Are you addicted to the internet?

With ever-increasing advancements in technology, we have become reliant on our computers, tablets and smartphones to go about many of our daily activities and it often becomes hard to disconnect from the ‘online world’. 

No matter how an individual’s uses technology, it becomes a problem when areas in their life become neglected, such as work, school or their personal life. 

What is internet addiction?

Do you play video games on the Internet in excess? Are you compulsively shopping online? Can’t physically stop checking Facebook? Is your excessive computer use interfering with your daily life – relationships, work, school? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be suffering from Internet Addition Disorder.

Typical signs and symptoms of Internet Addiction Disorder include:

• Spending a long time online for reasons that are not work-related

• Irritability or bad moods if access to the internet is blocked or limited

• Pleasurable anticipation of internet use is common, although many internet addicts see their internet overuse as a form of stress management

• Multiplayer roleplay gamers may also see their usage as a form of social contact

• As the addiction becomes more severe, internet usage becomes more important than most other activities and major social problems are likely to follow

• Isolation from family and friends to spend time on the internet

• Concealing or playing down the amount of time spent online

• An extreme fear of missing out which means you have to compulsively check social media.

What are the Symptoms?

 Signs and symptoms of Internet Addiction Disorder may present themselves in both physical and emotional manifestations. 

Some of the emotional symptoms of Internet Addiction Disorder may include:

• Depression

• Dishonesty

• Feelings of guilt

• Anxiety

• Feelings of Euphoria when using the Computer

• Inability to Prioritize or Keep Schedules

• Isolation

• No Sense of Time

• Defensiveness

• Avoidance of Work

• Agitation

• Mood Swings

• Fear

• Loneliness

• Boredom with Routine Tasks

• Procrastination

Physical Symptoms of Internet Addiction Disorder may include:

• Backache

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Headaches

• Insomnia

• Poor Nutrition (failing to eat or eating in excessively to avoid being away from the computer)

• Poor Personal Hygiene (e.g., not bathing to stay online)

• Neck Pain

• Dry Eyes and other Vision Problems

• Weight Gain or Loss

What are the effects of Internet Addiction Disorder?

If you are suffering from this disorder, it might be affecting your personal relationships, work life, finances, or school life. Individuals suffering from this condition may be isolating themselves from others, spending a long time in social isolation and negatively impacting their personal relationships. Distrust and dishonesty issues may also arise due to Internet addicts trying to hide or deny the amount of time they spend online. In addition, these individuals may create alternate personas online in an attempt to mask their online behaviors. Serious financial troubles may also result from avoidance of work, bankruptcy due to continued online shopping, online gaming, or online gambling. Internet addicts may also have trouble developing new relationships and socially withdraw – as they feel more at ease in an online environment than a physical one.

What are the Treatment Options?

The first step in treatment is the recognition that a problem exists. If you do not believe you have a problem, you are not likely to seek treatment. One of the overarching problems with the Internet is that there is often no accountability and no limits. You are hidden behind a screen – and some things that you may say or do online are things you would never do in person.

Therapy sessions for internet addiction aim to encourage ways you can reduce the amount of time spent on the internet, with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and behavioural activation techniques being effective methods of reaching this goal.

CBT - an action-oriented and problem solving approach to internet addiction which helps you to understand the impact that internet addiction has on your relationships and conduct with others, as well as teaching you methods of managing your thoughts and behaviours that lead to compulsive internet use, in a more positive manner.

Because the inability to control your impulse to use the internet can lead to a pattern of addiction that is difficult to stop, self-control techniques learned during these sessions can help to minimise the severity of withdrawal symptoms of internet addiction, such as anxiety, making it possible to reduce your internet usage in a safe and gradual manner.