Internet Addiction

Causes, Categories, Consequences, & Cures

Causes

Stimulation Accessibility Availability Intensity Interactivity

Causes (continued)

Anonymity Disinhibition Accelerated Intimacy Self Imaging Self-Value Sensation

Categories

Socialization – chat-rooms, messengers, email, discussion boards, mailing lists, online support groups, etc.

Shopping – Ebay, Amazon, etc. Investing – Stocks Online Video Games Surfing or Following – e.g. news-addiction Personal Websites Cyber-Sex – pornography, chat-flirtation, etc.

Consequences

Family (Children) Spouse (Partner) Employment Education Self – psychological, emotional, and physical

health

Cures (or suggestions)

Advertisement – TV, billboards, radio, and (ironically) the Internet.

Educating high school students. Informing college students. ISP’s – Informing parents of possible

addiction so as to monitor their children. Therapists, counselors, psychologists,

psychiatrists, lawyers, and faith-leaders should be informed of the real possibility of Internet addiction.

Self Evaluation Test – (Dr. Young)

Do you feel preoccupied with the Net (i.e., thinking about previous online activities or anticipating the next)?

Do you feel the need to use the Net with increasing amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction?

Have you repeatedly made unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop Internet use?

Do you feel restless, moody, depressed, or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop Internet use?

Test (continued)

Do you stay on-line longer than originally intended (e.g. one more minute syndrome)?

Have you jeopardized or risked the loss of a significant relationship, job, educational, or career opportunity because of the Net?

Have you lied to family members, a therapist, or others to conceal the extent of your involvement with the Net?

Do you use the Net as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a distressed mood (e.g., helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression)?

Conclusions/Discussion

Do you believe in its possibility? Do you believe in its danger? Do you care? Suggestions?

Bibliography& References

Young, K. 1998. Caught in the Net. New York: John Wiley and Sons.

Wallace, P. 1999. The Psychology of the Internet. New York: Cambridge University

Press. Greenfield, David. 1999. Virtual Addiction.

Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

Paul, Pamela. The Porno Factor. Time, January 22, 2004: 99 – 100.

Online Resources

www.virtual-addiction.com www.netaddiction.com