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Internet Addiction Disorder

Internet addiction disorder presentation, free google slides theme and powerpoint template.

Right now, you're using the internet to access Slidesgo and read the description of this new template. Do you do this every five seconds, eight hours a day? We're flattered, but you should slow down! Internet addiction disorder (or IAD) is an issue of today's world. However, it's not globally recognized as a disease (yet), but its symptoms vary from lack to sleep to eye strain. Now it sounds serious, right? Get this template and start creating an informative presentation about this topic so that we can help prevent it in this era, characterized by the constant use of computers!

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How to Know If You Have an Internet Addiction and What to Do About It

Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell.

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• Top 5 Things to Know

Internet Addiction in Kids

• What to Do If You're Addicted

Internet addiction is a behavioral addiction in which a person becomes dependent on the Internet or other online devices as a maladaptive way of coping with life's stresses.

Internet addiction has and is becoming widely recognized and acknowledged. So much so that in 2020, the World Health Organization formally recognized addiction to digital technology as a worldwide problem, where excessive online activity and Internet use lead to struggles with time management, sleep, energy, and attention.

Top 5 Things to Know About Internet Addiction

• Internet addiction is not yet an officially recognized mental disorder. Researchers have formulated diagnostic criteria for Internet addiction, but it is not included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) . However, Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is included as a condition for further study, and Internet addiction is developing as a specialist area.
• At least three subtypes of Internet addiction have been identified: video game addiction , cybersex or online sex addiction, and online gambling addiction .
• Increasingly, addiction to mobile devices, such as cellphones and smartphones, and addiction to social networking sites, such as Facebook, are being investigated. There may be overlaps between each of these subtypes. For example, online gambling involves online games, and online games may have elements of pornography.
• Sexting , or sending sexually explicit texts, has landed many people in trouble. Some have been teens who have found themselves in hot water with child pornography charges if they are underage. It can also be a potential gateway to physical infidelity .
• Treatment for Internet addiction is available, but only a few specialized Internet addiction services exist. However, a psychologist with knowledge of addiction treatment will probably be able to help.

If you or a loved one are struggling with an addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database .

As Internet addiction is not formally recognized as an addictive disorder, it may be difficult to get a diagnosis. However, several leading experts in the field of behavioral addiction have contributed to the current knowledge of symptoms of Internet addiction. All types of Internet addiction contain the following four components:  

Excessive Use of the Internet

Despite the agreement that excessive Internet use is a key symptom, no one seems able to define exactly how much computer time counts as excessive. While guidelines suggest no more than two hours of screen time per day for youths under 18, there are no official recommendations for adults.

Furthermore, two hours can be unrealistic for people who use computers for work or study. Some authors add the caveat “for non-essential use,” but for someone with Internet addiction, all computer use can feel essential.

Here are some questions from Internet addiction assessment instruments that will help you to evaluate how much is too much.

How Often Do You...

• Stay online longer than you intended?
• Hear other people in your life complain about how much time you spend online?
• Say or think, “Just a few more minutes” when online?
• Try and fail to cut down on how much time you spend online?
• Hide how long you’ve been online?

If any of these situations are coming up on a daily basis, you may be addicted to the Internet.

Although originally understood to be the basis of physical dependence on alcohol or drugs, withdrawal symptoms are now being recognized in behavioral addictions, including Internet addiction.

Common Internet withdrawal symptoms include anger, tension, and depression when Internet access is not available.   These symptoms may be perceived as boredom, joylessness, moodiness, nervousness, and irritability when you can’t go on the computer.

Tolerance is another hallmark of alcohol and drug addiction and seems to be applicable to Internet addiction as well.   This can be understood as wanting—and from the user's point of view, needing—more and more computer-related stimulation. You might want ever-increasing amounts of time on the computer, so it gradually takes over everything you do. The quest for more is likely a predominant theme in your thought processes and planning.

Negative Repercussions

If Internet addiction caused no harm, there would be no problem. But when excessive computer use becomes addictive, something starts to suffer.

One negative effect of internet addiction is that you may not have any offline personal relationships, or the ones you do have may be neglected or suffer arguments over your Internet use.

• Online affairs can develop quickly and easily, sometimes without the person even believing online infidelity is cheating on their partner.
• You may see your grades and other achievements suffer from so much of your attention being devoted to Internet use.
• You may also have little energy for anything other than computer use—people with Internet addiction are often exhausted from staying up too late on the computer and becoming sleep deprived.
• Finances can also suffer , particularly if your addiction is for online gambling, online shopping, or cybersex.

Internet addiction is particularly concerning for kids and teens. Children lack the knowledge and awareness to properly manage their own computer use and have no idea about the potential harms that the Internet can open them up to. The majority of kids have access to a computer, and it has become commonplace for kids and teens to carry cellphones.

While this may reassure parents that they can have two-way contact with their child in an emergency, there are very real risks that this constant access to the Internet can expose them to.

• Children have become increasingly accustomed to lengthy periods of time connected to the Internet, disconnecting them from the surrounding world.
• Children who own a computer and have privileged online access have an increased risk of involvement in cyberbullying , both as a victim and as a perpetrator.  
• Children who engage in problematic internet use are more likely to use their cellphone for cybersex, particularly through sexting, or access apps which could potentially increase the risk of sex addiction and online sexual harms, such as Tinder.  

In addition, kids who play games online often face peer pressure to play for extended periods of time in order to support the group they are playing with or to keep their skills sharp. This lack of boundaries can make kids vulnerable to developing video game addiction.   This can also be disruptive to the development of healthy social relationships and can lead to isolation and victimization.

Children and teens are advised to have no more than two hours of screen time per day.

What to Do If You Have an Internet Addiction

If you recognize the symptoms of Internet addiction in yourself or someone in your care, talk to your doctor about getting help. As well as being able to provide referrals to Internet addiction clinics, psychologists, and other therapists, your doctor can prescribe medications or therapy to treat an underlying problem if you have one, such as depression or social anxiety disorder.

Internet addiction can also overlap with other behavioral addictions, such as work addiction, television addiction , and smartphone addiction.

Internet addiction can have devastating effects on individuals, families, and particularly growing children and teens. Getting help may be challenging but can make a huge difference in your quality of life.

Dresp-Langley B, Hutt A. Digital addiction and sleep .  IJERPH . 2022;19(11):6910. doi:10.3390/ijerph19116910

American Psychiatric Association. Internet Gaming .

Young KS, de Abreu CN. Internet Addiction: A Handbook and Guide to Evaluation and Treatment . New York: John Wiley & Sons Inc.; 2011.

