Internet Addiction

Overview

The Internet is used by millions of people for work or leisure - or both. A certain percentage of these people are such heavy users of the net that it causes problems in their lives. Some argue that this heavy usage is a form of addiction - and have titled it Pathological Internet Usage.

Internet Addiction/Pathological Internet Use

There is some controversy in the psychology and psychiatric communities regarding the use of the term "addiction" for this or other types of problems caused by behaviors that do not include the use of some type of drug (from gambling to television to sex). To the extent that Internet Addiction is a serious issue, it springs from heavy use - "addiction" to - online gambling, pornography, games, or surfing, or chat.

Roots of Internet Addiction

Dr. Kimberly Young an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford University, in Bradford, PA reported on 396 individuals who fit the description of addicted to some component of the Internet. More than 90 percent who became addicted were "abusers" of two-way communication functions: chat rooms, MUDs [Multi-User Dungeons], newsgroups, and E-mail. Young said. "This makes the case that database searches -- while interesting and often time-consuming -- are not the actual reasons dependents become addicted to the Internet." She also found that most people who exhibited symptoms of Internet Addiction were not high-tech individuals.

Some of the indicators of this addiction include:

Heavy users tend to withdrawal from the real world. Their behavior changes since they communicate through a machine that does all the talk. They may neglect friends, job responsibilities, and family. Examples might include:

Categories of Extent Use

There appear to be several categories of online activities that people may get addicted to:

Screening Instrument

A questionnaire has been developed as a screening tool in the diagnosis of Internet addiction. It consists of eight questions and if "yes," answered to five or more questions, then you probably have a problem.

  1. Do you feel preoccupied with the Internet (think about previous on-line activity or anticipate next on-line session?)?
  2. Do you feel the need to use the Internet with increasing amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction?
  3. Have you repeatedly made unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop Internet use?
  4. Do you feel restless, moody, depressed, or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop Internet use?
  5. Do you stay on-line longer than originally intended?
  6. Have you jeopardized or risked the loss of significant relationship, job, and educational or career opportunity because of the Internet?
  7. Have you lied to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with the Internet?
  8. Do you use the Internet as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression)?

Negative Consequences

Physically, there are few effects associated with Internet Addiction. "Generally addicted users are likely to use the Internet anywhere from forty to eighty hours per week, with single sessions that could last up to twenty hours."(heathyplace.com) Although it should be remembered that aside from "addiction," extended use of the computer can potentially lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, eyestrain, and back strain.

Relationship Problems

Family and other relationship problems may arise due to the lack of attentiveness and the time spent staring at the computer screen. Daily chores are often ignored due to the "need for the net" and lack of sleep at night while staying on the net.

This issue gives managers another element to evaluate in employees' job performance. One survey from the nations top 1,000 companies revealed that fifty-five percent of executives believed that time surfing the Internet for non-business purposes is undermining their employees’ effectiveness on the job (Healthyplace.com). Academically, children using the Internet lose focus while on the net and spend more time surfing.

Treatment of Internet Addiction

Any type of behavioral addiction or heavy use problem is difficult to treat. Internet Addiction is no different. The first step in any type of treatment program is to "admit you have a problem." Here are some approaches to weaning people off their heavy use of the Internet:

External stoppers consist of time limits associated with a responsibility. For example, you need to be at work at 8:00am, set a time of 7:00am to log off and get ready for work - a type of natural alarm. Setting Goals means to cut back each day or to go "cold turkey" and simply quit. Reminders Cards are small affirmations to remind yourself. The cards can list the PRO VS. CONS of Internet Addiction. Personal Inventories lists the amount of time online and what the individual has given up to stay online. Last, Support Groups are a way for individuals to reach out and realize they are not the only one suffering.

Related Links

It's Official: Net Abusers Are Pathological. This site examines the roots of Internet Addiction.

The Center for Online Addiction: Symptoms, Evaluation, And Treatment. This site explains Internet Addiction/PIU in detail.

Is Internet Addiction Real? This site makes hte case that it is.

The Internet Addiction Survey. Check your level of "dependency."

Virtual Addiciton at the Center for Internet Studies

Symptoms of Internet Addiction