Internet addiction is currently classified by mental health professionals as an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, a mental health condition that results in an urge to engage in ritualistic thoughts & behaviors. -ScienceDaily
Internet addiction or excessive Internet use is characterized by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges, or behaviors regarding computer use and Internet access that lead to impairment or distress. At least 3 subtypes have been identified: excessive gaming, sexual preoccupations, and e-mail/text messaging.
2010 Monthly Avg. Hours Spent Online by Age
2010 Most Heavily Used Internet Sectors
- Excessive Use Associated with a loss of sense of time or a neglect of basic drives - Changes in Mood When Computer is Inaccessible Feelings of anger, tension, apprehension, and/or depression - Adverse Consequences Arguments, lying, poor achievement, social isolation, & fatigue
- Tolerance Including the need for better computer equipment, more software, or more hours of use - Physical Discomfort Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, dry eyes, sleep disturbances, headaches, back and neck aches, weight gain/loss - Cyber Shakes similar to someone struggling with alcohol addiction
You are at a higher risk of struggling with Internet Addiction if you already suffer from any of the following: -ADHD -Depression / Social Isolation -Bipolar disorder, Anxiety, Low-Self Esteem -Struggles with recovery from a prior addiction
How To Determine Healthy vs. Unhealthy Internet use Spending a lot of time online only becomes a problem when it absorbs too much of your time, causing you to neglect relationships, work, school, or other important things in your life. Repeating compulsive Internet behavior despite the negative consequences in your offline life is UNHEALTHY.
- Track Time Online Note the date, time, and sites you re visiting each time you sign on - Set Limits Allow yourself a limited amount of hours to spend on the Internet daily/weekly - Block Access To the websites you visit most often
- Keep Busy Participate in other activities, besides the Internet - Seek Professional Help If self-help tactics or the intervention of friends and family haven t successfully curbed your Internet use
Are you worried you may already be addicted to the Internet? Take the test now for preventative measures! Internet Addiction Test
- Prescription Medicines Such as serotonin blockers - Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Provides step-by-step ways to stop compulsive Internet behaviors and change your perceptions regarding Internet use - Group Therapy
ABC NEWS March 9 th, 2012
CBS NEWS January 12 th, 2012 Researchers studied 17 individuals who were diagnosed with Internet Addiction Disorder and compared scans of their brains to scans of people who weren't addicted to the web. Researchers found more patterns of "abnormal white matter" on brain scans of the Internet addicts.
CBS NEWS January 12 th, 2012 These changes showed evidence of disrupting pathways related to emotions, decision-making, and self-control. The researchers said earlier studies have found similar white matter changes in the brain scans of people addicted to alcohol, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, meth, and ketamine.
American college students are hooked on cell phones, social media and the Internet and showing symptoms similar to drug and alcohol addictions, according to a new study. -Walden Siew, Reuters
I choose Internet Addiction because it s a harmful obsession that is becoming more prevalent in our world today. I wanted to make others aware of the facts, dangers, and consequences associated with Internet Addition and I also wanted to increase my knowledge on the topic of Internet Addiction.
If Internet Addiction produces white matter in the brain that is similar to the white matter that illegal drugs produce, will restrictions ever be put on individuals Internet use? Is that even possible?
Christopher, D. (2010, May 30). Tips to avoid internet addiction. Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/135449-tips-avoid-internet-addiction/ Christopher, D. (2010, May 20). Signs of internet addiction. Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/127506-signs-internet-addiction/ Halperin, K. (2011, March 09). Internet addiction linked to drug abuse. Abc news. Retrieved from http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2012/03/09/internetaddiction-linked-to-drug-abuse/ Jaslow, R. (2012, January 12). Internet addiction changes brain similar to cocaine. CBS news. Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57357895-10391704/internet-addiction-changes-brain-similar-to-cocainestudy/
Pawlik-Kienlen, L. (2007, September 4). Internet addiction treatment. Retrieved from http://l-pawlik-kienlen.suite101.com/internet-addiction-treatment-a30506 Saisan, J., Smith, M., Robinson, L., & Segal, J. (2012, January). Internet addiction: Signs, symptoms, treatment, and self-help. Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/internet_cybersex_addiction.htm Weinstein, A., & Lejoyeux, M. (2010). Internet addiction or excessive internet use. The American Journal for Drug and Alcohol Abuse, (36), 277-283. Young, K. (2012, January 12). What are the risk factors involved with internet addiction? Retrieved from http://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/center-for-internetaddiction-recovery/internet-addiction-risk-factors/