«A pathological internet consumption could break out»
Dr Yazdi, young people are going through a difficult phase in their lives even without the pandemic. One stress factor in the current coronavirus crisis is the loss of contact with peers. Teenagers are dependent on socialising, conversations, mutual reassurance and support. Does this «lockdown» have possible consequences in the form of addictive behaviour?
Young people spent a lot of time in front of the computer, especially during the first lockdown last spring. This was legitimate, as school lessons took place digitally and social contacts moved online. Computer games became increasingly popular. The big surprise for some parents was that their children showed no interest in going out and socialising again after the hard lockdown.
So one consequence of the pandemic is that young people are spending significantly more time online. How do you assess this development?
This has a positive and a negative aspect. The positive aspect is that a digital development has taken place. Today, school lessons can be held remotely. It's an exciting learning effect that the education system has created and it opens up educational opportunities. In the past, a child who was at home with a broken femur, for example, but was mentally fit, had to catch up on all the school material. Thanks to distance learning, the «sick» child can learn at the same time as their schoolmates. This also applies to children from educationally disadvantaged families.
And the negative aspect?
That children and young people are lacking exercise, that the internet industry is becoming more popular and that all social contacts have been transferred to the internet.
Does increased media consumption automatically lead to media addiction?
Certainly not automatically. Increased media consumption is a factor that can lead to addiction. Whether a young person becomes addicted or not is very individual. Incidentally, not every teenager who smokes cannabis regularly automatically becomes addicted.
When do we speak of an addiction? What are the signs? Which children and young people are particularly susceptible to addictive behaviour?
Healthy children and young people have different interests. They enjoy meeting up with friends, going to the cinema or playing sports. If this variety is limited and the person is only interested in one thing, then the person is at risk of addiction. So if the teenager only sits at the computer, the behaviour is questionable.
There is a danger that a large proportion of these young people will get stuck on the Internet. The industry is tying teenagers to the internet. Coupled with the pandemic, this could lead to pathological internet consumption in the future.
What advice do you give parents if they notice addictive behaviour in their child?
Two things. On the one hand, as role models, parents must try to limit their own internet consumption. On the other hand, it depends very much on the age of the children. With 12 to 14-year-olds, parents have an influence on what the child does on the Internet and how much time they spend there. In this case, it makes sense to agree on limited Internet times, cut or restrict Wi-Fi and offer healthy alternatives, such as family outings.
And with older teenagers?
More co-operation is needed here and age-appropriate alternatives are required. Parents need to face up to the issue and treat teenagers with respect. It is important that you make it clear to young people that you don't mean any harm if they don't spend time online, but that you value them and want to do something with them.
What mistake should parents not make under any circumstances?
Raising children is difficult anyway and in the current situation, many parents are reaching their limits. But parents must not give up when they see inappropriate behaviour or even signs of addiction. The motto is: remain appreciative and annoying.
You mentioned the risk that an increasing number of young people could develop problems with their online use. Will these young adults suffering from addiction need treatment in a few years' time?
This will be a major challenge. There are too few facilities for online addiction sufferers in Europe. The more chronic the addiction, the worse it gets. In South Korea or Taiwan, there are already massive problems with 20 to 25-year-old young adults who are unable to work due to their internet addiction. There, social behaviour has developed into a social phobia, and similar conditions could also emerge in Europe.
What impact does this have on our society?
The dilemma lies in human relationships. We are pack animals and the ability to form relationships is an essential characteristic for our sense of happiness. So the more people who are able to form relationships, the better off society will be. It is important to realise that there are no virtual friendships. So if contacts are reduced exclusively to the internet and shifted there, society will fall apart. I'm worried about the ability to build relationships after the pandemic.
Read more about addiction:
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Der Psychiater Dr. Kurosch Yazdi gehört zu den führenden Suchtmedizinern Österreichs. Im Interview mit dem Schweizer ElternMagazin Fritz+Fränzi spricht Yazdi über die «digitale Droge» Social Media und die Gefahr für Kinder und Jugendliche, sich darin zu verlieren.