“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10, NIV)
As computers and the Internet—once seen as tools of modern civilization—become increasingly central to everyday life, many people are finding themselves unable to function normally in the real world due to addiction. Yet even in the depths of Internet addiction, God is fully able to save and restore any soul.
One of the major negative consequences of the rapid rise in Internet use is what is known as Internet addiction. This condition arises when individuals use computers or the Internet excessively that it causes serious disruption to their social lives, mental health, physical well-being, or financial stability. Internet addiction can take many forms. Some people are consumed by online gaming, spending countless hours in virtual worlds. Others compulsively search for information, unable to stop browsing. There are those who engage impulsively in online gambling, shopping, or auctions. Some become overly attached to online relationships, valuing them more than real-life connections. Others struggle with compulsive use of adult chat rooms and explicit websites. Common symptoms of Internet addiction include a loss of self-control, obsessive or impulsive behavior, and a breakdown in social functioning. In more severe cases, it can lead to depression, social isolation, impulse control disorders, and even substance abuse.
According to a Global Web Index study conducted across 34 countries, people around the world spend an average of 6 to 6.5 hours per day on the Internet. In countries with the highest usage—such as Thailand, the Philippines, and Brazil—they spend an average of 9 hours online each day.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently classified gaming addiction, a type of Internet addiction, as a recognized disorder. They defined it as a “persistent or recurrent pattern of gaming behavior,” whether online or offline, and placed it alongside addictions such as drugs, alcohol, and tobacco under the official diagnosis of gaming disorder.
A 2022 Smartphone Overdependence Survey conducted by Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Information Society Agency revealed that 24.2% of the population falls into the risk group for overdependence. When broken down by age, 28.4% of children aged 3 to 9 were at risk, while the rate was even higher among youth aged 10 to 19, reaching 37%. By school level, middle school students showed the highest rate (3.9% high risk, 30.8% potential risk), followed by high school and elementary students.
Addiction to social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook is also a growing problem. This includes reckless comments, slander, and online bullying. Another concerning trend is the obsession with social status through social media. Many young people equate the number of followers they have with their social value. As a result, they constantly compare their social media presence to others and may go as far as posting deceptive photos or creating false scenarios in an attempt to boost their perceived status.
》Prayer Points
1. The development of computers and the Internet has brought significant changes to society and daily life. Fast and convenient digital networks and social media now easily influence people’s thoughts and values, especially those of the next generation, consuming much of their time and relationships. Let us pray that the lies, deception, and sin hidden in the virtual world will be exposed, and that young people will be rescued and set free.
2. Today’s world has become so dependent on the Internet and social media that people of all ages from infants to teens to adults can hardly live without them. Game addiction, social media addiction, and pornography are pulling the next generation into a state where self-control is lost. The only true hope is the truth of the Cross and the grace of our Lord. Let us pray that the gospel will reach them, break the chains of addiction, and bring about true transformation.
》Scripture Prayer
(Proverbs 17:16–25,NIV) 16 Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom, when they are not able to understand it? 17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. 18 One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor. 19 Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin; whoever builds a high gate invites destruction. 20 One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper; one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble. 21 To have a fool for a child brings grief; there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool. 22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. 23 The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice. 24 A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth. 25 A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the mother who bore him.
》Pray that the Word may become the Conclusion.
1. Let us stand in the name of Jesus Christ and bind Satan, who lays spiritual traps in the virtual world and drives children and teens toward destruction. Let us also pray for a new generation of Internet missionaries to rise up—those who will claim the online world for Christ. May young people, bound by the desires of the flesh and the lust of the eyes, encounter the gospel and come to know the truth that sets them free.
2. Let us cry out for mercy for this next generation—born into sin and living in ignorance, foolishness, and confusion, without having heard the gospel. With the rise of the Internet, many children have become so trapped in the online world that it feels impossible to escape. In this time of crisis, as foolish children become a source of grief and pain for their parents, may the church rise up in prayer and boldly proclaim the gospel. Let us pray that they will gain the wisdom that leads to life and be saved.
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