By Chris Rozek
It may seem like a joke (or at least ironic given that this is an online publication), but there are growing concerns about people becoming addicted to the internet. A recent NY Times article: (http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/01/fashion/thursdaystyles/01addict.html?ei=5090&en=1a8916920717f083&ex=1291093200&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&pagewanted=print) talks about this possible problem. The Internet/Computer Addiction Services have come up with a yes/no question list of symptoms that indicate you might be addicted to the internet:
1. Do you have an inability to predict the amount of time you spend on the computer?
2. Have you experienced failed attempts to control personal computer use for an extended period of time?
3. Do you have a sense of euphoria while on the computer?
4. Do you crave more computer time?
5. Are you neglecting family and friends as a result of your computer use?
6. Do you feel restless, irritable and discontent when not on the computer?
7. Do you lie to employers and family about computer activity?
8. Are you having problems with school or your job performance as a result of excessive computer use?
9. Do you have feelings of guilt, shame, anxiety or depression as a result of time spent on the computer?
10. Have your sleep patterns changed due to computer use?
11. Are you experiencing health issues such as: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, eye strain, weight change and backaches?
12. Do you deny, rationalize and minimize adverse consequences stemming from computer use?
13. Have you withdrawn from real life hobbies and social interactions?
14. Do you obsess about sexual acting out through the use of the Internet?
15. Have you created an enhanced persona to find cyberlove or cybersex?
-from http://www.icaservices.com/frame.html
Answering yes to 3 or more of those questions could mean that you have the addiction. The NY times article talks about how up to 19 million people may have this problem and are looking for a way to treat it. ICA Services has a 12 step program as its main treatment solution. An additional problem that comes with internet addiction is that it may also lead to a gambling or pornography addiction problem since there is easy access to those things online.
Why do people get addicted to the internet? Well, the NY Times article speculates: "But, they say, the Internet's omnipresent offer of escape from reality, affordability, accessibility and opportunity for anonymity can also lure otherwise healthy people into an addiction."
This is a recent issue that has not garnered much interest from the psychological world yet. It is not yet an official disorder and cannot be paid for by insurance. Some treatment centers have decided to treat it as "obsessive computer use" where patients have shown withdrawl symptoms like the kinds alcoholics suffer.
On the other side, some psychologists are offended by the attention internet addiction has gotten. As one says in the NY Times article: "She said calling it an addiction 'demeans really serious illnesses, which are things like addiction to gambling, where you steal your family's money to pay for your gambling debts, drug addictions, cigarette addictions.' She added, 'These are physiological addictions.'"
It remains to be seen if this is a real psychological problem or not, but if it is something to worry about, we will be seeing more of it in the future as people use the internet more and more. How long have you been on the internet today?
