Internet Addiction from a Sociological Perspective: Causes, Social Effects, and Coping Mechanisms

Abstract

The research problem highlights the negative digital transformation within social and family relationships resulting from excessive or compulsive internet use, which degrades direct human communication and severely threatens family cohesion. This study aimed to identify the core causes leading to internet addiction, analyze its multi-dimensional individual, familial, and social effects, and explore effective treatment methods to mitigate this excessive usage. Methodologically, the study adopted a descriptive approach, relying on the collection, critical analysis, and synthesis of data, facts, and literature from various library sources and academic references. The theoretical framework was built upon two foundational sociological theories: Symbolic Interactionism, which interprets digital addiction as a dynamic interactional construct that shapes virtual identities, and Conflict Theory, which views internet addiction as a modern form of digital alienation driven by the capitalist economic models of technology platforms. The research yielded several significant conclusions, demonstrating that excessive internet use severely impairs individual concentration, weakens familial bonds, and accelerates the breakdown of social relationships. Furthermore, it is explicitly linked to deteriorating psychological states, manifesting as heightened stress, anxiety, and a pervasive feeling of emptiness, while causing physical health issues such as chronic fatigue, depression, and severe sleep disturbances. To address this challenge, the study formulated a set of scientific recommendations aimed at guiding educational, health, and media institutions in developing comprehensive national strategies to enhance community mental health and digital literacy. Ultimately, the study emphasizes that raising continuous awareness within families and educational organizations, combined with establishing balanced usage limits and encouraging offline alternative activities, represents the ideal approach to leveraging technology positively while preventing its psychosocial harms.