[Clinical intersections of digital behavior and lifestyle balance: the complex impact of problematic internet use on health].

Abstract

The problematic forms of internet use have become one of the fastest-growing challenges in lifestyle and mental health in the 21st century. Excessive online activity not only affects our mental and social well-being but also impacts our physical health, influencing fundamental daily activities such as sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and emotional regulation. The aim of this research is to explore the relationship between excessive internet use and various components of a healthy lifestyle, as well as to identify factors that may facilitate or hinder its development. This analysis involved a detailed review of both international and domestic literature, examining the interconnections among dietary habits, physical activity, sleep quality, social relationships, psychological stress, and other addictive behaviors. The findings indicate that excessive internet use has detrimental effects on various aspects of a healthy lifestyle, contributing to issues such as poorer sleep quality, irregular eating patterns, decreased physical activity, heightened feelings of loneliness, and emotional exhaustion. Conversely, a supportive social environment, a regular daily routine, and an active lifestyle can help mitigate excessive internet use. The issue of problematic internet use is backed by a complex psychological and neurological framework, necessitating a comprehensive approach to prevention and treatment. Lifestyle interventions, such as encouraging physical activity, ensuring quality sleep, and promoting healthy eating, play a critical role. Thus, a reciprocal relationship between excessive internet use and unhealthy lifestyles can be observed, highlighting that effective prevention and treatment can only be achieved by simultaneously strengthening healthy habits and fostering digital awareness. Orv Hetil. 2025; 166(24): 922–929.