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Internet addiction has become a global problem that affects mental health, social interaction, and daily life, but research suggests that physical activity can be an effective means of combating this phenomenon.
The impact of internet addiction on modern society
The Internet has become an integral part of modern life, changing the way we communicate, work, and relax, but its excessive use can lead to addiction. Internet addiction is a condition characterized by
It can manifest itself in the form of compulsive use of social media, video games, online shopping, or uncontrolled consumption of digital content. By its nature, this addiction is linked to dopamine reward mechanisms, which makes it similar to other behavioral disorders.
Research on the effectiveness of physical exercise
A team of scientists led by Dr. Yan Yan from Guangxi University conducted a meta-analysis to determine whether physical activity can help students overcome internet addiction. They examined 14 studies involving 760 students with diagnosed addiction and evaluated the effectiveness of different types of physical exercise. The trials were conducted exclusively in China, as young people are the most vulnerable group to digital technology.
Types of physical exercise and their effects
Physical exercises in the studies were divided into three categories: overt motor skills, overt motor skills, and a combination of both. Overt skills involve activities in a changing environment with the need to respond to external stimuli, such as in team sports (basketball, soccer). Overt skills, on the other hand, are based on repetitive movements in a stable environment, such as running, swimming, or strength training.
The programs lasted from four to eighteen weeks, with a frequency of classes from two to five times a week, and the duration of each class was from 50 to 120 minutes. The control group of students did not participate in physical activity and continued to lead a normal lifestyle.
Research results
The data collected showed that physical activity significantly reduced symptoms of internet addiction, as well as helping to reduce anxiety, stress, loneliness, and insecurity. The best results were achieved by participants who participated in programs that combined open and closed motor skills.
Research limitations and prospects
Despite the positive results, the study has some limitations. First, all experiments were conducted exclusively in China, which may affect the generalizability of the findings to other cultures. Second, it only involved students, so the impact of physical exercise on Internet addiction in other age groups remains uncertain. However, the data obtained confirm the importance of physical activity as an effective tool for preventing and overcoming digital addiction.
Thus, regular physical exercise not only helps combat internet addiction, but also contributes to improving mental health in general. The development of specific physical activity programs may become an important direction in therapeutic strategies for combating digital addiction.
