Internet Use Addiction: Health Consequences and Prevention among University Undergraduates in Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the health consequences of internet addiction and its possible preventive measures among undergraduate students in Nigerian Universities. The global widespread of acceptance and usage of the internet and its associated technologies has become a critical part of modern-day life, especially among undergraduates in Nigerian universities, whereas excessive and uncontrolled use of the internet popularly known as internet addiction negatively affects everyday health life, internet addiction if not deliberately put on check will become a full-blown global health concern of the 21st Century. The study employed description and critical analysis of existing data and literature searches using Google scholar and Hinari electronic database as the methodology; a systematic review of the existing studies on internet usage and addiction, its underlying health consequences and possible prevention among undergraduates in Nigeria was carried out. This study found that factors that influence internet addiction among undergraduates include peer influence, family and demographic characteristics. Also, there are associated health consequences of internet usage addiction which include physical, mental and social. There is a need for serious and decisive intervention in order to minimize the challenges being faced by students who are addicted to the Internet.