Raising awareness about the Problematic Use of the Internet in Films
The internet is a powerful force for good, but can also have damaging effects on the health and wellbeing of people. Problematic Usage of the Internet (PUI) includes a variety of behaviours such excessive gambling, gaming, pornography watching, social media use and compulsive shopping among others. It often affects young people and those suffering from mental disorders and in many cases it becomes amplified as a result of the social isolation and increased reliance on digital communication arising during the COVID-19 pandemic.
PUI is responsible for considerable burden and suffering for afflicted individuals and their families.
A group of researchers within the COST Action CA16207 – the European Network for Problematic Usage of the Internet (PUI) worked with artists to bring new and excellent research in the field to a wider audience, while raising awareness about the risks associated with such behaviours and providing innovative solutions. Prof Ornella Corazza at the University of Hertfordshire who led the art-work commented: “This video project is a fantastic achievement where the arts of animation, music, sound design and addiction science come together to convey an evidence based message on the problematic use of the Internet to a public audience through the medium of film. I hope you will enjoy the clips as we enjoyed the process of making”.
The film will be launched at the international conference on the ‘State of the Art in Problematic Usage of the Internet; Models, Mechanisms and Interventions’ which will take place at the Royal Science of Medicine in London on March 30th – 31st 2022.