Holoyda B, Landess J, Sorrentino R, Friedman SH. Trouble at teens' fingertips: Youth sexting and the law .  Behav Sci Law . 2018;36(2):170-181. doi:10.1002/bsl.2335

Jorgenson AG, Hsiao RC, Yen CF.  Internet Addiction and Other Behavioral Addictions .  Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am . 2016;25(3):509-520. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2016.03.004

Reid Chassiakos YL, Radesky J, Christakis D, Moreno MA, Cross C. Children and Adolescents and Digital Media . Pediatrics . 2016;138(5):e20162593. doi:10.1542/peds.2016-2593

Musetti A, Cattivelli R, Giacobbi M, et al. Challenges in Internet Addiction Disorder: Is a Diagnosis Feasible or Not ?  Front Psychol . 2016;7:842. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00842

Walrave M, Heirman W. Cyberbullying: Predicting Victimisation and Perpetration . Child Soc . 2011;25:59-72. doi:10.1111/j.1099-0860.2009.00260.x

Gámez-Guadix M, De Santisteban P. "Sex Pics?": Longitudinal Predictors of Sexting Among Adolescents . J Adolesc Health. 2018;63(5):608-614. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.05.032

Hilgard J, Engelhardt CR, Bartholow BD. Individual differences in motives, preferences, and pathology in video games: the gaming attitudes, motives, and experiences scales (GAMES) . Front Psychol. 2013;4:608. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00608

Alavi SS, Ferdosi M, Jannatifard F, Eslami M, Alaghemandan H, Setare M. Behavioral Addiction versus Substance Addiction: Correspondence of Psychiatric and Psychological Views .  Int J Prev Med . 2012;3(4):290-294.

American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-5. 5th ed. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association Publishing; 2013.

By Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD is a psychologist, professor, and Director of the Centre for Health Leadership and Research at Royal Roads University, Canada.  

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Internet Addiction: Causes, Effects, And Treatments

What Is An Internet Addiction?

• Signs Of Internet Addiction
• Causes Of Internet Addiction
• Risk Factors
• Effects And Consequences
• Co-Occurring Disorders
• Is Internet Addiction Real?
• Treatment Options
• Find Treatment For Internet Addiction

Internet addiction disorder (IAD) is a type of behavioral addiction that involves compulsive Internet use. People with an Internet addiction may have underlying mental health or substance use issues that may require specialized addiction treatment.

According to the Pew Research Center, 93 percent of adults in the United States use the Internet. Among teenagers, Internet use is likely even higher.

Internet use has become what some might call a necessity in daily life. For some people, however, Internet use—including social media and online gaming—can become a compulsive and even addictive habit.

While not officially recognized as a disorder in the United States, compulsive Internet use is believed to be fairly common, affecting an estimated 1.5 to 8.2 percent of people in North America.

Read more about the causes and treatment of behavioral addictions

Internet addiction, also known as Internet addiction disorder (IAD), is a behavioral addiction characterized by compulsive, uncontrollable Internet use that interferes with daily life.

Types of Internet addiction include:

• online gambling addiction
• cybersex addiction
• video game addiction
• social media addiction

Regular use of the Internet is common and even necessary for many occupations and academic pursuits. In addition, the Internet is also used to form or maintain social connections.

When a person feels unable to control their Internet use, however, and continues to do so despite negative effects on their life, this may be a sign of a problem.

Signs Of Internet Addiction Disorder

Using the Internet very often, or enjoying being online, are not signs of an addiction by themselves.

An addiction is generally characterized by repetitive behaviors that interfere with a person’s daily life, and that the person feels unable to control.

If you’re concerned about your Internet use, or that of someone else, there are several common signs and behaviors researchers have identified among people with Internet addiction.

Signs and symptoms of Internet addiction might include:

• excessive Internet use (i.e. spending a majority of time online)
• staying online for longer than intended
• lying about the extent of one’s Internet use
• unsuccessful attempts to limit Internet use
• neglecting relationships with others due to Internet use
• experiencing disruptions in work or academic pursuits as a result of Internet use
• experiencing guilt, shame, or frustration about one’s Internet use
• continuing to spend the majority of time online despite negative effects on physical or mental health

Psychological withdrawal symptoms have also been reported by people with compulsive Internet use. For example, feeling very on-edge, hostile, or anxious when unable to access a computer.

Causes Of Internet Addiction Disorder

Increased use of mobile technologies and the Internet for everyday activities is not by itself a cause for Internet addiction.

Although this is an ongoing subject of research, researchers currently believe Internet addiction could be influenced by genetic, biological, and interpersonal factors.

For instance:

• abnormalities in neurochemical processes
• history of mental illness or a personality disorder
• personal or family history of addiction
• Internet access and availability

One theory underlying Internet addiction, the quality of real life theory, suggests that people who experience difficulties in their offline lives may turn to the Internet to escape or avoid reality.

Therefore, people who have stressful lives, or are unhappy with their lives, may be more likely to turn to the Internet to cope.

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Risk Factors For Internet Addiction

Certain types of people are believed to be potentially more vulnerable to developing an Internet addiction compared to the general population, based on proposed risk factors.

Risk factors for Internet addiction include:

• history of mental health disorder
• history of substance misuse
• young age (e.g. child, teenager, young adults)
• genetic predisposition

Effects And Consequences Of Internet Addiction

Living with an addiction to the Internet can be isolating. While many people use the Internet and social media to connect online, some research shows this can actually increase loneliness.

People who become addicted to the Internet may experience distress over time, as their use becomes more compulsive and they become more disconnected from their offline reality.

In addition, other consequences of an Internet addiction might include:

• disrupted sleep patterns
• neglect of personal hygiene
• poor eating habits
• relationship troubles
• decreased work or academic performance
• vision problems
• psychological withdrawal symptoms

Behavioral addictions such as compulsive Internet use can be progressive. This means the effects and consequences of internet addiction may grow more severe with time.

Internet Addiction And Co-Occurring Disorders

It’s not uncommon for a person who compulsively uses the Internet to also have another type of mental health disorder.

Co-occurring disorders might include:

• alcohol use disorder
• drug abuse and addiction
• anxiety disorders
• major depression
• technological addictions (e.g. addiction to smartphones or television)

Internet Addiction And Substance Abuse

Most people who hear the term ‘addiction’ typically think of drug or alcohol addiction. According to some research, substance abuse and behavioral addictions can be connected.

Alcohol use disorder, in particular, is believed to be associated with compulsive Internet use, particularly among college students.

Drugs, alcohol, and the Internet can for some share a similar function: to numb, escape, or manage feelings or realities they’d prefer to avoid.

Is An Internet Addiction Real?

The existence of ‘Internet addiction’ is somewhat controversial. An increasing number of health professionals recognize that Internet addiction is a legitimate problem.

