Feelings of Loneliness: Understanding the Risk of Suicidal Ideation in Adolescents with Internet Addiction

Abstract

The Internet has become an essential tool for adolescents. It is part of their social integration within peers and supports their identity construction. The Internet can also become a source of addiction; especially when used as a coping strategy towards unpleasant life situations. The feeling of loneliness is an emotion present during the adolescence. However, when in excess, it can lead to suicidal ideations. We questioned ourselves on the impact of an excessive use of the Internet by adolescents, with their feeling of loneliness and the risks of suicidal ideations. We attempted to find an answer to this question by performing a literature review. We found one result matching our search criteria’s, which is itself a literature review. We noted the absence of studies with regards to the interaction between the feeling of loneliness, the addiction to the Internet, and the risk of suicidal ideations amongst adolescents. We established a theoretical model which could be used as a lead for future research. We insist on the importance that studies are made in this domain, in order to enable us to establish efficient preventive measure on the risks of suicidal ideations amongst adolescents.

Cybersex Addiction in Benin Schools (2023)

“…Thus, usage becomes problematic. Addiction to cybersex is the dependence on a variety of digital practices such as watching pornographic or erotic material, taking part in sexual chats, participating in or watching webcam sex practices, searching online for partners for offline sex, or seeking information or advice about sexuality [2]. A distinction is made between two forms of cybersex addiction, according to which addiction occurs: passive cybersex addiction and active cybersex addiction [3].…”

“…Teenagers and young people are more exposed to these practices, which can have harmful consequences on various areas of their lives. On the somatic level, sexually transmitted infections favored by the multiplication of offline sexual partners and risk-taking, as well as sexual dysfunction and libido disorders, have been reported [2] [7]. At school, the impact of cybersex addiction can be a memory impairment with concentration difficulties, leading to a reduction of the academic performance.…”

“…However, to date, no specific pharmacological therapy has been codified for the management of problematic cybersex use. But, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, anxiolytics and anti-androgens have been tried out [2]. Cogni-tive-behavioural therapy remains the most recommended and by far the most widely used [2].…”

“…But, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, anxiolytics and anti-androgens have been tried out [2]. Cogni-tive-behavioural therapy remains the most recommended and by far the most widely used [2]. In France for instance, there are groups called Dépendants Affectifs et Sexuels Anonymes (D.A.S.A.).…”