1.1. Internet addiction can be understood by comparing it to other types of addictions. Individuals addicted to alcohol or other drugs, for example, develop a relationship with their “chemical(s) of choice” — a relationship that takes precedence over any and all other aspects of their lives. Addicts find they need drugs merely to feel normal. In Internet addiction, a parallel situation exists. The Internet — like food or drugs in other addictions — provides the “high” and addicts become dependent on this cyberspace high to feel normal. They substitute unhealthy relationships for healthy ones. They opt for temporary pleasure rather than the deeper qualities of “normal” intimate relationships. Internet addiction follows the same progressive nature of other addictions. Internet addicts struggle to control their behaviors, and experience despair over their constant failure to do so. Their loss of self-esteem grows, fueling the need to escape even further into their addictive behaviors. A sense of powerlessness pervades the lives of addicts.
2. How many people suffer from Internet addiction?
2.1. Studies suggest that 1 in 8 Americans suffer from problematic Internet use. Those estimates are higher in China, Taiwan, and Korea where 30 percent or more of the population may experience problematic Internet use.
3. What are the types of Internet Addiction?
3.1. Sexting and online sex addiction are still the most common form of Internet addiction. The widespread availability of sexual content online has given rise to a nearly 60% of new cases of online sex addiction from mobile use. New problems related to Internet infidelity and online affairs have also emerged as a sub-type of Internet abuse leading to new trends in divorce and marital separation. Finally, addictions to video games and online role-playing games are the fastest growing forms of Internet addiction, especially in China, Taiwan, and Korea. For more information, read more on the Internet Addiction Subtypes.
4. Who is most at risk for developing Internet addiction?
4.1. National surveys revealed that over 70% of Internet addicts also suffered from other addictions, mainly to drugs, alcohol, smoking, and sex. Trends also show that the majority of Internet addicts suffer from emotional problems such as depression, mood disorders, social disorders, and anxiety disorders and will use the fantasy world of the Internet to psychologically escape unpleasant feelings or stressful situations. Internet addicts also suffer from relationship problems in almost 75% of the cases and use interactive online applications such as social media, virtual communities, video games or online gaming as a safe way of establishing new relationships and more confidently relating to others through the virtual world.
5. Is Internet addiction recognized by the professional healthcare community?
6.1. Internet addiction is defined as any online-related, compulsive behavior which interferes with normal living and causes severe stress on family, friends, loved ones, and one’s work environment. Internet addiction has been called Internet dependency and Internet compulsivity. By any name, it is a compulsive behavior that completely dominates the addict’s life. Internet addicts make the Internet a priority more important than family, friends, and work. The Internet becomes the organizing principle of addicts’ lives.
7. How do you know if you have Internet addiction (IA)?
7.1. No single behavior pattern defines Internet addiction. These behaviors, when they have taken control of addicts’ lives and become unmanageable, include: compulsive use of the Internet, a preoccupation with being online, lying or hiding the extent or nature of your online behavior, and an inability to control or curb your online behavior. If your Internet use pattern interferes with your life in any way shape or form, (e.g. does it impact your work, family life, relationships, school, etc.) you may have a problem. In addition, if you find that you are using the Internet as a means to regularly alter your mood you may be developing a problem. It is important to note that it is not the actual time spent online that determines if you have a problem, but rather how that time you spend impacts your life. To assess your disorder, consider an evaluation with Dr. Young or take the IAT, the first validated measure of Internet addiction.
7.2. Gender influences the types of applications and underlying reasons for Internet addiction. Men tend to seek out dominance and sexual fantasy online, while women seek out close friendships, romantic partners, and prefer anonymous communication in which to hide their appearance. Men are more likely to become addicted to online games, cyberporn, and online gambling, while women are more likely to become addicted to sexting, testing, social media, eBay, and online shopping. It seems to be a natural conclusion that attributes of gender played out online parallel the stereotypes men and women have in our society.
8. Do men and women differ in what they become addicted to?
8.1. Gender influences the types of applications and underlying reasons for Internet addiction. Men tend to seek out dominance and sexual fantasy online, while women seek out close friendships, romantic partners, and prefer anonymous communication in which to hide their appearance. Men are more likely to become addicted to online games, cyberporn, and online gambling, while women are more likely to become addicted to sexting, testing, social media, eBay, and online shopping. It seems to be a natural conclusion that attributes of gender played out online parallel the stereotypes men and women have in our society.
9. What can you do about Internet addiction if you feel you have it?
9.1. Treatment options for Internet addicts include inpatient, outpatient, and aftercare support, and self-help groups. Treatment options may also include family counseling, support groups, and educational workshops for addicts and their families to help them understand the facets of belief and family life that are part of the addiction. Unlike recovering alcoholics who must abstain from drinking for life, treatment for Internet addiction focuses on moderation and controlled use of the Internet, much in the way those suffering from eating disorders must relearn healthy eating patterns. Dr. Young’s program is based on cognitive-behavioral techniques to achieve a healthy digital diet of moderated and controlled use along with a comprehensive psychosocial approach to address the underlying problems in a person’s life creating the need to use the Internet as a way of escape. Dr. Young also focuses on the spiritual principals of the Twelve Steps and incorporates the expertise of the most knowledgeable health care professionals in the field of Internet addiction.
10. TYPES OF INTERNET ADDICTION
10.1. Dr. Kimberly Young is one of the foremost experts on Internet Addiction disorders. She has published number of books and journals in relation to the etiology and treatment of internet addiction. In her works, internet addiction can be grouped into six subtypes (Young, 2011): Internet Gaming Internet Gambling Internet Infidelity Internet Pornography / Cyber sexual activities Information Overload Internet Compulsive Buying
