Internet Addiction
What Is Internet Addiction?
Internet addiction is a relatively new behavioral addiction and can be difficult to identify. Because the internet is used often throughout daily life, either to keep in contact with loved ones or as part of a person’s job, it can be hard to differentiate between safe and unsafe levels of engagement. Internet addiction can present itself in a number of unique ways, depending on the individual. When considering internet addiction, it is more beneficial to measure one’s intentions and relationship with their use of the internet and media rather than by only gauging by the number of hours an individual is in front of a screen. Internet addiction encompasses several different things, from social media, how they engage with video games, compulsive online shopping, and more. As a result, the first step towards understanding if an internet addiction has developed would be to look at one’s own practices regarding their use of screens, as well as their expectations regarding these various kinds of media.
Various Kinds of Internet Addiction
Internet addiction can mean a few different things, depending on the individual and their attitudes surrounding any particular kind of media. Excessively playing video games to the point that one’s physical and mental health begins to suffer is just one common way in which internet addiction can manifest. However, others may see their engagement with social media or blogging as a daily need of theirs and may even begin to ascribe their own sense of self-worth and validation to social media. Individuals that find themselves compulsively checking their messages, emails, or blog for likes or comments may be showing signs of an unhealthy relationship with the internet.
Others may use the internet as a way to compulsively shop and find themselves scouring online stores and impulse buying non-essential items due to convenience. Those suffering from internet addiction may find it incredibly difficult to turn off many of their devices and may even find themselves checking their social media feeds at inopportune times throughout the day. Even thinking about one’s engagement with the internet can begin to cause distractions and a person may find themselves unable to focus on regular tasks or responsibilities until they have checked messages or reached an arbitrary point in a video game. These are some examples of what can be considered an internet addiction.
Signs of Internet Addiction
Since internet addiction can manifest in many ways, each individual may express their own unique symptoms. However, there are some guidelines that can help identify internet addiction in oneself and others. While the inability to turn off internet-connected devices or need to compulsively check social media are ways in which internet addiction can present itself, those suffering from the addiction may also find themselves irritable when they are separated from these devices and unable to engage with them. Internet addiction can also lead to an individual having difficulty managing their time and may let responsibilities go overlooked as they distract themselves with various devices. An individual may lose track of time while on the internet, lie about how often they engage with the internet, or express feelings of depression, anxiety, or loneliness whenever they are not able to stay connected.
Those suffering from internet addiction may also find their health compromised as they either skip meals or eat unhealthy foods to stay engaged with their online activities. Neck aches and backaches are common and weight gain is also possible if an individual begins to forgo a healthy diet and exercise. Internet addiction can also cause insomnia as a person may keep themselves awake to continue engaging with their media of choice. Personal hygiene may also suffer as a person remains situated in front of their screens and may even skip showers, brushing their teeth, or other daily hygiene routines.
We base our assessment questions on the criteria laid out by the fifth edition of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Regardless to the results of the assessment, it is important to note that an internet addiction disorder must be diagnosed by a trained medical professional.
Effects of Internet Addiction
Those suffering from internet addiction may feel that the use of the internet is directly tied to their sense of self-worth, especially when considering their use of social media, which can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. Individuals suffering from internet addiction may also develop familial issues or otherwise begin to isolate themselves in favor of being online and social interaction skills may begin to suffer as an individual focuses solely on a digital environment for communication. Those suffering from this addiction may also have difficulty performing in their professional fields as they may begin to skip work or become increasingly distracted while using the internet and fail to complete assigned responsibilities, leading to potential job loss and financial issues.
Internet Addiction and Substance Use
Like many addictions, internet addiction ties the use of electronic media with the reward system of the brain, which releases dopamine and creates a “positive” reaction when an individual engages with online activity. Drugs and alcohol can also have a similar effect on a person and an individual may begin to associate drugs, alcohol, and their use of the internet as positive and rewarding activities. Feelings of anxiety or depression may also cause an individual to seek emotional escape from their internet addiction, and the fast-acting nature of drugs or alcohol may be an appealing option to placate these emotions. However, this can lead to a situation in which a person circumvents their emotions using drugs or alcohol, but is still engaging with their internet addiction because it was never properly addressed, creating a dangerous cycle and the development of a substance use disorder that accompanies internet addiction. Addressing this cycle and how both addictions influence each other is an important part of the recovery process and needs to be addressed in tandem to create the most impactful recovery plan.
