Am I Addicted to the Internet?
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Although some mental health professionals have begun to recognize Internet addiction as a legitimate behavioral disorder, it is still difficult to separate the idea of 'Internet addiction' from simple overuse or temporary obsession. One might just as easily form an undiagnosed addiction to televisions, telephones or other entertaining technologies. True Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) can be defined by a number of behaviors similar to other addictions such as gambling, sex, or drugs.
There is little doubt that the Internet can provide hours of entertainment and connectivity for users. In one sense, Internet addiction would be no different that claiming addiction to socializing or information gathering. The technology of the Internet itself does not create Internet addiction. Lengthy chats in online chatrooms are not much different from lengthy phone conversations or face-to-face meetings. What can create an Internet addiction is the habitual feeding of a social or emotional need.
There are a number of questions to ask yourself when confronting a possible Internet addiction. Do you find yourself needing to spend more and more of your spare time on the Internet in order to feel satisfied? A number of people suffering from Internet addiction experience the same sensation of 'tolerance' felt by substance abusers. If you've ever spent far more time than you intended online, you may be facing an Internet addiction.
Another aspect of Internet addiction is withdrawal from the real world. Have you ever chosen time on the Internet over a social obligation or opportunity to interact with others? Have you kept others waiting while you checked your email or message board responses? Again, time spent on the Internet is not necessarily an indicator of Internet addiction, but there needs to be a healthy balance between the real world and the virtual one presented on the Internet.
A number of Internet addiction sufferers actually report feelings of anxiety and frustration which are only relieved through Internet access. If you find yourself feeling panicky or anxious whenever Internet access is limited, you may be suffering from Internet addiction. Some Internet addicts also become openly hostile towards others if an online session is disrupted. If you notice any secretive or defensive reactions while surfing the Internet, you may be suffering from Internet addiction.
Another warning sign of possible Internet addiction is the inability to quit 'cold turkey'. Removal from the Internet environment for even a few days can cause those with Internet addiction to experience withdrawal symptoms. If you notice any uncontrollable trembling or obsessive thoughts about the Internet during abstinence, you may have an Internet addiction. It is normal to be concerned about important emails or job-related Internet activities, but if those concerns prevent you from enjoying your time away from the computer, then you may want to seek professional counseling for Internet addiction.
Michael Pollick
A regular contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.
Michael Pollick
A regular contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
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![While the Internet has many benefits, too much time online may result in social isolation.]()
By: a4stockphotosWhile the Internet has many benefits, too much time online may result in social isolation. -
![Children may experience rage when they are forbidden to play computer games.]()
By: gawriloffChildren may experience rage when they are forbidden to play computer games. -
![Internet addiction can be linked to an online gambling addition.]()
By: JJ'StudioInternet addiction can be linked to an online gambling addition. -
![A internet addict's behavior may negatively affect her ability to sleep.]()
By: tab62A internet addict's behavior may negatively affect her ability to sleep. -
![As with other addictions, people who are addicted to the Internet build up a level of "tolerance."]()
By: lightpoetAs with other addictions, people who are addicted to the Internet build up a level of "tolerance."
Discussion Comments
@Soulfox -- we're not talking about overuse here, we're talking about people with a problem. Still, you have a good point -- is frequent use the same as addiction? Answering that question incorrectly can be damaging.
For example, take the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis. There are some in the medical community who argue it is diagnosed far too often and that means more kids are put on medication than necessary. That ADHD medication can cause some problems, so the argument is that an over-diagnosis of the condition has led to actual harm in children who don't need the medication.
Here's the point -- getting a psychological or medical analysis right is incredibly important. People get messed up when not diagnosed well and put through a treatment program that is not necessary.
It seems this would be a very hard thing to diagnose. Who doesn't rely on the Internet for research, entertainment and all manner of things? Are you addicted to the Internet if you are on it all day long because you have to be to do your job? If you use the Internet like you used to use a television set for entertainment, are you addicted?
Sure, there are some people who are genuinely addicted, but how hard is it to tell the difference between someone who has a problem and someone who just uses the Internet frequently.
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