In South Korea, for instance, Internet addiction has been recognized by authorities as a national health problem. In the Middle East, Internet addiction is also believed to be fairly widespread.

Researchers in the United States have advocated for the inclusion of Internet addiction disorder within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is used to diagnose mental health and related conditions.

While it’s not currently recognized as an independent disorder, Internet addiction is a growing specialist area among mental health treatment providers who recognize its detrimental impact.

Treatment For Internet Addiction

Seeking treatment for Internet addiction may be necessary for people who feel unable to reduce their Internet use on their own.

The types of treatments recommended for Internet addiction can vary according to a person’s medical history, mental health history, and other personal factors.

Treatment options for Internet addiction might include:

• behavioral therapy
• mental health counseling
• group therapy
• family therapy
• digital detoxification (detox)
• self-help groups

Treatment may focus on helping a person overcome their compulsive Internet use by addressing its connection to emotions, thought patterns, and other behavioral tendencies.

For people with co-occurring substance use issues, a dual diagnosis treatment program through a substance abuse treatment center may also be recommended.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment For Internet Addiction And Substance Abuse

Dual diagnosis treatment is a type of treatment that aims to address all co-occurring mental health issues a person experiences, such as substance misuse and compulsive Internet use.

Dual diagnosis treatment can be effective for addictions, as well as mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or a history of trauma.

Finding Treatment For Internet Addiction

If you or a loved one is struggling with compulsive Internet use, one of our addiction resource specialists may be able to help.

By calling our helpline, we can:

• identify appropriate treatment options
• verify your insurance
• find a treatment program that meets your needs

Call us today to find treatment for internet addiction , including dual diagnosis rehab and mental health treatment options.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff

Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.

These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.

• American Psychiatric Association (APA)—New Research Press Briefing: Internet Addiction: Review of Neuroimaging Studies https://www.psychiatry.org/newsroom/news-releases/internet-addiction-review-of-neuroimaging-studies
• NPR News—Hooked On The Internet, South Korean Teens Go Into Digital Detox https://www.npr.org/2019/08/13/748299817/hooked-on-the-internet-south-korean-teens-go-into-digital-detox
• Pew Research Center—Demographics of Internet and Home Broadband Usage in the United States https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/internet-broadband/
• U.S. National Library of Medicine—Internet Addiction: A Brief Summary of Research and Practice https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3480687/
• U.S. National Library of Medicine—Internet Addiction Prevalence and Quality of (Real) Life: A Meta-Analysis of 31 Nations Across Seven World Regions https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4267764/
• U.S. National Library of Medicine: PubMed—The association between harmful alcohol use and Internet addiction among college students: comparison of personality https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19335391/
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Internet Addiction

Reviewed by Psychology Today Staff

More a popular idea than a scientifically valid concept, internet addiction is the belief that people can become so dependent on using their mobile phones or other electronic devices that they lose control of their own behavior and suffer negative consequences. The harm is alleged to stem both from direct involvement with the device—something that has never been proven—and from the abandonment of other activities, such as studying, face-to-face socializing, or sleep.

• What Is Internet Addiction?
• Signs of Excessive Internet Use
• Internet Use and Mental Health
• What to Do About Internet Addiction

There is much debate in the scientific community about whether excessive internet use can be classified as a true addiction. In an addiction to substances such as drugs or alcohol , consumption ceases being pleasurable but continues and is difficult to escape even as the likelihood of harm to the body and life mounts. In the case of internet use, there is no clear point at which being online becomes non-pleasurable for most individuals. In part for this reason, behavioral "addictions," including using the internet, remain controversial: Experts debate where the line should be drawn between passionate absorption in any activity—say, devoting a lot of time to playing the cello or reading books—and being stuck in a rut of compulsivity that stops being useful and detrimentally affects other areas of life.

In preparing the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , psychiatrists and other experts debated whether to include internet addiction. They decided that there was not enough scientific evidence to support inclusion at this time, although the DSM-5 does recognize Internet Gaming Disorder as a condition warranting further study.

Most often, the word “addiction” is used in the colloquial sense. Common Sense Media finds that 59 percent of parents “feel” their kids are addicted to their mobile devices—just as 27 percent of the parents feel that they themselves are. Sixty-nine percent of parents say they check their own devices at least hourly, as do 78 percent of teens. Spending a lot of time on the internet is increasingly considered normal behavior, especially for adolescents. Much of their social activity has simply moved online. Like any new technology, the computer has changed the way everyone lives, learns, and communicates. It is possible to be online far too much, even though this does not constitute a true addiction in the eyes of most clinicians. 

Internet content creators leverage the ways in which the brain works to rally consumers '  attention . One simple example: A perceived threat activates your fight-or-flight response, a part of the brain known as the Reticular Activating System mobilizes the body for action. So online content exploits potential dangers—violence, natural disaster, disease, etc.—to attract and hold your attention.  

Problematic or excessive internet use can indeed pose a serious problem. It can displace such important needs as sleep, homework, and exercise, often a source of friction between parents and teens. It can have negative effects on real-life relationships. 

The idea of internet addiction is a particular concern among parents, who worry about the harmful effects of screen time and often argue about device use with their children. According to a 2019 survey conducted by Common Sense Media, children aged 8 to 12 now spend 5 hours a day on digital devices, while teens clock more than 7 hours—not including schoolwork. Teen screen time is slowly ticking upward, and most teens take their phones to bed with them.

Whether classified as an addiction or not, heavy use of technology can be detrimental. It can impair focus, resulting in poor performance at school or work. Excessive internet consumption also makes it more difficult for people to communicate normally or to regulate their emotions. They spend less time on non-internet-related activities at the cost of relationships with friends, family, and significant others.

One way to assess whether you’re using the internet too much is to ask yourself if your basics needs (or your child’s, if they are the concern) are being met. Do you sleep enough, eat healthy, get enough exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and spend time socializing in-person? The real harm of screen time may lie in missed opportunities for growth and connection.

Excessive screen time can be particularly harmful to a developing brain: It decreases focus and attention span while increasing the need for more constant stimulation and instant gratification. Those who use the internet excessively may feel anxious if their access to their device gets restricted. They tend to be more impulsive and struggle to recognize facial and nonverbal cues in real life.

Internet use becomes a problem when people start substituting online connections for real, physical relationships. The effects of technology on relationships include increased isolation and loneliness . Defaulting to online communication also denies us the opportunity to hear someone’s voice and read their facial cues in-person; it can also lead to poorer outcomes and miscommunication. Experts recommend that we save the important conversations for when we can be face-to-face for just this reason.   

Online content has been designed to elicit specific “checking habits,” which can result in distraction and poor performance at school or work. Constantly checking your smartphone or another device can also lead to relationship-sabotaging behaviors, like phubbing (snubbing loved ones for the instant gratification of checking the internet on your device). As more time is spent online, less is devoted to the natural pleasures of everyday life.  

