What exactly is online or media addiction?

It is impossible to imagine our society without the Internet. We use it to obtain information or to maintain social contacts. However, excessive consumption can not only be problematic, but can even lead to addiction. Media addiction is the excessive consumption of media. However, media addiction is not yet a recognized addiction in the sense of ICD 10, but it falls into a similar spectrum as computer game addiction. (Federal Ministry of Health, 2024; Rumpf et al, 2011)

Are there also positive sides to media consumption?

Media consumption in itself is not a bad thing at first. You stay in touch with friends or family, research information or seek relaxation. It becomes problematic when the smartphone becomes a companion that has more control over the owner than the other way around. From this point on, a change in behavior should take place; if this is no longer possible due to the existing dependency, help should be sought. (Barmer, n.d.)

How many people suffer from media addiction in Germany and worldwide?

Germany: approx. 350,000 young people in 2019 (Martin, 2023)

For adults, only estimates are possible as no reliable figures are available

Worldwide: no reliable data available, fluctuating between just under 1% and 27% depending on the study design (Kuss et al., 2014)

RPTU: At RPTU, 33.8% of students stated in the University Health Report in 2021 that their media consumption was too high. However, this does not allow a direct conclusion to be drawn about an equally high prevalence of media addiction. (UHR, 2021)

What worsens with consumption and what are the benefits of quitting?

The effects of online addiction can be very serious. Those affected often lose control over their use of cell phones in general, the internet and computer games, for example. They become overly preoccupied with them, neglect important life tasks and can feel restless or irritable if they have to do without digital services.

Tiredness creeps in, visual disturbances and headaches can occur. Sleep disorders, whether as a result of excessive screen time or as a trigger for it, can be a further burden. The decline in concentration and performance puts those affected under additional pressure, particularly in a professional or university environment.

Neglecting friends and family can lead to creeping social isolation and physical neglect. The emotional depths into which those affected slide can end in serious mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders. Accordingly, controlled consumption of media and the internet is not only desirable, but also healthier. The social environment tends to be strengthened and the time that would otherwise be spent uselessly on the cell phone or computer can be filled with other activities.
(AOK, n.d., Die Stellen für Suchtprävention im Kanton Zürich, n.d. )

What can I do about it or how can I stop?

To prevent online addiction, it is crucial to reflect critically on your own media consumption. If those affected have lost control themselves, behavioral therapy can be a good way to overcome the addiction and relearn a healthy approach to media and cell phones.

To prevent media addiction, it makes sense to schedule fixed screen-free times during the day and ban digital devices from your field of vision. Critically reflecting on your own habits and monitoring your daily screen time can also help. You should regularly ask yourself the question: "Is my current consumption still good for me?"

Maintaining social contacts in "offline life" is also important. Therefore, plan regular activities with friends, fellow students or other people you like to be around and spend time together without constantly having your cell phone in your hand.

(The Office for Addiction Prevention in the Canton of Zurich, n.d.)