"Internet Addiction"
After watching this video can you define the term "internet addiction"?
What is Internet Addiction?
Internet Addiction, otherwise known as computer addiction, online addiction, or internet addiction disorder (IAD), covers a variety of impulse-control problems. In other words it is an impulse control disorder. Some Internet users may develop an emotional attachment to on-line friends and activities they create on their computer screens. Internet users may also enjoy aspects of the Internet that allow them to meet, socialize, and exchange ideas through the use of chat rooms, social networking websites, or "virtual communities", many of which causes them to become an addict.
These addictions include;
The most common of these Internet addictions are cyber-sex, online gambling, and cyber-relationship addiction.Statistic about the level of internet usage can be found on the following site, http://www.techaddiction.ca/internet_addiction_statistics.html
These addictions include;
- Cyber-sex Addiction – compulsive use of Internet pornography, adult chat rooms, or adult fantasy role-play sites impacting negatively on real-life intimate relationships.
- Cyber-Relationship Addiction – addiction to social networking, chat rooms, and messaging to the point where virtual, online friends become more important than real-life relationships with family and friends.
- Net Compulsions – such as compulsive online gaming, gambling, stock trading, or compulsive use of online auction sites such as eBay, often resulting in financial and job-related problems.
- Information Overload – compulsive web surfing or database searching, leading to lower work productivity and less social interaction with family and friends.
- Computer Addiction – obsessive playing of off-line computer games, such as Solitaire or Minesweeper, or obsessive computer programming.
The most common of these Internet addictions are cyber-sex, online gambling, and cyber-relationship addiction.Statistic about the level of internet usage can be found on the following site, http://www.techaddiction.ca/internet_addiction_statistics.html
How do persons become addicted?
The internet is used as a tool for managing unpleasant feelings such as
Other reason may also include:
- Stress
- Loneliness
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Unhappiness
Other reason may also include:
- Lack of social support
- You are less mobile or socially active than you once were
- You have any other addictions such as drugs, alcohol, gambling, and sex.
Signs and symptoms of Internet Addiction
- Persons tend to isolate themselves from families and friends
- They often lose track of time because they are so preoccupied with internet activities
- They often do not have spend enough time in getting other task done
- They get defensive and when they are ask about the amount of time spent using the internet
- They tell lies and when they are ask about the amount of time spent using the internet
- They of feel restless, moody or depressed when they try to limit their internet use.
- They sometimes also feel guilty when they are ask about the amount of time spent using the internet
- They become overly excited when they are using the internet for various activities
- They use the internet as a means of getting away from their problems.
Physical symptoms of Internet Addiction
Internet addiction can lead to physical discomforts such as;
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (pain and numbness in hands and wrists)
- Dry eyes or strained vision
- Back aches and neck aches; severe headaches
- Sleep disturbances
- Eating irregularities
- Pronounced weight gain or weight loss
- Failure to attend to personal hygiene
Effects of Internet Addiction
When you are addicted to the internet it affects you life in all areas. It affects your personal and financial life as well as your family, occupation and academic life. Persons who suffer from internet addiction often seclude themselves from real people which often lead to socialization issues or they are referred to as being ‘socially awkward.’ Researchers have proven that many persons who attempt to quit their Internet use experience withdrawal including: anger, depression, relief, mood swings, anxiety, fear, irritability, sadness, loneliness, boredom, restlessness, procrastination, and even upset stomach.
Related internet sites;
http://zarkozivkovic.hubpages.com/hub/Internet-Addiction-Internet-Addiction-Effects
http://www.ehow.com/about_5247242_effects-internet-addiction.html
http://www.internetaddictioncure.com/internet-addiction-effects.html
Related internet sites;
http://zarkozivkovic.hubpages.com/hub/Internet-Addiction-Internet-Addiction-Effects
http://www.ehow.com/about_5247242_effects-internet-addiction.html
http://www.internetaddictioncure.com/internet-addiction-effects.html
Here is a real story about the effects of internet addiction. Just watch the following video.
How to prevent, treat and deal with Internet Addiction
- Monitor the amount of computer usage time
- Use the internet for only meaningful and productive activities.
- Ensure that persons are involved in other social activities
- Educate persons about the effects of excessive internet usage
- Introduce internet addicts to other persons who manage their internet usage sensibly
- If the person has become too addicted and you are not effective in assisting them to stop, assist them in seeking professional counseling
- For persons who use the internet as a way of relieving problems they can try to build their coping skills and find other means of solving their immediate problems.
Related internet sites;
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/internet/9009952/Internet-addiction-how-to-fight-it.html
To learn about the author of this page is just click on this link Domonic Edwards.