Internet Addiction
If there is something we can truly call a dynamic revolution—one that not only ushers in a new stage in society’s development but also constantly reinvents itself—it is technology. What is launched today as cutting-edge soon becomes outdated.
Continuous advancements in cyberspace have driven progress in various fields of human activity. The Internet is one of the pillars of this never-ending system, with more and more people gaining access to the digital world.
A Seductive Universe
The pursuit of knowledge, entertainment (games and social media), and conveniences such as conducting financial transactions from the comfort of home, the office, or a café—all at the click of a button—are some of the benefits the World Wide Web provides. We have witnessed across the globe Internet tools being used even to accelerate governmental change. However, when used without good judgment, these tools can cause considerable harm. One such harm is what specialists refer to as Internet addiction—a condition in which users exhibit compulsive behavior or dependency on the online environment. Experts consider it one of the most serious psychological disorders today. The compulsive user is also at risk of developing health issues such as deep vein thrombosis, anxiety, depression, and obesity—not to mention the tragic consequences for those unable to break free from the virtual web in their emotional, family, and professional lives.
These are dangers that everyone is exposed to, especially teenagers. Young people are in a phase of discovering their own identity. Many seek their “crowd” on social media and, when they cross the line of healthy self-affirmation, they find themselves trapped in Internet addiction, reducing their lives to the seductive virtual universe.
Treatment
In most cases, experts say recovery involves removing access to computers or smartphones and introducing new, enjoyable habits into the individual’s routine. However, many psychologists argue that simply prohibiting use is not enough—depending on the severity of the addiction, the person may substitute it with substance abuse. Such situations require the support of a psychotherapist, a qualified professional who can help the patient identify the root causes of the addiction and explore healthy alternatives to address the issue.
At the same time, we must not overlook the power of prayer. A sincere prayer—whether by someone seeking healing or by someone wishing to help another in need—can work true miracles. In His Gospel according to Matthew 7:7-11, Jesus reaffirms this hope: “Ask and it will be given to you [by God]. . . . Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!”
Progress is something we all aspire to; but let us truly use it for the benefit of humanity.
Detail from the artwork: The Blind Man of Capernaum.
Health of the Soul
My greetings to Brazilian economist Paulo Azor, to whom I am grateful for the page addressed to me. It highlights Jesus’ healing power as seen in the many miracles He performed, according to the accounts of the Evangelists in the Good News of the Ecumenical Christ, the Divine Statesman. The text is attributed to a speech delivered by the 2010 graduating class of Medicine at PUC-PR. Here is an excerpt: “The treatment He [Jesus] offers goes beyond healing a physical illness—it is a life of peace and joy here on Earth and an entire eternity by His side in Heaven.”
Jesus embodies Divine Charity, available to all. Those who embrace it attain, first and foremost, the health of the Soul.
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