No. 151 / Apr 19, 2021
Media is a means by which members of society can share both subjective and objective information with each other. Through it, people can build social relationships and obtain more information. Due to the emergence of the new media and the spread of mass media in modern society, the role and influence of media has increased. Consequently, this also increases the risk of media addiction. Media addiction refers to the involuntary continuous and excessive use of media, which interferes with one’s daily life. Examples of media include the Internet, smartphones, television, games, etc. However, this article focuses on Internet and smartphone addiction.
As media has gradually become part of people’s daily lives in these modern times, people tend to overlook the possibility of being addicted to it. In particular, Internet addiction is more difficult to identify. As work, study, and leisure are all done through the Internet, people are often oblivious to the potential dangers of Internet addiction. However, excessive Internet use could lead to an irregular lifestyle and other serious problems such as losing touch with reality. In severe cases, it could result in mental issues such as depression and a decreased attention span. A form of media addiction associated with Internet addiction is smartphone addiction. Today, most people own a smartphone. Smartphones have made things very convenient for us, but they also have the power to control our daily lives. They are easy to use anytime and anywhere because they are very portable. As a result, people use smartphones even while walking and using public transportation. This phenomenon also the term “smombie”, which combines the words “smartphone” and “zombie”. Countless traffic accidents and injuries have occurred, and continue to occur, due to the emergence of these so-called smombies. In addition, the number of people who feel anxiety when they do not have their smartphones is increasing.
As smartphones are readily available, people often use them to access the Internet. Consequently, there has been a growing risk of “addiction coexistence” wherein one becomes addicted to smartphones and the Internet at the same time. According to a joint study by the Hallym University Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon National Hospital, and Chuncheon City Addiction Management Center, people with the Internet addiction has the risk of smartphone addiction was 34.71 times higher than that of ordinary people becoming addicted to smartphones. This figure is about seven times higher than the risk of co-existence of alcohol and nicotine, and co-existence of nicotine and gambling addiction. This could be attributed to the fact that the Internet and smartphones are highly interrelated. In particular, both addictions require integrated management because their addiction mechanisms, which is the process of addiction, are similar.
To prevent media addiction, it is necessary to create an environment wherein media use can be controlled. It would be very helpful to be aware of how much time one spends on media and how one uses it, and a certain amount of time must be spent without it. If you are having trouble controlling yourself, you should ask your friends and family for help. It is also a good idea to call 02-793-2000 for proper consultation on media addiction, treatment, and education programs. Media is an essential element of modern society. However, if we do not control ourselves, then we will not be able to maximize the benefits of media, and it could end up adversely affecting us. Therefore, it is necessary to familiarize oneself with media addiction prevention methods and to be wary of media addiction.
By Kim Jeong-jin, AG Reporter
jjkim5800@ajou.ac.kr
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