people understand the ill-effects of the issue around outcomes and lifestyle, the mental and physical health implications are yet to be fully understood. The need to explore Internet Addiction Disorder has become even more urgent as COVID-19 appropriate behaviors have resulted in moving schools, workplaces and communities online.
In India, few models exist that actively work in the management of internet addiction. One of those is the SHUT Clinic at NIMHANs which started in 2014, and has a comprehensive module to help patients manage their addiction and change their technology usage behavior. While models such as this represent a comprehensive intervention for management of internet addiction and promotion of healthy use of technology and the internet, a strong potential exists to fine-tune the delivery of services in this domain in India.
This research report focuses on the review of secondary research on Internet Addiction, insights from primary discussions with relevant stakeholders, and a dipstick study with adolescents. Read the below report for recommendations on how we can strengthen the safe use of technology, prevent problematic use, and manage addictive use among adolescents.