Signs of internet addiction disorder
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Overall, the compulsive use of the internet is the main feature of internet addiction. And experts agree that internet use causes problems in the life of an internet addict, whether personal or professional. All subtypes of internet addiction share the same components. Signs of someone who is addicted to being online include:
- excessive use of the internet or staying online longer than intended (frequently associated with a loss of sense of time or a neglect of basic needs)
- withdrawal accompanied by anger, tension, and/or depression when a computer is inaccessible
- the need for better computer equipment, more software, or more hours of use in order to achieve the same effect
- negative consequences of use, including arguments, lying, poor achievement, social isolation, and fatigue
So, how can you screen for internet addiction? Basically, here are seven questions to ask yourself or a loved one. If you answer yes to at least three of these questions, you might consider asking for help. Or then again, maybe even one “yes” would constitute a look at your internet use.
- Are you spending more and more time on the Internet just to get the same level of satisfaction?
- Do you experience withdrawal symptoms (depression, agitation, moodiness) when not on line?
- Do your Internet sessions last longer than planned?
- Do you spend a great deal of time on other Net-related activities,such as buying related books, talking about the Net and trying new software?
- Despite adverse effects (family problems, failure to complete work) do you continue to use the Internet?
- Have your attempts to cut down or stop met with failure?
- Are you giving up important social or occupational activities in order to spend time online?
kara sorensen
1 year ago
This is a great post and I’ve been thinking about it since I read it. I do prefer to be close to an internet connection, as it’s how I stay connected to friends and my patients. Also, a because I’m working to get my online services up and running, I find myself on my computer more than I used to be, and I know I need to set limits. It’s easy to get distracted as there is an endless supply of things ‘to do.’ I’m going to notice my behavior for the next couple of weeks, and start setting timers so I don’t spend too much time online. I’ll look forward to any advice on these issues.
Thank you,
Kara
Addiction Blog
1 year ago
I’m not sure that I’m exactly a model for internet addiction, as I work on the internet and spend my free time creating this blog. But, I do know that I DO NOT crave time in front of my computer. It is the feelings that a person experiences while on the Internet that reinforces overuse. If you’re not experiencing loss of control I think you’re probably OK.
heather
1 year ago
I believe my husband is addicted to the internet. These gaming applications on the social sites most of all. He spends hours on end on the computer. He HAS to go on before work, and it’s the first thing he does when he gets home. He will stop only because he is hungry or tired. I have kept track of his time online, and lately it has gone up to an adverage of 10-15 hours a day. One time he got on at 9pm, got off to go to work at 6am, got home at 1pm, and got back on until he was falling asleep at the desk around 6pm. He does this constantly. It worries me because when I try to talk to him about it he gets really angry. He won’t listen to me, and I rarely see him anymore, and we live together!