 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Internet addiction disorder is defined as “the problematic use of the internet including various aspects of its technology, such as e-mail and the World Wide Web” with an impaired sense of time and extreme emotional response to abstaining from internet use. Studies conducted by the Stanford School of Medicine have indicated that one in every eight people in the US suffers from this addiction. People in their mid-30s, especially men, have been found to be more prone to this addiction than any other segment of the populace. Loners and shy people are more prone to become internet addicts as also are those who are already suffering from some type of addiction.
There are some specific signs to watch out for which indicate that a person might be an internet addict. Such people may be on the internet for a long time, spend their time online in unrelated activities to work or study. Despite poor grades or bad performance at work, the addict may be unwilling to cut down on internet usage. A withdrawal from social activities and relationships in favor of the internet use is another strong indicator of addiction. An addicted person may also display physical symptoms such as fatigue, backache, neck ache, headache, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, changed sleep pattern, and weight gain or loss.
No single cause of an internet addiction can be pinpointed, but there are many possible causes which researchers have identified. Some attribute it to the thrill that the individual experiences when they switch on the computer and visit their favorite websites. It is similar to the ‘rush’ or ‘kick’ experienced by those who use recreational drugs. A person may start off by using the internet casually and reaches a level where the internet takes precedence over everything else in life including work, friends, and family. Free and unlimited internet access, freedom from parental control, a desire to escape some kind of stress, and the anonymity offered by online chat groups and forums, may all lead to the start of addictive behavior.
There are many sub categories of internet addiction and the compulsive use of internet pornography is one of these. It is also known as cyber sexual addiction and is primarily caused due to the safe anonymity offered by the internet. It is very easy to get into online relationships and make virtual friends in adult chat rooms under a pseudonym. Indulging in wild fantasies within the privacy of one’s own room can make one forget the passage of time. Porn is also one reason why many males are internet addicts. The warning signs of this kind of addiction include an obsession with finding sexual partners online, feeling guilt after such interactions, and making cybersex a substitute for real life relationships.
An extraordinary preference for online gambling, online gaming, online shopping, or online auctions is known as a ‘net compulsion’ and can take its toll on an individual’s social and financial standing. Addiction to online gambling is perhaps more difficult to overcome than its real life counterpart. This is primarily because the internet has increased access to gambling and virtual casinos are just a mouse click away. As a result, more and more young adults are also getting drawn into this type of gambling. Compulsive internet shoppers or auction bidders often end up buying stuff that they don’t need but purchase just for the thrill of winning the bid.
Recognizing and accepting that one has a problem is the first step on the road to recovery. Often, the person affected or close family members refuse to acknowledge that there is a problem which needs to be resolved immediately. Self-treatment and seeking professional help are the two options available to an internet addict. If opting for self-treatment, the addicted person should first start maintaining a log of time spent online and make a conscious effort to cut down on this. Adopting effective time management techniques and pursuing a hobby can be effective in reducing time spent online. Joining a support group can also help since there will be others with similar experiences to share and offer tips. Approaching a psychologist and undergoing therapy can help change the person’s thoughts and behavior. A trained eye can help pinpoint the root cause of this addiction. If factors such as anxiety and depression have led to the problem, then addressing these issues will help do away with reliance on the internet.
 |
|
 |
