Hindustan Times
27 September 2010
New Delhi, India

Excessive Internet browsing can lead to social isolation, insomnia, depression, anxiety and obesity thus affecting mental health of an individual, says a report.

A study conducted by the Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India also said children of working parents are found to be more Internet addictive in the absence of parental supervision as compared to those whose single parents are employed.

The basic purpose of the study was to ascertain the extent of Internet overuse, especially by children between eight to 18 years.

InternetAccording to the survey, half of the children interviewed said that they accessed Internet for over five hours a day. Boys reported excessive Internet browsing as compared to girls.

The report cited the reasons for excessive use of Internet that including no rules with regard to Internet use at home, less likelihood of having friends and feelings of sadness or depression.

"Easy availability of internet coupled with lack of parental supervision is a significant reason for this ever–increasing menace of Internet addiction," said the report.

"There’s striking evidence that some users have developed a compulsive internet habit, whereby they replace real–life social interaction with online chat rooms and social networking sites," said D.S. Rawat secretary general Assocham.

"The results suggest that this type of addictive surfing can have a serious impact on mental health," he added.