Excessive use of the internet is known to negatively impact a person’s mental health. It has been associated with mental health issues, such as loneliness, depression , anxiety , and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Research suggests that people are likely to use the internet more as an emotional crutch to cope with negative feelings instead of addressing them in proactive and healthy ways.

This is a subject of debate at present. While internet addiction is not in the DSM-V, it is clearly a behavior that negatively impacts mental health and cognition for many, and many struggle to cut back on their time online. The term "addiction" is often used as a shorthand for, “My child spends a lot of time on social media , texting friends, or playing video games, and I’m worried how it will affect his or her future development and success.” At the same time, many people label it a behavioral addiction, engaging reward circuitry seen in other problematic behaviors such as gambling.

Time online is also sometimes used as an escape from boredom or relief from loneliness or other unpleasantness. Occasionally, excessive screen time masks a state of depression or anxiety. In such cases, digital engagement becomes an attempt to remedy the feelings of distress caused by true mental health disorders that could likely benefit from professional or other attention.

Given how much people rely on technology to complete everyday tasks, from online schooling to paying bills to ordering food to keeping in touch with loved ones who are far away, it isn’t feasible to stop using the internet altogether. In most cases, the goal should be to reduce the time spent online. Many of those who’ve struggled to balance internet use with other activities recommend such simple “digital detox” measures as leaving devices in the kitchen or any other room but the bedroom at night. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also help address addiction-like behaviors, like constant checking habits. 

Amidst growing concerns about the increased amount of time people are spending online, the “digital detox” has become a popular way to cope. A digital detox involves temporarily abstaining from using devices, like computers and smartphones. Someone may go on a digital detox in order to re-engage with a passion or activity, focus more on in-person interactions, or break free of a pattern of compulsive or excessive use. Digital detoxes also allow more time for self-care that a person may have been neglecting in order to stay plugged into the internet, which can lead to lower stress levels and better sleep.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. You may want to digitally detox if you notice that you’re experiencing sleep disruptions due to staying up late or waking up early to be on a device, if the internet is making you feel depressed, or if the constant need to be connected causes you stress. Other signs may include feeling anxious if you can’t locate your phone, having FOMO ( fear of missing out) if you’re not checking the internet or social media, struggling to focus without (or due to) constant checking behaviors, etc.

Unlike other detoxes where the goal is to abstain completely, digital detoxes are more flexible and tailored to the individual. It may not be possible due to work or personal obligations to shut your devices off entirely for long periods of time. If it’s time for a digital detox , there are some strategies you can try: Block off non-screen time during the day and/or night, set a “digital curfew” for using devices at night or on weekends, specify digital-free spaces in your home (e.g., the bedroom or dinner table), and use the additional time in fulfilling ways (e.g., socialize, rekindle old interests, volunteer, etc.).

Use the internet and social media with purpose; set time limits on your unstructured use to avoid going down long and unfulfilling rabbit holes. Take advantage of the extra free time you suddenly have. Spend more time socializing in-person and volunteer. Rekindle old interests or take up a new hobby. Go outside. Pay more attention to how you are feeling, both physically and emotionally.

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Internet Addiction: A Brief Summary of Research and Practice

Hilarie cash.

a reSTART Internet Addiction Recovery Program, Fall City, WA 98024

Cosette D Rae

Ann h steel, alexander winkler.

b University of Marburg, Department for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Gutenbergstraße 18, 35032 Marburg, Germany

Problematic computer use is a growing social issue which is being debated worldwide. Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) ruins lives by causing neurological complications, psychological disturbances, and social problems. Surveys in the United States and Europe have indicated alarming prevalence rates between 1.5 and 8.2% [1]. There are several reviews addressing the definition, classification, assessment, epidemiology, and co-morbidity of IAD [2-5], and some reviews [6-8] addressing the treatment of IAD. The aim of this paper is to give a preferably brief overview of research on IAD and theoretical considerations from a practical perspective based on years of daily work with clients suffering from Internet addiction. Furthermore, with this paper we intend to bring in practical experience in the debate about the eventual inclusion of IAD in the next version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

INTRODUCTION

The idea that problematic computer use meets criteria for an addiction, and therefore should be included in the next iteration of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) , 4 th ed. Text Revision [ 9 ] was first proposed by Kimberly Young, PhD in her seminal 1996 paper [ 10 ]. Since that time IAD has been extensively studied and is indeed, currently under consideration for inclusion in the DSM-V [ 11 ]. Meanwhile, both China and South Korea have identified Internet addiction as a significant public health threat and both countries support education, research and treatment [ 12 ]. In the United States, despite a growing body of research, and treatment for the disorder available in out-patient and in-patient settings, there has been no formal governmental response to the issue of Internet addiction. While the debate goes on about whether or not the DSM-V should designate Internet addiction a mental disorder [ 12 - 14 ] people currently suffering from Internet addiction are seeking treatment. Because of our experience we support the development of uniform diagnostic criteria and the inclusion of IAD in the DSM-V [ 11 ] in order to advance public education, diagnosis and treatment of this important disorder.

CLASSIFICATION

There is ongoing debate about how best to classify the behavior which is characterized by many hours spent in non-work technology-related computer/Internet/video game activities [ 15 ]. It is accompanied by changes in mood, preoccupation with the Internet and digital media, the inability to control the amount of time spent interfacing with digital technology, the need for more time or a new game to achieve a desired mood, withdrawal symptoms when not engaged, and a continuation of the behavior despite family conflict, a diminishing social life and adverse work or academic consequences [ 2 , 16 , 17 ]. Some researchers and mental health practitioners see excessive Internet use as a symptom of another disorder such as anxiety or depression rather than a separate entity [e.g. 18]. Internet addiction could be considered an Impulse control disorder (not otherwise specified). Yet there is a growing consensus that this constellation of symptoms is an addiction [e.g. 19]. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) recently released a new definition of addiction as a chronic brain disorder, officially proposing for the first time that addiction is not limited to substance use [ 20 ]. All addictions, whether chemical or behavioral, share certain characteristics including salience, compulsive use (loss of control), mood modification and the alleviation of distress, tolerance and withdrawal, and the continuation despite negative consequences.

DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA FOR IAD

The first serious proposal for diagnostic criteria was advanced in 1996 by Dr. Young, modifying the DSM-IV criteria for pathological gambling [ 10 ]. Since then variations in both name and criteria have been put forward to capture the problem, which is now most popularly known as Internet Addiction Disorder. Problematic Internet Use (PIU) [ 21 ], computer addiction, Internet dependence [ 22 ], compulsive Internet use, pathological Internet use [ 23 ], and many other labels can be found in the literature. Likewise a variety of often overlapping criteria have been proposed and studied, some of which have been validated. However, empirical studies provide an inconsistent set of criteria to define Internet addiction [ 24 ]. For an overview see Byun et al . [ 25 ].

