Internet Use and Its Impact on Individual Physical Health

Abstract

Internet use has seriously affected individual health in potential and subtle ways. Past research on the subject mainly concentrated on the mental health caused by addictive use, e.g., impulse control disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder. With the constant development of cyber technology, Internet has been an indispensable element of living and working, which can provide more convenient and efficient support and help. At the same time, the effects of Internet use more than Internet addiction on individual health cannot be ignored in living and working. This paper aims to identify the most common physical complaints associated with Internet use, and further investigate the association between the frequency of Internet use and individual physical health. Five hundred and thirteen participants completed the questionnaires by online or offline manner, which covers demographic questions and questions concerning Internet use and physical complaints. The most common complaints were involving dry eyes, decreased vision, and cervical pain. The positive pearson correlation coefficient were found between the level of physical complaints and the frequency of Internet use, place of residence and education. Especially, the higher amount of time for the Internet use is strongly associated with a higher level of physical complaints.

Keywords

• Internet
• cyberspace
• problematic Internet use
• Internet addiction
• physical complaints
• prognostics and health management