What are the symptoms of Internet psychosis?

In recent years, the widespread use of the internet has transformed how we live, work, and communicate. While it offers countless benefits, excessive internet use can also have adverse effects on mental health. In some cases, it can contribute to a condition known as internet psychosis, which is a mental health disorder triggered or exacerbated by the misuse of the internet.

While not officially recognized as a formal diagnosis in psychiatric manuals, internet psychosis refers to a range of psychotic symptoms that can arise from excessive or compulsive internet use. These symptoms are often linked to excessive exposure to online content, social media, gaming, and even the effects of isolation or digital addiction.

This article explores the symptoms of internet psychosis, its potential causes, and ways to manage and prevent it.

What is Internet Psychosis?

Internet psychosis refers to a state where excessive or unhealthy use of the internet leads to a breakdown in reality and disconnection from the real world. This can include various symptoms of psychosis such as delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia. The condition is typically associated with excessive engagement in online activities like social media, online gaming, browsing the internet for extended periods, or engaging in negative behaviors such as cyberbullying or obsessive content consumption.

Common Symptoms of Internet Psychosis

While the symptoms of internet psychosis may vary depending on the individual and the underlying causes, they typically include some of the following:

  1. Delusions

    • False Beliefs: Individuals may develop unrealistic beliefs related to their online activities, such as believing they have special powers or influence due to their online presence, or that they are being targeted or watched by others through the internet.
    • Grandiosity: Some individuals may experience a sense of superiority or inflated self-importance due to the validation they receive online, leading them to disconnect from the real world.
    • Paranoia: A person may believe that people are plotting against them, or they may become obsessed with the idea that others are constantly monitoring or spying on them through the internet.
  2. Hallucinations

    • Auditory Hallucinations: Some individuals with internet psychosis may start hearing voices or sounds that aren’t actually present, possibly as a result of sensory overload or exposure to disturbing online content.
    • Visual Hallucinations: In more severe cases, individuals might experience visual distortions or see things that are not there, such as seeing faces or messages hidden in the digital content they consume.
  3. Obsessive Thoughts or Compulsive Behaviors

    • Constant Need to Be Online: Individuals may feel an overwhelming urge to be online constantly, checking social media accounts, responding to messages, or engaging in activities like gaming or browsing. This obsession can interfere with daily functioning and social interactions.
    • Ruminating on Online Interactions: A person may become fixated on online conversations, feeling the need to respond immediately to messages or feeling distressed when they don’t receive responses.
    • Online Role-playing: Excessive participation in online games or virtual worlds might lead individuals to blur the line between the online persona and real-life identity, resulting in confusion about their sense of self.
  4. Social Isolation and Withdrawal

    • Avoiding Real-Life Interactions: People with internet psychosis may begin to withdraw from their social circle and prefer the company of others online. This isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness, contributing to deeper psychological distress.
    • Difficulty in Social Settings: As online interactions increase, individuals might struggle to maintain meaningful face-to-face relationships or engage in normal social activities.
  5. Deterioration of Reality Testing

    • Difficulty Distinguishing Between Online and Real Life: One of the hallmark signs of internet psychosis is the blurring of boundaries between the online world and reality. The person may start perceiving online interactions as more real than face-to-face relationships, or they may believe the internet is influencing their thoughts and emotions in ways that aren't grounded in reality.
    • Over-Identification with Online Personas: Over time, individuals may begin to overly identify with their online persona or digital self, losing touch with their real-world identity and developing a distorted sense of self-worth based on online feedback or validation.
  6. Mood Swings and Emotional Instability

    • Depression or Anxiety: Continuous exposure to negative online environments, such as cyberbullying, trolling, or unrealistic comparisons on social media, can lead to emotional instability. This might manifest as depression, extreme anxiety, or feelings of inadequacy.
    • Irritability or Aggression: The pressures of managing online personas, responding to constant messages, or interacting with others in virtual environments can lead to frustration, irritability, or anger, especially when online expectations are not met.
  7. Memory and Cognitive Impairment

    • Difficulty Focusing or Concentrating: Constant internet use, particularly with multi-tasking across platforms, can impair the ability to concentrate or focus on tasks in the real world.
    • Memory Gaps: In extreme cases, individuals might experience memory lapses related to their online behavior, such as forgetting certain online interactions or events that took place in virtual worlds.

Causes of Internet Psychosis

Several factors can contribute to the development of internet psychosis, including:

  1. Excessive Internet Use: Prolonged periods of internet use, especially when coupled with the constant consumption of negative or emotionally charged content, can lead to cognitive and emotional overload, which may increase the likelihood of psychosis-like symptoms.

  2. Social Media and Comparison Culture: Social media platforms are known for their emphasis on personal image, validation, and status. Constant comparison to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and distorted perceptions of reality.

  3. Mental Health Vulnerabilities: Pre-existing mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia, can make individuals more susceptible to developing psychosis or other severe symptoms when exposed to the pressures of the internet.

  4. Isolation and Loneliness: Prolonged internet use, especially in the absence of real-world social interactions, can contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness. This can trigger a detachment from reality and may exacerbate mental health issues.

  5. Addiction to Online Gaming or Social Media: Compulsive gaming or social media use, particularly in environments that encourage continuous engagement (such as multiplayer games or platforms with algorithms that promote addictive behavior), can lead to a disconnection from real-life responsibilities and relationships.

Managing and Preventing Internet Psychosis

  1. Limiting Screen Time: Setting boundaries for daily screen time and taking regular breaks from digital devices can help maintain a healthy balance between the online and offline worlds. This allows individuals to reconnect with their environment and manage their online activities more effectively.

  2. Seeking Professional Help: If symptoms of internet psychosis are present, it is crucial to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide diagnosis, support, and treatment strategies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication, depending on the severity of the symptoms.

  3. Building Offline Relationships: Strengthening relationships with family, friends, and community members can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation that often accompany excessive internet use. Engaging in face-to-face interactions encourages a healthier emotional connection with others.

  4. Promoting Healthy Digital Habits: Practicing mindful and intentional internet use can help reduce the negative impact of excessive online engagement. This includes taking breaks, limiting exposure to harmful content, and using the internet for productive or creative purposes.

  5. Fostering Self-Awareness: Developing self-awareness about online behaviors and understanding the impact they may have on mental health is essential in preventing internet psychosis. Mindfulness and journaling can help individuals reflect on their feelings and maintain a clearer boundary between online activities and real-life experiences.

Conclusion

While internet psychosis is not a formally recognized condition, the symptoms associated with it—such as delusions, hallucinations, obsessive behaviors, and social isolation—can have a serious impact on mental health. It is essential to maintain a balanced approach to internet use, prioritize real-world connections, and seek help if symptoms arise. By being mindful of how technology affects our mental well-being, we can enjoy the benefits of the digital world while safeguarding our mental and emotional health.