Mindful internet use for students during prolonged lockdown due to corona virus is very necessary.These platforms have risk factors and possess vulnerability for students which would lead to hindrance in both physical and psychological aspects.
There is social transformation among our society due to the lockdown measures due to corona virus. Family members who once had to attend day-to-day external activities have come to halt. While the essential service professionals need to report to their workplace, others have been instructed to work from home. Such unanticipated and abrupt changes within the family environment paved the way to form new lifestyle changes.
Healthy lifestyle changes and measures, as recommended by our government and related medical fraternities may bring significant outcomes in these challenging times. On the other hand, such lockdown brings a need to engage throughout the day. Especially for students whose schools and colleges who once had the freedom to participate in both internal and external chores of daily life is secluded to remain indoors.
Internet addiction:
A student, in this era of technology advancement, has a plethora of opportunities and domains to seek entertainment through different internet platforms such as internet gaming, pornography, compulsive shopping, binge-watching, internet gambling. These platforms have risk factors and possess vulnerability for students which would lead to hindrance in both physical and psychological aspects. This calls for identifying the difference between Internet use and addiction.
Dr. Kimberly Young, an American psychologist and an internationally known expert on internet addiction first initiated the study of internet addiction. She founded the centre for internet addiction in 1995 for helping individuals to overcome internet addiction.
An individual can be identified with signs of problematic Internet use leading towards addiction when the individual is preoccupied and extends usage time than intended. When there is cut down in using the internet, individuals immediately exhibit restless, depressed or moody and annoyed. Many unsuccessful attempts in the past to manage or stop using the internet also pleases the trouble. The use of internet platforms to relieve from the feeling of helplessness, guilt, anxiety along with behaviour such as complete isolation from the family dynamics calls for attention and seeking professional help.
During this prolonged lockdown times, it is important to consider the balance in three aspects of a student such as academics, entertainment and overall well-being, as each aspect depends on each other. A student is not merely bound to academics and physical exercise but also for healthy entertainment. Keeping this central theme, one can find positive benefits from using the internet. Seven activities suggested for students to enhance the quality of using Internet use.
1. Joining MOOC courses online, based on a specific interest. These courses are available for free of cost. This would be an added advantage of understanding the connection of academics to the field.
2. Physical workout or dance practice within indoors based on relevant videos available on Internet platforms.
3. Attending yoga or mindfulness meditation sessions with the help of an instructor through online mode.
4. Enhancing cognitive skills through brain training games available both offline and online.
5. Watching limited TV series and movies.
6. Music activities through video conferences.
7. Trying out simple and new dish based on the availability of resources for beginners whose recipes are available on digital video channels.
Balasubramanian G
PhD Scholar at Christ (Deemed to be University),
