Internet Addiction What is Internet Addiction Internet Addiction

Internet Addiction

What is Internet Addiction? �Internet Addiction is a broad term covering a wide-variety of behaviors and impulse control problems. It is characterized by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges or behaviors regarding computer use and internet access that lead to impairment or distress.

Types of Internet Addiction �Cyber-sexual Addiction �Cyber-relationship Addiction �Net Compulsions �Information Overload �Computer Addiction

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Use of Internet �Using the internet for work, school, or to stay in contact with family and friends isn’t a problem as long as it doesn’t absorb too much of your time

How do you become addicted? �Used to manage unpleasant feelings Stress, loneliness, depression, anxiety �Faceless communities Multiple cyber-relationships �Too much time on your hands �Gender

Risk Factors You are at a greater risk to experience internet addiction if: �You suffer from anxiety or depression �You have other addictions �You lack social support �You are an unhappy teenager �You are less mobile or socially active than you once were �You are stressed

Internet Addiction Among College Students �Free and unlimited Internet access �Huge blocks of unstructured time �Newly experienced freedom from parental control �No monitoring or censoring of what they say or do on-line �Full encouragement from faculty and administrators �The desire to escape college stressors �Social intimidation and alienation �A higher legal drinking age

Signs & Symptoms of Internet Addiction �Losing track of time online �Having trouble completing tasks at work or home. �Isolation from family & friends �Feeling guilty or defensive about your Internet use �Feeling a sense of great joy while involved in Internet activities

Treatment & Support �Cognitive-behavioral therapy �Group Support �Internet Support Groups?

Sources �http: //www. helpguide. org/mental/internet_c ybersex_addiction. htm �http: //www. counseling. txstate. edu/resources /shoverview/bro/interadd. html �http: //www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/pubmed/183997 06 �http: //www. addictionrecov. org/Addictions/in dex. aspx? AID=43