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Int J Prev Med
Int J Prev Med
IJPVM
Int J Prev Med
International Journal of Preventive Medicine
2008-7802
2008-8213
Wolters Kluwer - Medknow India

IJPVM-15-38
10.4103/ijpvm.ijpvm_344_23
Letter to Editor
The Role of Internet Addiction Recovery Camps in Addressing Digital Dependency
Bazrafshan Mohammad-Rafi
Yarbakhsh Helia 1
Department of Nursing, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran
1 Department of Nutrition Sciences, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran
Address for correspondence: Dr. Helia Yarbakhsh, Department of Nutrition Sciences, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran. E-mail: heliayarbakhsh@gmail.com
2024
23 8 2024
15 3813 12 2023
23 12 2023
Copyright: © 2024 International Journal of Preventive Medicine
2024
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/ This is an open access journal, and articles are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 License, which allows others to remix, tweak, and build upon the work non-commercially, as long as appropriate credit is given and the new creations are licensed under the identical terms.
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pmcThe proliferation of digital technology, while being a cornerstone of modern society, has also led to a concerning rise in Internet addiction, particularly among younger generations.[1] This dependency has significant psychological, social, and physical repercussions, necessitating urgent intervention.[2] In this context, Internet Addiction Recovery Camps have emerged as a potential solution, aiming to address and mitigate the harmful effects of excessive Internet usage.[3]

These camps, often set in serene, technology-free environments, offer structured programs designed to wean individuals off their digital dependencies. Through a combination of therapy, physical activities, and skill-building workshops, participants are encouraged to rediscover interests and activities outside the digital realm.[4] The goal is not only to reduce screen time but also to equip individuals with the tools and strategies to maintain a healthier, more balanced relationship with technology in their daily lives.[5]

However, the effectiveness of these camps is still a matter of debate. Critics argue that the abrupt withdrawal from digital devices can be counterproductive, potentially leading to increased anxiety and a sense of isolation.[6] Moreover, the lack of standardized protocols and oversight raises concerns about the quality and safety of these programs.[7] There is also the issue of accessibility, as these camps can be expensive and out of reach for many families.

To truly address Internet addiction, a multi-faceted approach is required. This includes greater awareness and education about the risks of excessive Internet use, more research into effective treatment methods, and the development of accessible and affordable recovery programs.[8] Schools, parents, and policymakers all have a role to play in fostering a healthy digital culture.[9]

The emergence of Internet Addiction Recovery Camps highlights a growing concern in our society. While they offer a promising avenue for treatment, their role should be considered as part of a broader strategy to tackle digital dependency. We must continue to explore and invest in diverse and effective solutions to ensure the well-being of our increasingly connected population.[10]

In conclusion, Internet Addiction Recovery Camps, with their programs focused on disconnecting from the digital world and engaging in alternative activities, have the potential to reduce Internet dependency. However, challenges such as the lack of standardized treatment protocols and limited accessibility for low-income families highlight the importance of continued support and follow-up after the recovery programs. Therefore, to comprehensively address Internet addiction, a multi-faceted approach is essential, encompassing education, social support, and access to cost-effective treatments. Recovery camps should be considered as part of a broader strategy to combat digital dependency, contributing to the mental and physical well-being of an increasingly digital population.

Ethical considerations

In conducting this study on the proliferation of digital technology and its impacts, we adhered to the highest ethical standards. This included ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of any personal data collected. Informed consent was obtained from all participants involved in the study. Throughout the research process, we maintained a commitment to integrity, ensuring that all findings and discussions are presented honestly and without fabrication, falsification, or inappropriate data manipulation.

Code of ethics

The research was guided by a strict code of ethics, emphasizing respect for the dignity and rights of all individuals involved in the study. We ensured that all research methods were noninvasive and posed no risk to participants. Additionally, we took great care to avoid any conflicts of interest, and any potential biases were disclosed and managed appropriately. Our approach was consistent with ethical guidelines set forth by relevant academic and professional bodies, reflecting our commitment to ethical research practices.

Authors’ contributions

Dr. Bazrafshan contributed to the conception of the work and final approval of the version to be published. Helia Yarbakhsh contributed to the writing of the manuscript.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

Acknowledgment

I extend my sincere gratitude to Dr. Bazrafshan for their invaluable contributions and collaboration in the development of this article. Their expertise and insights have been instrumental in bringing this work to fruition.
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1 Jorgenson AG Hsiao RC Yen CF Internet addiction and other behavioral addictions Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am 2016 25 509 20 27338971
2 Baturay MH Toker S Internet addiction among college students: Some causes and effects Educ Inf Technol 2019 24 2863 85
3 Huang Y-J Kao T-J Chen W Yao S-J Shih C-L Effectiveness of a psychological growth camp without internet in the treatment of adolescents at risk of internet addiction: A pilot study Curr Med Res Opin 2022 38 1011 7 35481449
4 Koo C Wati Y Lee CC Oh HY Internet-addicted kids and South Korean government efforts: Boot-camp case Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw 2011 14 391 4 21204693
5 Liu W Mirza F Narayanan A Is it possible to cure Internet addiction with the Internet? AI &Soc 2020 35 245 55
6 Nakayama H Mihara S Higuchi S Treatment and risk factors of internet use disorders Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2017 71 492 505 27987253
7 Lindenberg K Kindt S Szász-Janocha C Internet Addiction in Adolescents: The PROTECT Program for Evidence-Based Prevention and Treatment Springer Nature;Cham, Switzerland 2020
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