Understanding cyber addiction: Reclaiming advocacy from digital abyss

Title : Understanding cyber addiction: Reclaiming advocacy from digital abyss

Abstract:

Cyber addiction, in the current era of virtual reality, artificial intelligence and machine learning, is not a new term to worldwide. Young (1998) and Griffiths (1998, 2000) were the first who defined IAD and have done extensive research. Cyber addiction, also known as internet addiction refers to the uncontrollable and excessive use of the internet resulting in social dysfunction and excessive time consumption that can lead to interpersonal, family and social problems. It has been classified within addictive behaviors and impulse control disorders. Trait impulsivity could be used as a marker for predisposition to Internet addiction disorder (IAD). It is associated with impaired executive control and linked to the inability to inhibit brain activation. Neuroimaging studies reveal that structural changes in the brain of individuals with IAD. (Celik et al., 2016). Problematic Internet use (PIU) or Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) is characterized by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges, or behaviors regarding Internet use that lead to impairment or distress (Weinstein, 2014). In this endless scrolling, where digital overload and burnout has become a common outcome, is it possible to lead a journey beyond cyber addiction? How well internet over users can rediscover digital wellbeing breaking the grip of wired minds and cyber traps? The session highlights the psychological impact of cyber addiction emphasizing the need to take responsibility and accountability to ensure healthy internet use.

Keywords: Cyber addiction, Problematic internet use, Internet Addiction Disorder, Digital wellbeing.

Biography:

Nouzia Noordeen, a passionate researcher and committed psychologist with expertise in forensic psychology, criminology, counseling, and adolescent psychology, presently serving as an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Chimaya Viswa Vidhyapeeth University. With a strong academic foundation, she has experience worked as an assistant professor, consultant psychologist, and academic resource person. She has conducted comprehensive research on cybercrimes, rehabilitation strategies for youth offenders, and the psychological profiles of women offenders. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Offending behaviour. She has secured first rank in  her postgraduate and completed M.Phil as the topper of the University of Calicut. She has qualified National Eligibility Test (NET) and also, she has contributed extensively to academic discourse through numerous conference presentations and published research articles in esteemed journals.