About 38 per cent of the world's population is addicted to the internet, says a study conducted by the researchers at University of Kentucky.
The researchers stated that the addiction is caused by excessive use of social media, and is characterized by frequent mood swings, anxiety, inability to control the amount of time one spends on the internet, and ignoring social life.
People residing in Europe and Asia are more prone to internet addiction when compared to the U.S.
The American Academy of Pediatrics stated that excessive exposure to social media can lead to attention difficulties, learning problems, sleep-related eating disorder, and obesity in children.
The academy advises parents to allow children to use the internet, moderately. They can also set up some rules regarding social media use including limiting the 'screen time' and by placing a computer anywhere in the house except in the bedroom.
Experts warned that internet addiction is more prominent in children, whose parents encourage them to use tablet computers.
The researchers allege that the treatment administered for internet addicts is much more advanced in Europe and Asia. Over there, the treatment is mostly focused on teaching people how to effectively use the internet rather than totally forbidding it altogether.
