Answer:
Digital addiction refers to the phenomenon of excessive use of the Internet, videogames, social media and other types of digital media, which means that it is harmful to health. This then generates a dependence on the part of the person to the constant and unlimited use of these digital media, either in the form of a compulsive recurrent use or an addiction with withdrawal syndromes, depending on the severity of the case.
Digital addiction, like other behavioral disorders, causes neglect of common habits, social contacts, personal care and personal hygiene, as a large part of the available time is spent on the Internet. In extreme cases, the virtual world can become a supposedly complete replacement for other real social contacts and thus lead to social isolation. The addiction is hidden from the outside world or one does not want to admit it, playing down one's behavior. Common withdrawal symptoms are bad mood, nervousness, irritability, sleep disorders, or sweating.
Not all of these symptoms may occur with Internet addiction. On the other hand, the occurrence of one of the symptoms does not automatically mean that someone is addicted. Someone who makes frequent use of the internet can do this for work, study or other purposes as well. Addiction only occurs when an inner urge for internet use arises and normal functioning is affected.
Depressed and lonely people are considered to be particularly at risk. When the pressure of everyday life becomes very high, the virtual world can offer an escape route, whereby everyday tasks and social demands are neglected. The driving force is the pursuit of certain tasks, escape from reality and experimentation with identity, as well as the combination of satisfying the so-called play instinct and the need for communication.