Beard [ 2 ] recommends that the following five diagnostic criteria are required for a diagnosis of Internet addiction: (1) Is preoccupied with the Internet (thinks about previous online activity or anticipate next online session); (2) Needs to use the Internet with increased amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction; (3) Has made unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop Internet use; (4) Is restless, moody, depressed, or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop Internet use; (5) Has stayed online longer than originally intended. Additionally, at least one of the following must be present: (6) Has jeopardized or risked the loss of a significant relationship, job, educational or career opportunity because of the Internet; (7) Has lied to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with the Internet; (8) Uses the Internet as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression) [ 2 ].

There has been also been a variety of assessment tools used in evaluation. Young’s Internet Addiction Test [ 16 ], the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire (PIUQ) developed by Demetrovics, Szeredi, and Pozsa [ 26 ] and the Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS) [ 27 ] are all examples of instruments to assess for this disorder.

The considerable variance of the prevalence rates reported for IAD (between 0.3% and 38%) [ 28 ] may be attributable to the fact that diagnostic criteria and assessment questionnaires used for diagnosis vary between countries and studies often use highly selective samples of online surveys [ 7 ]. In their review Weinstein and Lejoyeux [ 1 ] report that surveys in the United States and Europe have indicated prevalence rates varying between 1.5% and 8.2%. Other reports place the rates between 6% and 18.5% [ 29 ].

“Some obvious differences with respect to the methodologies, cultural factors, outcomes and assessment tools forming the basis for these prevalence rates notwithstanding, the rates we encountered were generally high and sometimes alarming.” [ 24 ]

There are different models available for the development and maintenance of IAD like the cognitive-behavioral model of problematic Internet use [ 21 ], the anonymity, convenience and escape (ACE) model [ 30 ], the access, affordability, anonymity (Triple-A) engine [ 31 ], a phases model of pathological Internet use by Grohol [ 32 ], and a comprehensive model of the development and maintenance of Internet addiction by Winkler & Dörsing [ 24 ], which takes into account socio-cultural factors ( e.g. , demographic factors, access to and acceptance of the Internet), biological vulnerabilities ( e.g. , genetic factors, abnormalities in neurochemical processes), psychological predispositions ( e.g. , personality characteristics, negative affects), and specific attributes of the Internet to explain “excessive engagement in Internet activities” [ 24 ].

NEUROBIOLOGICAL VULNERABILITIES

It is known that addictions activate a combination of sites in the brain associated with pleasure, known together as the “reward center” or “pleasure pathway” of the brain [ 33 , 34 ]. When activated, dopamine release is increased, along with opiates and other neurochemicals. Over time, the associated receptors may be affected, producing tolerance or the need for increasing stimulation of the reward center to produce a “high” and the subsequent characteristic behavior patterns needed to avoid withdrawal. Internet use may also lead specifically to dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens [ 35 , 36 ], one of the reward structures of the brain specifically involved in other addictions [ 20 ]. An example of the rewarding nature of digital technology use may be captured in the following statement by a 21 year-old male in treatment for IAD:

“I feel technology has brought so much joy into my life. No other activity relaxes me or stimulates me like technology. However, when depression hits, I tend to use technology as a way of retreating and isolating.”

REINFORCEMENT/REWARD

What is so rewarding about Internet and video game use that it could become an addiction? The theory is that digital technology users experience multiple layers of reward when they use various computer applications. The Internet functions on a variable ratio reinforcement schedule (VRRS), as does gambling [ 29 ]. Whatever the application (general surfing, pornography, chat rooms, message boards, social networking sites, video games, email, texting, cloud applications and games, etc.), these activities support unpredictable and variable reward structures. The reward experienced is intensified when combined with mood enhancing/stimulating content. Examples of this would be pornography (sexual stimulation), video games (e.g. various social rewards, identification with a hero, immersive graphics), dating sites (romantic fantasy), online poker (financial) and special interest chat rooms or message boards (sense of belonging) [ 29 , 37 ].

BIOLOGICAL PREDISPOSITION

There is increasing evidence that there can be a genetic predisposition to addictive behaviors [ 38 , 39 ]. The theory is that individuals with this predisposition do not have an adequate number of dopamine receptors or have an insufficient amount of serotonin/dopamine [ 2 ], thereby having difficulty experiencing normal levels of pleasure in activities that most people would find rewarding. To increase pleasure, these individuals are more likely to seek greater than average engagement in behaviors that stimulate an increase in dopamine, effectively giving them more reward but placing them at higher risk for addiction.

MENTAL HEALTH VULNERABILITIES

Many researchers and clinicians have noted that a variety of mental disorders co-occur with IAD. There is debate about which came first, the addiction or the co-occurring disorder [ 18 , 40 ]. The study by Dong et al . [ 40 ] had at least the potential to clarify this question, reporting that higher scores for depression, anxiety, hostility, interpersonal sensitivity, and psychoticism were consequences of IAD. But due to the limitations of the study further research is necessary.

THE TREATMENT OF INTERNET ADDICTION

There is a general consensus that total abstinence from the Internet should not be the goal of the interventions and that instead, an abstinence from problematic applications and a controlled and balanced Internet usage should be achieved [ 6 ]. The following paragraphs illustrate the various treatment options for IAD that exist today. Unless studies examining the efficacy of the illustrated treatments are not available, findings on the efficacy of the presented treatments are also provided. Unfortunately, most of the treatment studies were of low methodological quality and used an intra-group design.

The general lack of treatment studies notwithstanding, there are treatment guidelines reported by clinicians working in the field of IAD. In her book “Internet Addiction: Symptoms, Evaluation, and Treatment”, Young [ 41 ] offers some treatment strategies which are already known from the cognitive-behavioral approach: (a) practice opposite time of Internet use (discover patient’s patterns of Internet use and disrupt these patterns by suggesting new schedules), (b) use external stoppers (real events or activities prompting the patient to log off), (c) set goals (with regard to the amount of time), (d) abstain from a particular application (that the client is unable to control), (e) use reminder cards (cues that remind the patient of the costs of IAD and benefits of breaking it), (f) develop a personal inventory (shows all the activities that the patient used to engage in or can’t find the time due to IAD), (g) enter a support group (compensates for a lack of social support), and (h) engage in family therapy (addresses relational problems in the family) [ 41 ]. Unfortunately, clinical evidence for the efficacy of these strategies is not mentioned.

