Hygienic aspects of the information and technological person’s addiction in the new reality

The spread of information technologies leads to negative consequences associated with the impact on the health of the individual and public health. There are new behavioral addictions, namely information and technological ones. The objective reasons for their occurrence are in the changes taking place in society. They are associated with the informatization and globalization of the post-industrial society. The criteria for excessive use of the Internet are changing. Virtual space appears as a significant part of life reality. Ubiquitous is the regular use of the Internet. Imposed by information technologies lifestyle and worldview can be destructive for the individual. The task of hygienic science is to prevent the psychological distress of a person in new conditions. The purpose of the article is to consider the views of a person’s Internet addiction, the risks, as well as the possibility of psychological distress resulting from the impact of information technologies. Comparative analysis of the views of various authors and their theoretical generalization. A current understanding of the phenomenon of information and technological dependencies is presented. Two conceptual approaches to the consideration of the phenomenon are identified: as a mental pathology and as a person’s state in the continuum of his normal behavior in new life realities. Statistical data characterizing the penetration of social networks into Russian society and quantitative characteristics of the use of the Internet are given. Computer technologies can be a “mental retreat” for humans. However, social networks provide users with isolation in their own socio-cultural shells. The boundaries of the norms and pathologies of Internet use have changed. Indices of overgrowing of enthusiasm for the Internet in addiction are a change in the motives and goals of its use. A risk factor for the psychological well-being of a person is an exposure to manipulative informational influences on the Internet. Social networks are the space and means of such exposure.

Conclusion. The difference between healthy and unhealthy use of the Network is given. The danger for the majority of Internet users was shown not to be an addiction, but exposure to information and psychological effects. It is revealed that in social networks there is a possibility of targeted impacts.