Excessive Use of the Internet Generates Addiction in Children, Youth, and Adults

This paper analyzes the issue of excessive use of the internet and its relationship with addiction in children, youth, and adults. The review of the literature allowed us to identify that excessive use of the internet can have negative consequences in various areas, such as mental health, academic and work performance, and interpersonal relationships. The need for individuals to take measures to regulate their Internet consumption and avoid falling into addiction was highlighted. The methodology used in the research was based on a systematic review of the existing literature on the subject, which included the selection of relevant articles and the extraction of pertinent data. The results obtained from the review indicated that excessive use of the internet is a significant problem in many countries, including Ecuador, and that its impact can be significant in the general population. Among the main conclusions, the need to promote education on the responsible use of the internet from an early age stands out, as well as the importance of carrying out therapeutic interventions in those individuals who already present symptoms of addiction. In short, it is concluded that the excessive use of the internet is an increasingly worrisome phenomenon today, so it is necessary to continue investigating and taking measures to prevent and treat addiction to this technological tool. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.