The Problem of Virtual Addiction in Adolescents
The development of modern technology and media devices lets to quickly exchange different information with a large number of audiences in a short time. The virtual space attracts adolescents with many factors that include the ability to express themselves, to keep in touch with friends, and to receive interesting information. At the same time, there is the risk of development of addiction due to the use of Internet resources and media devices, which often lets the adolescent to be distracted from internal experiences and everyday problems. Getting pleasant emotions through the use ofvirtual space can be the major source of joyful impressions for a young person. However, there is a huge number of risks associated with the uncontrolled use of the modern information environment. A teenager can not only lose financial stability and peaceful communication with other relatives, but also become a victim of violence with irreversible consequences. That is why it is important to timely and efficiently diagnose virtual addiction, which can help in preventing serious problems of a psycho-physical, financial, and social nature. It is worth paying special attention to the problem of suicidal activity among young people, which may be associated with excessive use of virtual space and media technology (for example, smartphones, tablets, laptops, game consoles, etc.). Scientists are developing various methods of diagnosing virtual addiction that can help in determination of the development of psychological disorders. A variety of questionnaires and instrumental techniques relate to a wide range of parameters regarding the study of the virtual activity of adolescents. At the same time, further research on the problem of virtual addiction among adolescents is needed.