Kaye Alan D, Islam Rahib K, Tong Victoria T, Sorrel Marcie L, Allen Kaitlyn E, Nguyen Ivan D, Miller Benjamin C, Sharpe Matthew, Ahmadzadeh Shahab, Griffin Patricia, Shekoohi Sahar, Varrassi Giustino
Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, USA.
School of Medicine, LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, New Orleans, USA.
Cureus. 2025 Jun 10;17(6):e85705. doi: 10.7759/cureus.85705. eCollection 2025 Jun.
The inescapable influence of the internet and social media has fundamentally transformed human interaction and behavior, leading to a profound digital dependency in a constantly connected contemporary society. This narrative review explores the surge in internet and social media usage globally, driven by the proliferation of new applications and the ubiquity of smart devices. The evolving landscape of digital platforms, exemplified by the rise of TikTok and the multifunctionality of apps like LinkedIn and Notion, blurs the lines between virtual and physical realms, offering diverse avenues for engagement and interaction. Internet addiction, particularly prevalent among young adults, stems from the allure of instant connection and immersive virtual experiences, shaping behavioral patterns and consumption habits from an early age. Beyond individual boundaries, excessive internet usage poses a societal concern with far-reaching consequences, including detrimental effects on mental health, interpersonal relationships, and overall well-being. This review underscores the urgent need to address internet addiction as a pressing public health issue, highlighting its impact on brain regions associated with addiction and emotional regulation. Understanding the psychological impacts of internet and social media usage is paramount in addressing this prevalent problem, with research linking excessive internet use to various psychological struggles, including depression, anxiety disorders, and disordered eating patterns. As internet addiction increasingly affects daily life, this review explores the underlying causes and trends related to emerging applications. It also highlights the importance of promoting digital well-being and addressing the negative impacts of internet addiction on both individuals and communities.
互联网和社交媒体的不可避免的影响从根本上改变了人类的互动和行为，在一个始终保持连接的当代社会中导致了深刻的数字依赖。这篇叙述性综述探讨了全球范围内互联网和社交媒体使用的激增，这是由新应用程序的激增和智能设备的普及所推动的。以TikTok的兴起以及LinkedIn和Notion等应用程序的多功能性为代表的数字平台不断演变的格局，模糊了虚拟和现实领域之间的界限，提供了多样化的参与和互动途径。网络成瘾在年轻人中尤为普遍，源于即时连接和沉浸式虚拟体验的诱惑，从早年就塑造了行为模式和消费习惯。超越个人界限，过度使用互联网引发了一个具有深远后果的社会问题，包括对心理健康、人际关系和整体幸福感的不利影响。这篇综述强调迫切需要将网络成瘾作为一个紧迫的公共卫生问题来解决，突出其对与成瘾和情绪调节相关的脑区的影响。了解互联网和社交媒体使用的心理影响对于解决这个普遍问题至关重要，研究将过度使用互联网与各种心理困扰联系起来，包括抑郁症、焦虑症和饮食失调模式。随着网络成瘾对日常生活的影响日益增加，这篇综述探讨了与新兴应用相关的潜在原因和趋势。它还强调了促进数字健康以及解决网络成瘾对个人和社区的负面影响的重要性。
