Internet Addiction: More Than Just a Waste of Time

Everyone enjoys wasting a little time on the Internet now and then. Whether it’s “legitimate” time wasting like reading the newspaper or something as silly as looking at cute animal pictures, the Internet certainly provides a place to endlessly entertain yourself with the click of a button. For some individuals, this easy and endless supply of entertainment can lead to behavioral changes and even addiction.

What is Internet Addiction?

An Internet “addiction?” The use of the term addiction can bring up touchy feelings with many people, since “addiction” implies the disease model of treatment and a lack of control on the side of the addict. Treating certain types of Internet use as an addiction can be useful in clinical settings, and in many ways encompasses the habits of a particular subgroup of Internet users.

What counts as an Internet addiction? Excessive use is certainly one criteria, although it’s not the only one. Here are some other signals that your Internet use may be out of control:

  • You compulsively use the Internet, and find it difficult not to use it if it’s available.
  • You find it difficult to effectively manage time while using the Internet.
  • You become irritated if disturbed while using the Internet.
  • You find the Internet more interesting than the rest of your life.
  • You have feelings of loneliness or depression.
  • You’ve tried to cut down on your Internet use unsuccessfully.
  • You use the Internet to make yourself feel better.
  • You lie to others about how many hours you spend online.

While an Internet addict won’t necessarily experience all of these symptoms, experiencing a few or more of them may be indicative of problematic Internet use.

Who is at Risk for Internet Addiction?

Those who have had trouble with impulse control in the past are much more vulnerable to Internet addiction. Individuals who have obsessive compulsive disorder are also at risk. Furthermore, one subset of Internet addiction comes from addiction to a particular use of the Internet—online chatting, gambling, or pornography, for example. This addiction will need to be treated separately from the Internet addiction itself.

Researchers speculate that the same reward pattern that underlies other types of nonbiological addictions, like gambling, operates in Internet addiction as well. After a person is “rewarded” by feelings of elation from their use of the Internet, they then continue that behavior in order to gain even more reward.

What Treatment is Available for Internet Addiction?

A combination of medication and therapy is used to help individuals with Internet addiction. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help interrupt the thought patterns that lead to compulsive Internet use, and can equip individuals with strategies to avoid using the Internet when the impulse arises. Medications may be of use, as they can change the brain chemistry and decrease the urge to seek out Internet use. For individuals with concurrent illnesses like depression and bipolar disorder, mood stabilizers and antidepressants can aid in their recovery.

More Resources:

Source:

Back to top