Technology advancements happen by 2x speed in every 18 months. In an era identified by rapid technological changes and digital links, our dependence on the internet has evolved exponentially. What was initially a medium for information and communication has now become an important part of our everyday lives, blurring the lines between digital and real world. As we go through this virtual landscape, an alarming trend has emerged - the rise of internet addiction.

Technology addiction has always been prevalent in recent years. Millions of individuals delve in technology finding them extremely hooked to the screens on a daily basis. What was initially a path to convenience is now a compulsion for many. This has not only impacted our physical health but also our mental health in the long run. 

What is being addicted to the internet? How do people don’t realise they are finally addicts of a particular world? Well, internet addiction is often recognized with an excessive and compulsive use of the internet that changes one’s daily life including responsibilities with time. It manifests into different forms. For instance, it may start with social media addiction and increase to surfing the engines for different things. Gaming addiction is also one type of internet addiction. Before we understand about the internet addiction side effects with results like dementia and more, it is important to understand the nature of the addiction. Therefore, this blog aims to educate you about internet addiction and what all can be caused further due to it. So, read ahead to enlighten yourself.

Understanding Internet Addiction

As we go deeper into the world of internet addiction, it becomes important to process its nuances, causes and consequences. 

Any type of compulsive or problematic internet usage is termed as internet addiction. It is an activity based on behaviour of a person and hence termed as a behavioural disorder activity. In this, a person is unable to stop himself or herself from using the internet despite knowing adverse consequences. Finally, it results in them being disconnected from the real world and living in fantasy. The manifestations can happen in the following ways:

1. Addiction related to games: In this, a person becomes addicted with playing games online. Resultantly, the person declines his responsibilities like sleeping, eating or indulging in hygiene related activities. 
2. Social media addiction: Continuous checking of accounts and exploring social media is also a form of internet addiction. It makes a person look for constant validation from his or her peers for everything. If not validated, people may experience anxiety as a result.
3. Online shopping addiction: Impulsive and extreme online shopping can result in financial problems gradually. This is also a form of internet addiction.
4. Cybersex addiction: An addiction with intimate adult content can degrade personal relationships in no time.

The statistics regarding technology addiction are eye opening. Research suggests that-

More than 80% of the total population owns a smartphone which provides them constant access to the virtual world. Moreover, one in five to six people has been observed feeling anxiety when separated from their gadgets. An average individual spends more than 6 hours on a regular basis. Teenagers are the most prone individuals to internet addiction. 

Common Signs and Symptoms

• Withdrawal: Feeling anxious, restlessness or agitation due to separation from the devices or not being validated is a common sign of internet addiction.
• Losing control: Failing to limit online use can also be a major sign of internet addiction.
• Escaping with the internet: Running away from your real-life problems with the help of the internet is also a sign.
• Deceptive behaviour: Lying about being online or using the internet can be a disturbing sign of internet addiction too. 
• Suffering from dementia: Losing memory like forgetting events, meeting people or more may result in an illness named dementia that can occur from excessive internet usage.

Dementia: A Silent Epidemic

Dementia is a complicated and extremely challenging illness that has a significant impact on individuals like a single person, families or even a society. Understanding its types, prevalence, cognitive decline link and the urgent need of addressing the problem can help us save lives.

Dementia is a wider term used to describe a range of cognitive problems that interfere with a person’s ability to think, remember and perform different activities. Some common types include:

1. Alzheimer's disease: This is the most common form of dementia. It is identified by the unusual accumulation of protein deposits in the brain that leads to cognitive decline and degradation.
2. Vascular dementia: This can be typically termed as a reduced flow of blood in the brain due to issues in the vascular body of the person. Strokes are very common here. Major signs of this dementia include forgetting, a decrease in the ability to plan, not being able to organise and judge. 
3. Frontotemporal dementia: This is a condition where the front and the temporal lobes of the brain are affected. Language problems, personality changes and mood swings can be the major symptoms here.
4. Mixed dementia: Several cases state that individuals often experience two or more types of dementia at the same time. This is a condition known as mixed dementia which can be very dangerous. 

Cognitive Decline and Its Consequences

Cognitive degradation is the focal point of dementia. People with dementia can experience a range of cognitive signs like-

1. Losing memory: Memory impairment is the hallmark sign of any dementia.
2. Difficulty with language: Not able to find the right words to speak can also be a sign of dementia.
3. Impaired judgement: Individuals can feel a struggle to make decisions or analyse risks.
4. Changes in behaviour: Agitation and mood swings are a major part of any dementia. 
5. Losing independence: Cognitive decline can result in an increasing level of assistance and help. 

The urgency of addressing this issue is important so that immense suffering of individuals and families can be stopped. It also becomes a burden on the medical systems to deal with several dementia related people at once. Economically, families face budget issues and lose their loved ones in no time. 

Conclusion

Internet addiction can be directly linked to dementia causes. An extremely disturbing disease, consulting a medical expert can help a person deal with it properly. Being educated and enlightened about symptoms and what to expect ahead can help people survive and eliminate the disease in further generations.