Non-psychological Approaches

Some authors examine pharmacological interventions for IAD, perhaps due to the fact that clinicians use psychopharmacology to treat IAD despite the lack of treatment studies addressing the efficacy of pharmacological treatments. In particular, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been used because of the co-morbid psychiatric symptoms of IAD (e.g. depression and anxiety) for which SSRIs have been found to be effective [ 42 - 46 ]. Escitalopram (a SSRI) was used by Dell’Osso et al . [ 47 ] to treat 14 subjects with impulsive-compulsive Internet usage disorder. Internet usage decreased significantly from a mean of 36.8 hours/week to a baseline of 16.5 hours/week. In another study Han, Hwang, and Renshaw [ 48 ] used bupropion (a non-tricyclic antidepressant) and found a decrease of craving for Internet video game play, total game play time, and cue-induced brain activity in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex after a six week period of bupropion sustained release treatment. Methylphenidate (a psycho stimulant drug) was used by Han et al . [ 49 ] to treat 62 Internet video game-playing children diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. After eight weeks of treatment, the YIAS-K scores and Internet usage times were significantly reduced and the authors cautiously suggest that methylphenidate might be evaluated as a potential treatment of IAD. According to a study by Shapira et al . [ 50 ], mood stabilizers might also improve the symptoms of IAD. In addition to these studies, there are some case reports of patients treated with escitalopram [ 45 ], citalopram (SSRI)- quetiapine (antipsychotic) combination [ 43 ] and naltrexone (an opioid receptor antagonist) [ 51 ].

A few authors mentioned that physical exercise could compensate the decrease of the dopamine level due to decreased online usage [ 52 ]. In addition, sports exercise prescriptions used in the course of cognitive behavioral group therapy may enhance the effect of the intervention for IAD [ 53 ].

Psychological Approaches

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a client-centered yet directive method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving client ambivalence [ 54 ]. It was developed to help individuals give up addictive behaviors and learn new behavioral skills, using techniques such as open-ended questions, reflective listening, affirmation, and summarization to help individuals express their concerns about change [ 55 ]. Unfortunately, there are currently no studies addressing the efficacy of MI in treating IAD, but MI seems to be moderately effective in the areas of alcohol, drug addiction, and diet/exercise problems [ 56 ].

Peukert et al . [ 7 ] suggest that interventions with family members or other relatives like “Community Reinforcement and Family Training” [ 57 ] could be useful in enhancing the motivation of an addict to cut back on Internet use, although the reviewers remark that control studies with relatives do not exist to date.

Reality therapy (RT) is supposed to encourage individuals to choose to improve their lives by committing to change their behavior. It includes sessions to show clients that addiction is a choice and to give them training in time management; it also introduces alternative activities to the problematic behavior [ 58 ]. According to Kim [ 58 ], RT is a core addiction recovery tool that offers a wide variety of uses as a treatment for addictive disorders such as drugs, sex, food, and works as well for the Internet. In his RT group counseling program treatment study, Kim [ 59 ] found that the treatment program effectively reduced addiction level and improved self-esteem of 25 Internet-addicted university students in Korea.

Twohig and Crosby [ 60 ] used an Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) protocol including several exercises adjusted to better fit the issues with which the sample struggles to treat six adult males suffering from problematic Internet pornography viewing. The treatment resulted in an 85% reduction in viewing at post-treatment with results being maintained at the three month follow-up (83% reduction in viewing pornography).

Widyanto and Griffith [ 8 ] report that most of the treatments employed so far had utilized a cognitive-behavioral approach. The case for using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is justified due to the good results in the treatment of other behavioral addictions/impulse-control disorders, such as pathological gambling, compulsive shopping, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating-disorders [ 61 ]. Wölfling [ 5 ] described a predominantly behavioral group treatment including identification of sustaining conditions, establishing of intrinsic motivation to reduce the amount of time being online, learning alternative behaviors, engagement in new social real-life contacts, psycho-education and exposure therapy, but unfortunately clinical evidence for the efficacy of these strategies is not mentioned. In her study, Young [ 62 ] used CBT to treat 114 clients suffering from IAD and found that participants were better able to manage their presenting problems post-treatment, showing improved motivation to stop abusing the Internet, improved ability to control their computer use, improved ability to function in offline relationships, improved ability to abstain from sexually explicit online material, improved ability to engage in offline activities, and improved ability to achieve sobriety from problematic applications. Cao, Su and Gao [ 63 ] investigated the effect of group CBT on 29 middle school students with IAD and found that IAD scores of the experimental group were lower than of the control group after treatment. The authors also reported improvement in psychological function. Thirty-eight adolescents with IAD were treated with CBT designed particularly for addicted adolescents by Li and Dai [ 64 ]. They found that CBT has good effects on the adolescents with IAD (CIAS scores in the therapy group were significant lower than that in the control group). In the experimental group the scores of depression, anxiety, compulsiveness, self-blame, illusion, and retreat were significantly decreased after treatment. Zhu, Jin, and Zhong [ 65 ] compared CBT and electro acupuncture (EA) plus CBT assigning forty-seven patients with IAD to one of the two groups respectively. The authors found that CBT alone or combined with EA can significantly reduce the score of IAD and anxiety on a self-rating scale and improve self-conscious health status in patients with IAD, but the effect obtained by the combined therapy was better.

Multimodal Treatments

A multimodal treatment approach is characterized by the implementation of several different types of treatment in some cases even from different disciplines such as pharmacology, psychotherapy and family counseling simultaneously or sequentially. Orzack and Orzack [ 66 ] mentioned that treatments for IAD need to be multidisciplinary including CBT, psychotropic medication, family therapy, and case managers, because of the complexity of these patients’ problems.

In their treatment study, Du, Jiang, and Vance [ 67 ] found that multimodal school-based group CBT (including parent training, teacher education, and group CBT) was effective for adolescents with IAD (n = 23), particularly in improving emotional state and regulation ability, behavioral and self-management style. The effect of another multimodal intervention consisting of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), family therapy, and CT was investigated among 52 adolescents with IAD in China. After three months of treatment, the scores on an IAD scale (IAD-DQ), the scores on the SCL-90, and the amount of time spent online decreased significantly [ 68 ]. Orzack et al . [ 69 ] used a psychoeducational program, which combines psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral theoretical perspectives, using a combination of Readiness to Change (RtC), CBT and MI interventions to treat a group of 35 men involved in problematic Internet-enabled sexual behavior (IESB). In this group treatment, the quality of life increased and the level of depressive symptoms decreased after 16 (weekly) treatment sessions, but the level of problematic Internet use failed to decrease significantly [ 69 ]. Internet addiction related symptom scores significantly decreased after a group of 23 middle school students with IAD were treated with Behavioral Therapy (BT) or CT, detoxification treatment, psychosocial rehabilitation, personality modeling and parent training [ 70 ]. Therefore, the authors concluded that psychotherapy, in particular CT and BT were effective in treating middle school students with IAD. Shek, Tang, and Lo [ 71 ] described a multi-level counseling program designed for young people with IAD based on the responses of 59 clients. Findings of this study suggest this multi-level counseling program (including counseling, MI, family perspective, case work and group work) is promising to help young people with IAD. Internet addiction symptom scores significantly decreased, but the program failed to increase psychological well-being significantly. A six-week group counseling program (including CBT, social competence training, training of self-control strategies and training of communication skills) was shown to be effective on 24 Internet-addicted college students in China [ 72 ]. The authors reported that the adapted CIAS-R scores of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group post-treatment.

