Internet Addiction

Overview of Internet Addiction

Internet addiction is defined as an unhealthy behavior that interferes with and causes stress in one’s personal, school, and/or work life. Like other addictions, compulsive Internet usage completely dictates a person’s life. Addicts struggle to control their behavior, causing a sense of despair, leading them to dive further in their addictive pattern. After some time, addicts become dependent on cyberspace to feel normal.

Signs & Symptoms

Some of the signs and symptoms are lack of sleep and excess fatigue; withdrawal from campus and social activities and events; declining grades; lying about how much time is spent online and what they do there; and general apathy, edginess, or irritability when off-line.

Prevention

The best prevention is education about the difference between Internet use and abuse and to raise awareness. One should also have a good understanding of the importance of social interaction. Ultimately, face-to-face contact contributes to a sense of psychological security and happiness. Lastly a person should have a general knowledge of the social activities and events the campus has to offer.

Treatment

Abstinence from the Internet is not recommended for Internet addicts because the use of the Internet is sometimes required for ones work or school life. For some people treatment may involve learning time management skills, setting goals, using reminder cards, or developing a personal inventory. Others may want to seek counseling and support groups or family therapy.

Resources