Are you Addicted to the Internet?

There is a new form of addiction being recognized by psychologists, doctors, and scientists across the world. It is one that can easily spiral out of control for anyone. There may be many of us suffering with this addiction without even knowing it. What is the first thing you do when you wake up? Do you look at your phone? Do you check your e-mail? Look at your Facebook or other social media notifications? Do you find friends and loved ones constantly asking you to put your phone or device down? Do you find yourself experiencing uncontrollable anxiety if you can not find your device to look something up or to capture a moment you are living? If so, you may be one of the many people who are suspected to be suffering with Internet addiction. Just like any other addiction, this obsession can manifest in a very unhealthy manner and can begin to affect an individual’s life in many ways from negligence of personal responsibility to interference with social interactions and relationships with family and friends. It is estimated that six percent of the world's population is suffering with this kind of addiction, which is a fairly significant minority when it comes to mental disorder. Read on to find out more about the newest form of addiction that is taking its toll on many of those around us and tips on what we all can do to help ourselves and/or others who may be suffering from Internet addiction.

The concept of Internet addiction came about in the mid 90's when a psychologist made a nonchalant joke about the potentially crippling condition. Chinese psychologists and researchers (as well as others across the world) have since taken the matter very seriously. There have been many Internet addiction facilities popping up all over China since 2008, when they became the first country in the world to officially classify this addiction as a mental disorder. The United States waited until 2013 to consider this kind of behavior worthy of more research. It was not added to the DSM, however, to be formally classified as a mental disorder. Adolescents in China, however, have experienced horrendous effects from this addiction to online activities. Not only are they experiencing the effects of the addiction, itself, but they are subjected to horrific and unthinkable punishments from their parents and families. From physical to mental abuse, the punishments have led to the death of many adolescents in China. Thankfully, however, the facilities that are opening are offering hope to adolescents and their families. Typical inpatient treatment is ideally four months and can include family sessions along with the normal individual counseling and therapy.

But China is not the only part of the world where individuals suffer with this crippling disorder. Research on this type of addiction is increasing across the globe, especially with the way that the Internet has become an integral and necessary part of our everyday lives. However, our accessibility can become detrimental for some people. A 2009 study showed significant levels of co-morbid depression in individuals who engaged in pathological Internet use. Studies such as these help researchers, doctors, and psychologists to better understand this type of addiction and to be able to more effectively treat those who are suffering with it. Depression is not the only mental disorder that has shown to exist co-morbidly with this addiction, though. Many of these individuals are also struggling with substance abuse, ADHD, anxiety, as well as others. This type of research is extremely important for all of us to be able to recognize the symptoms within ourselves and our loved ones. As with many issues, awareness is the key. It is important to watch for the signs of abnormal or unhealthy behavior in ourselves, our family, our friends, and colleagues. Here are some signs to watch for when it comes to Internet addiction:

• Obsessive thoughts or fixation to online activity, whether it be present or even past or future online behavior

• Increasing amount of time spent online

• Unsuccessful attempts to limit Internet use

• Depression and irritability when not online

• Often staying online much longer than originally intended

• Online behavior and/or time spent online affects job, school, relationships, etc

• Telling lies in an attempt to hide online activity or the frequency and length of this activity

• Internet use becomes a coping and/or escape mechanism for the individual

If you or anyone you know is suffering with these common symptoms/effects of Internet addiction, please reach out. If you are suffering, you can talk to trusted family members, friends, teacher, counselor, etc to help you find the best resources to help you. If someone you know and care about is exhibiting these symptoms, there are many local, national, and international resources to help you approach the situation in a loving and compassionate way. Just like any addiction, these individuals need help, not judgment or alienation. Keep these warning signs in mind and don’t be afraid to take action to help yourself or someone else.

References

Internet Addiction. (n.d.). Retrieved from UnityPoint Health - Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery: http://www.addictionrecov.org/Addictions/index.aspx?AID=43

Ko, C. H., Yen, J. Y., Yen, C. F., Chen, C. S., & Chen, C. C. (2012). The association between Internet addiction and psychiatric disorder: a review of the literature. European Psychiatry, 27(1), 1-8. Retrieved from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924933810001197

Nguyen, C. (2015, July 15). Inside a Chinese Internet Addiction Rehab Center. Retrieved from Motherboard: http://motherboard.vice.com/read/inside-a-chinese-internet-addiction-rehab-center

Young, K. S., & Rogers, R. C. (1998). The relationship between depression and Internet addiction. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 1(1), 25-28. Retrieved from: http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/cpb.1998.1.25

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