Internet addiction
Internet addiction is described as an impulse control disorder that does not involve use of an intoxicating drug. Internet addiction comes in many forms. The common areas of Internet addiction that are often listed are:
- Cybersexual Addiction (addictions to adult chat rooms or cyberporn).
- Cyber-relationship Addiction (online friendships made in chat rooms, MUDs, or newsgroups that replace real-life friends and family, this also includes the issue of cyberaffairs).
- Net Compulsions (compulsive online gambling, online auction addiction, and obsessive online trading.
- Information Overload (compulsive web surfing or database searches).
- Computer Addiction (obsessive computer game-playing or to programming aspects of computer science, mostly a problem among men, children, and teenagers).
Effects of internet addiction
There are several problems caused by internal addiction. This results in facing difficulty in maintaining relationships with people. One may also face a lot of financial problems due to spending excess time online. People tend to get large bills for using some of the services. There are extended telephone charges. People also get addicted to shopping online and spend a lot of money. This is also known as the process of compulsive spending. One may also get connected with gambling online. Excessive use of internet can also affect one’s health a lot. It is really common for people to develop poor eye sight, bad health and a lot more.
Tips for dealing with Internet addiction
- Set reasonable Internet use goals and stick to them
- Stay connected to the offline world. Visit newsstands, book and music stores
- Strengthen your support network. The more relationships you have in real life, the less you will need the Internet for social interaction.
- Seek out friends. Take time to appreciate the fact that all life is not yet online.
- Alter your routine to break your usage patterns.
