SOME ASPECTS OF SOCIAL PREVENTION OF CYBER ADDICTION AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE

Abstract

Currently, the process of computerisation is becoming more and more popular and gaining momentum. Young people spend a lot of time at the computer, not only because their work is closely related to computer technology, but also for pleasure. Therefore, there is an urgent problem of replacing social reality with virtual reality. Cyberspace is an important factor in the development of personality in modern society, as many aspects of social life are becoming virtual, but excessive enthusiasm for it leads to cyber addiction. The relevance of the problem is due to the rapid development of cyber addiction, a form of addictive behaviour, among modern adolescents and young people. By Internet addiction we mean an irresistible attraction to the Internet, which is characterised by a detrimental effect on the main spheres of a young person's activity, including domestic, educational, social, professional, family and financial. It is an Internet addiction that can lead a person to focus on the virtual world rather than the real one. The World Health Organisation has classified internet addiction as a mental health problem. Addiction can include various forms of addictive behaviour: both substance addiction and cyberspace addiction. In order to reduce harm and increase the effectiveness of social prevention of cyber addiction among teenagers, the following techniques should be used: distraction (distracting the adolescent from other meaningful activities), persuasion (perceiving others as role models, authorities, etc.), creation of interesting and useful habits, rationalisation/ learning (ability to understand the consequences of problematic behaviour), parental supervision, limiting or refraining from active use of the Internet, social networks, etc.