The reSTART Program

The authors of this article are currently, or have been, affiliated with the reSTART: Internet Addiction Recovery Program [ 73 ] in Fall City, Washington. The reSTART program is an inpatient Internet addiction recovery program which integrates technology detoxification (no technology for 45 to 90 days), drug and alcohol treatment, 12 step work, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), experiential adventure based therapy, Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), brain enhancing interventions, animal assisted therapy, motivational interviewing (MI), mindfulness based relapse prevention (MBRP), Mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR), interpersonal group psychotherapy, individual psychotherapy, individualized treatments for co-occurring disorders, psycho- educational groups (life visioning, addiction education, communication and assertiveness training, social skills, life skills, Life balance plan), aftercare treatments (monitoring of technology use, ongoing psychotherapy and group work), and continuing care (outpatient treatment) in an individualized, holistic approach.

The first results from an ongoing OQ45.2 [ 74 ] study (a self-reported measurement of subjective discomfort, interpersonal relationships and social role performance assessed on a weekly basis) of the short-term impact on 19 adults who complete the 45+ days program showed an improved score after treatment. Seventy-four percent of participants showed significant clinical improvement, 21% of participants showed no reliable change, and 5% deteriorated. The results have to be regarded as preliminary due to the small study sample, the self-report measurement and the lack of a control group. Despite these limitations, there is evidence that the program is responsible for most of the improvements demonstrated.

As can be seen from this brief review, the field of Internet addiction is advancing rapidly even without its official recognition as a separate and distinct behavioral addiction and with continuing disagreement over diagnostic criteria. The ongoing debate whether IAD should be classified as an (behavioral) addiction, an impulse-control disorder or even an obsessive compulsive disorder cannot be satisfactorily resolved in this paper. But the symptoms we observed in clinical practice show a great deal of overlap with the symptoms commonly associated with (behavioral) addictions. Also it remains unclear to this day whether the underlying mechanisms responsible for the addictive behavior are the same in different types of IAD (e.g., online sexual addiction, online gaming, and excessive surfing). From our practical perspective the different shapes of IAD fit in one category, due to various Internet specific commonalities (e.g., anonymity, riskless interaction), commonalities in the underlying behavior (e.g., avoidance, fear, pleasure, entertainment) and overlapping symptoms (e.g., the increased amount of time spent online, preoccupation and other signs of addiction). Nevertheless more research has to be done to substantiate our clinical impression.

Despite several methodological limitations, the strength of this work in comparison to other reviews in the international body of literature addressing the definition, classification, assessment, epidemiology, and co-morbidity of IAD [ 2 - 5 ], and to reviews [ 6 - 8 ] addressing the treatment of IAD, is that it connects theoretical considerations with the clinical practice of interdisciplinary mental health experts working for years in the field of Internet addiction. Furthermore, the current work gives a good overview of the current state of research in the field of internet addiction treatment. Despite the limitations stated above this work gives a brief overview of the current state of research on IAD from a practical perspective and can therefore be seen as an important and helpful paper for further research as well as for clinical practice in particular.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Declared none.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors confirm that this article content has no conflict of interest.

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Internet Addiction

Jul 10, 2014

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Internet Addiction. Roxanne Torres & Karoline Sweet. Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD).

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Internet Addiction Roxanne Torres & Karoline Sweet

Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) Internet addiction disorder refers to the problematic use of the Internet, including the various aspects of its technology, such as e-mail and the World Wide Web; it has been formally recognized as a disorder by the American Psychological Association. It is an addiction that closely parallels the other addictions such as drug and pathological gambling addiction and is potentially just as damaging.

Facts • Internet addiction affects people in all age groups and both genders. • Addicts are on anywhere from 40-80hrs a week • Some have 1 time sessions lasting up to 20hrs • People who are vulnerable, are those who are lonely or bored • Children who are unpopular or shy with peers are often attracted to the opportunities for creating identities in online communities.

Signs of Internet Addiction You check your email every five minutes, and spend more time in chat rooms than chatting in your living room with friends and family. Your relationships suffer because of your internet use. Weak relationships are a sign of internet addiction. Your family and friends complain about your computer use. You hide the amount of time you spend on the internet. You hide the websites you surf. Secrecy is a sign of internet addiction. You use your computer to escape problems or avoid reality (this could be a huge sign of an internet addiction or other psychological disorders) You have a hard time staying off the computer for a day or two. You feel preoccupied by the internet when you’re not online.

Psychological Symptoms • Having a sense of well-being or euphoria while at the computer • Inability to stop the activity • Craving more and more time at the computer • Neglecting family and friends • Feeling empty, depressed and irritable when not at the computer • Lying to family and friends about activities • Problems with school or work

Physical Symptoms • Carpal tunnel syndrome • Dry eyes • Migraine headaches • Backaches • Eating irregularities, such as skipping meals • Neglecting personal hygiene • Sleep disturbances and changes in sleep patterns

Treatment • Practice The Opposite • External Stoppers • Setting Goals • Abstinence • Reminder Cards • Get involved in new activities • Support Groups • Family Therapy

Prevention Look for symptoms of Internet dependency. Ask yourself if your child's Internet use is affecting his or her school performance, health, and relationships with family and friends. If your child is demonstrating strong signs of Internet addiction, consider seeking professional counseling. Compulsive Internet use may be symptomatic of other problems such as depression, anger and low self-esteem. Examine your own online habits. Do you have trouble controlling your Internet use? Remember, you are your child's most important role model. Don't ban the Internet - it is an important part of most kids' social lives. Instead, establish rules about where your kids can go online and what they can do there - and stick to them. Such rules might include: a limited amount of time online each day; no surfing or instant messaging until they complete their homework. Rules definitely help.

