Internet addiction is difficult to diagnose as it can be confused with overuse or temporary obsession. True Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) can be defined by a series of behaviors similar to other addictions such as gambling, sex or drugs. Signs of internet addiction include spending more time online, withdrawal from the real world, anxiety when internet access is restricted, and uncontrollable shaking or obsessive thoughts during withdrawal. Seeking professional internet addiction counseling may be necessary.
While some mental health professionals have begun to recognize Internet addiction as a legitimate behavioral disorder, it’s still difficult to separate the idea of ”Internet addiction” from simple overuse or temporary obsession. An undiagnosed addiction to televisions, phones, or other entertainment technology could easily form. True Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) can be defined by a series of behaviors similar to other addictions such as gambling, sex or drugs.
There is no doubt that the internet can provide hours of entertainment and connectivity for the users. In one sense, Internet addiction would be no different than claiming addiction to socializing or information gathering. Internet technology itself is not addictive to the Internet. Long chats in online chat rooms aren’t much different from long phone conversations or face-to-face meetings. What can create an Internet addiction is the habitual feeding of a social or emotional need.
There are a number of questions to ask yourself when dealing with a possible internet addiction. Do you find yourself having to spend more and more free time on the Internet to feel satisfied? A number of people who suffer from Internet addiction experience the same feeling of “tolerance” that addicts do. If you’ve ever spent significantly more time than intended online, you may be dealing with an Internet addiction.
Another facet of internet addiction is withdrawal from the real world. Have you ever chosen time on the Internet for a social obligation or an opportunity to interact with others? Did you keep others waiting while you checked your email or bulletin board responses? Again, time spent on the internet is not necessarily an indicator of internet addiction, but there needs to be a healthy balance between the real and virtual worlds presented on the internet.
A number of Internet addicts actually report feelings of anxiety and frustration that are only relieved through access to the Internet. If you feel panicked or anxious whenever your internet access is restricted, you may be suffering from internet addiction. Some Internet addicts even become openly hostile towards others if an online session is interrupted. If you notice secretive or defensive reactions while browsing the internet, you may be suffering from internet addiction.
Another warning sign of possible Internet addiction is the inability to quit smoking. Removal from the internet environment for even a few days can cause people with internet addiction to experience withdrawal symptoms. If you notice uncontrollable shaking or obsessive thoughts on the internet during withdrawal, you may have an internet addiction. It’s normal to be worried about important emails or work-related internet activity, but if those worries are keeping you from enjoying your time away from your computer, then you may want to seek professional internet addiction counseling.
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