Internet Addiction, Neuroplasticity and Education

Abstract

The benefit of information and communication technology is enormous, yet not without its side effects. The lapses arise more from misuse or overuse of internet-based activities. The terms used to describe this practice include, but not exhaustive the following, internet addiction, problematic internet use, internet overuse and maladaptive internet use. This paper explored the factors predisposing people to internet addiction, the interplay of internet addiction and neuroplasticity, physiological, psychological and social impact of internet addiction. It went further to highlight the effects of internet addiction on learning and advances educational interventions for curbing internet addiction. Some of the approaches include cognitive behavioural approaches, purposeful creation of new neural partway based on creativity and problem solving and tapping from positive psychology exercises.