Prevention Keep your computer in a public area of your house, not in a child's bedroom. Encourage and support your child's participation in other activities - particularly physical pastimes with other children. If your child is shy or socially awkward with peers, consider a social skills class. Encourage activities that will bring your child together with others who have similar interests, such as computer classes or hobby groups. Investigate software that monitors and restricts Internet use. Although these tools are helpful, keep in mind they can be easily disabled by a savvy computer user. Your ultimate goal should be helping your kids to develop self-control, discipline and accountability with the Internet. If your child seems interested only in playing online video games, try a tie-in to one of their favorite games. For example, if your child prefers fantasy role-playing, encourage her or him to read fantasy books.

Addiction Survey…Are You Addicted? Do you spend more time than you think you should surfing the 'Net? Yes No Do you feel you have a problem limiting the time you spend on the 'Net? Yes No Have any of your friends or family members complained about the time you spend at your computer? YesNo Do you find it hard to stay away from the 'Net for several days at a time? YesNo Has either your work output or your personal relationships suffered as a result of spending too much time on the 'Net? YesNo

Survey continued… Are there particular areas of the 'Net, or types of files, you find hard to resist? YesNo Do you have troubling controlling your impulses to purchase items, products, or services on the 'Net? YesNo Have you tried, unsuccessfully, to curtail your use of the 'Net? YesNo Do you derive much of your pleasure and satisfaction in life from being on the 'Net? Yes No

Survey Results If you gave 0-3 Yes Answers If you scored between 0-3 yes answers on this survey--congratulations! You probably have very little tendency to become addicted to the 'Net. If you gave 4-6 Yes Answers If you scored 4 yes answers, you may or may not have a tendency to become addicted to the 'Net. If you scored 5 or 6 yes answers, you may have a greater chance of developing a problem. If you gave 7-9 Yes Answers You may very well be addicted to the 'Net.

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Internet Addiction & Social Networking

Internet Addiction & Social Networking. Susy Briseno English Final Project. Symptoms of Internet Addiction [IAD]. Losing track of time online Having trouble completing tasks at work or home Isolation from family and friends Feeling guilty or defensive about your Internet use.

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INTERNET ADDICTION

INTERNET ADDICTION. WHAT IS INTERNET . TYPES OF INTERNET ADDICTION. INTRODUCTION. With the growing importance of the internet in everyday life, more and more people are accessing various online resources each day .

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Internet addiction in entertainment

Internet addiction in entertainment . Prepare by : Sapa ruddin bin sere 910517125715. Am I an addict?. Yes if: you spend more than 1-3 hours a day on the internet for purposes other than school or work You eat your meals at your desk so as not to detract from your web time

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What addicts people and why. Internet Addiction. The most addicting sites. Facebook You tube Tumblr e B a y Let’s see why these sites are addicting. Tumblr – Reblogging things.

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How can you prevent internet addiction?

How can you prevent internet addiction?. Various strategies have been developed for the education of Internet use among adolescents.

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Internet addiction/ cyber bullying

Internet addiction/ cyber bullying. You will be learning on Cyber bulling And Internet Addiction and how it can affect your life. Cyber bulling. Internet Addiction. Did you know:. The top three internet addictions are Excessive gaming Sexual preoccupations/ pornography

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Internet Addiction . Melissa Whitney CIS 1055-12. Is this a Real Problem?. The existence of internet addiction is still contested. In many cases an obsession with the internet is seen as an extension of other addictions such as porn or gambling

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Sexual Addiction: Women & the Internet

Sexual Addiction: Women & the Internet. Assessment, Treatment &Prevention Angela Herring Liberty University. What is Sexual Addiction? . Information about sexual addiction The internet and addiction Assessment Treatment Prevention Hope & Support. Sexual Addiction Defined.

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Internet Addiction in Children and Teens

Internet Addiction in Children and Teens. Christopher Mulligan LCSW The Cyber Addiction Recovery Center 11140 Washington Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232 www.teenvideogameaddiction.com. Framework for Presentation.

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Internet Addiction. Marcia J. Schlafmitz, Ph.D. Department of Computer Science New Jersey City University Jersey City, New Jersey. Can't Resist the Online Pull AP, August 1999. Close to 6% of Internet users have some symptoms of addiction to the World Wide Web

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Internet Addiction. Jonathan Kandell , Ph.D. Assistant Director University of Maryland Counseling Center Presentation at the 10 th Annual C3 Conference University of Maryland, College Park 10/7/11. Overview. What is Internet Addiction? Vulnerability of College Students

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internet addiction self help

See more helpful ideas about internet addiction self help AT https://findfocus.net/overcome-internet-addiction/ Find us On Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/x7NmvXHheNJ2 Internet addiction seems to respond well to cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). This type of treatment focuses on changing patterns of thinking and beliefs that are associated with and trigger anxiety. The basis of cognitive behavior therapy is that beliefs trigger thoughts, which then trigger feelings and produce behaviors. Consult with your doctor for further information and referral. There are also internet addiction support groups available that may help treat your addiction. Computer screens discover internet addiction self help. Social : https://selfcontrolapp.contently.com/ https://itsmyurls.com/selfcontrolapp https://www.allmyfaves.com/selfcontrolapp Add : Am Saule 8, 33184 Altenbeken, Germany Contact us : 49 5255 7417 Mail : [email protected]

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Internet Addiction among Adolescents

Today we can get lots of information through internet by just a click. The trend of using internet is common especially among young generation. The aim of the present study was to find the level of internet addiction among adolescents. A cross sectional survey design was used for 52 randomly selected adolescents from private school of Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Data was collected through Kimberly Young's internet addiction scale. Result showed that more than half participants were using facebook 71 and whatsapp 71 for the purposes of chatting 92 , regarding internet addiction more than half 53.8 of the participants had moderate internet addiction and 7.7 had severe internet addiction which could possibly affect the physical and mental health of the youngsters. Mrs. Vandana Chauhan | Dr. Balvinder Kaur Buttar | Mrs. Ramesh Singh "Internet Addiction among Adolescents" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-1 | Issue-6 , October 2017, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd3538.pdf Paper URL: http://www.ijtsrd.com/other-scientific-research-area/other/3538/internet-addiction-among-adolescents/mrs-vandana-chauhan

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University of the Philippines College of Education Educational Technology Department EDTECH 101 – Instructional Media Resources. INTERNET ADDICTION. Ferdinand B. Pitagan, PhD Professor of Education. ICT growth. ICT – I nformation and C ommunications T echnology

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INTERNET-ADDICTION understanding – counseling - coping. Case vignette 1.

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Betting addiction internet site in Thailand

Betting dependency typically starts with relatively harmless enjoyable-- a little bet on a sports video game; one little journey to the online casino vacationing. But also for some, it rapidly escalates right into a full-on routine that takes over their lives, and also can include anything from online wagering to video poker. If your gaming normally takes place for longer than you planned, as well as you typically spend greater than you would love to admit, it's likely that you have a gambling addiction

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