INTERNET ADDICTION
Internet addiction is considered an impulse control disorder because it does not involve substance abuse but has the same effect.
Internet has become a very large part of our lives; it has countless benefits but can also have drawbacks.
Everything is becoming online for the sake of advancement, globalization as well as to make our everyday lives easier and actions possible.
Statistics
The number of people spending more than 20 hours a week on the Internet nearly doubled between 2008 and 2017.
• More than 50% of 13 to 17 year-olds go online several times a day.
• 25% are online “almost constantly”
• Nearly 60% of parents think their teens are addicted to mobile devices according to a recent survey by Common Sense.
• 50% of teenagers agree.
Types of Internet Addiction
Cyberrelational addiction
Relationships formed online may not be sexual in nature but they can still be destructive and have negative consequences.
People can’t stop checking their social media networks reaching a point where online social connections become more important than the real ties with friends and family in the actual world.
Net compulsions
Obsessive online games, trading stocks, online gambling, e-shopping and online auctions.
Compulsive online shopping may be hard to resist and result in financial and job problems.
Informational addiction
People need constant online addiction help and surf the web to look for information incessantly.
This can cause informational overload.
Cybersexual Addiction
When online porn and other sexual related activities interfere with real world and with sexual or romantic relationships and when they are used excessively, then this becomes a problem which should require treatment.
Causes of Internet Addiction
• Internet addiction is similar to chemical dependency, such as drugs or alcohol.
• Inability to set priorities in life; the Internet takes precedence to necessary life tasks.
• Levels of dopamine and serotonin may be deficient compared to the general population.
This chemical deficiency may require you to engage in more behaviors to receive the same pleasurable response compared to individuals not suffering from addictive Internet behaviors.
• People who suffer from anxiety and depression might turn to the Internet to fill a void.
• Shy or socially awkward persons turn to the Internet as it does not require interpersonal interaction and it is emotionally rewarding.
Physical Symptoms of Internet Addiction
Backache
Insomnia
Neck Pain
Headaches
Weight Gain or Loss
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Dry Eyes and other Vision Problems
Poor Personal Hygiene (not bathing to stay online)
Effects of Internet Addiction Disorder
Personal relationships, work life, finances and school life Individuals suffering from this condition may be isolating themselves from others, spending a long time in social isolation and negatively impacting their personal relationships.
Distrust and dishonesty
Internet addicts try to hide or deny the amount of time they spend online and may create alternate personas in an attempt to mask their online behaviors.
Serious financial troubles
Financial issues may also result from avoidance of work, bankruptcy due to continued online shopping or online gambling.
Socially withdraw
Internet addicted people may feel more at ease in an online environment than a physical one.
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