A maladaptive pattern of Internet use (or misuse), that leads to clinically significant impairment or distress and is characterized by psychological dependence, withdrawal symptoms when off-line for prolonged periods, loss of control, compulsive behavior, and clinically significant impairment of normal social interactions or distress. IAD covers a variety of impulse-control problems, including:
Cybersex Addiction
Cyber-Relationship Addiction
Net Compulsions
Information Overload
Computer Addiction
Symptoms can include, but are not limited to:
Tolerance
Need for excessive amounts of time on the Internet to achieve satisfaction
Withdrawal
Obsessive thoughts or fantasies/dreams regarding events presently occurring on the Internet
Involuntary typing movements of the fingers
The symptoms may cause distress or impairment in social, occupational, or another important areas of functioning
Internet or a similar on-line service is used to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms
Desire to control use
Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control Internet use
Time spent online
A great deal of time or for longer period of time than was intended is spent on any activity related to the Internet
Normal activities ignored
Important activities are given up or reduced because of Internet use
Use continues despite recognition of ill effects
knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical, social, occupational, or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by Internet use–sleep deprivation, marital difficulties, lateness for early morning appointments, neglect of occupational duties, or feelings of abandonment in significant others
*IAD is not yet recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, but is being considered for the next edition in 2013*
Statistics
Research Questions
1) Who are the Internet addicted users?
Students
Those who work from home and have access to the Internet
Married Persons with previous marital issues
Persons with Social Disabilities
Individuals with emotional or psychological disorders (anxiety, depression, etc.)
Those more susceptible to addiction
Those who have experienced previous addictions (alcohol, drugs, etc.)
2) What activities do Internet addicted users participate in? Males- Addiction is more visual and physical
Pornography
Gaming
Information/Browsing
Females- Addiction is more personal and communicative
Social networking
Instant messaging
Compulsive shopping
3)What can be done to help Internet addicted users?
Meditation
Therapy
Seeking help in the "offline" world
Religion
Site blockers/ Software that times Internet usage (Rescue Time)
Allows individuals to try and connect with others to discuss their worries or fears of this addiction, where they might not have in person with a therapist or counselor. Builds an online community.
Ask for advice and tips concerning alternatives to using the internet.
Discuss how many hours they stay on the internet at a time and do not feel as out of place knowing that others do it just as much (or more) than they do.
Feel more accepted knowing that they are not alone in this addiction and often have a common goal among other users (to overcome Internet addiction).
Offer each other support for their addiction and try to be there to comfort someone who is in most cases a complete stranger.
Feel more comfortable talking with others in situation that is not face to face. Most say they are not good in social situations and do not wish to speak in person, making it hard to create a sense of support in their offline lives.
Addiction has created outpatient facilities around the country for those addicted (good or bad?)
Breaks Down Community
People are spending more time and focus on the internet and web than interacting in offline situations with “real life” people. Can cause a break down in offline community.
Often have trouble with time management since browsing/using the internet has become an issue
Affects personal relationships that occur offline (Especially if the addiction is to Internet pornography)
Become neglectful of responsibilities in the offline world
Could lead to financial troubles where spending excessive amounts of time online could cause lack of sleep, then missed work, then no pay check to live on…
Internet addiction could lead to medical issues and even death (yourself or others)
Internet Addiction
Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD)
A maladaptive pattern of Internet use (or misuse), that leads to clinically significant impairment or distress and is characterized by psychological dependence, withdrawal symptoms when off-line for prolonged periods, loss of control, compulsive behavior, and clinically significant impairment of normal social interactions or distress.IAD covers a variety of impulse-control problems, including:
Symptoms can include, but are not limited to:
*IAD is not yet recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, but is being considered for the next edition in 2013*
Statistics
Research Questions
1) Who are the Internet addicted users?
2) What activities do Internet addicted users participate in?
Males- Addiction is more visual and physical
Females- Addiction is more personal and communicative
3) What can be done to help Internet addicted users?
Literature Review
Forum
Rules of the forum
Builds Community
Allows individuals to try and connect with others to discuss their worries or fears of this addiction, where they might not have in person with a therapist or counselor. Builds an online community.
Breaks Down Community
People are spending more time and focus on the internet and web than interacting in offline situations with “real life” people. Can cause a break down in offline community.
Links
Internet StatisticsAre you Addicted? Test yourself here
NY Times You Love Your iPhone. Literally.
First U.S. Rehab Center for Internet Addiction
10 Extreme Cases of the Affects of Internet Addiction