Assignment
Assignment for Internet Addiction
1. What is Internet Addiction?
Ans: Internet addiction refers to the uncontrollable and excessive use of the internet,
resulting in social dysfunction and excessive time consumption. It is characterized by similar
pathology to other addictions and can lead to interpersonal, family, and social problems.
It is a broad term that covers a range of behaviors and impulse-control problems involving
internet, personal computer, and mobile technology. While there is yet no officially accepted
criteria to diagnose an internet addiction, researchers have identified five subcategories of
specific types of computer and internet addictions.
1. Cybersex Addiction
A cybersex addiction is one of the more self-explanatory internet addictions. It
involves online pornography, adult websites, sexual fantasy/adult chat rooms, and
XXX webcam services. An obsession with any of these services can be harmful to
one’s ability to form real-world sexual, romantic, or intimate relationships. Treatment
options are available for those with cybersex addictions, typically in the form of
intervention followed by ongoing inpatient or outpatient therapy.
2. Net Compulsions
Net compulsions concern interactive activities online that can be extremely harmful,
such as online gambling, trading stocks, online auctions (such as eBay), and
compulsive online shopping. These habits can have a detrimental impact on one’s
financial stability and disrupt job-related duties. Spending or losing excessive
amounts of money can also cause stress in one’s relationships. With instant and easy
access to online casinos and stores, it is easy for those who are already susceptible to
a gambling or spending addiction to get hooked online.
3. Cyber (Online) Relationship Addiction
Cyber or online relationship addicts are deeply involved with finding and maintaining
relationships online, often forgetting and neglecting real-life family and friends.
Typically online relationships are formed in chat rooms or different social networking
sites but can occur anywhere one can interact with people online. Often people who
pursue online relationships do so while concealing their real identity and appearance;
this modern phenomena led to the creation of the term “catfish.”
After being consumed by an online social life and persona, a person may be left with
limited social skills and unrealistic expectations concerning in-person interactions.
Many times this leads to an inability to make real-world connections, in turn making
the individual more dependent on their cyber relationships. Counseling or therapy is
typically required to treat this addiction and ensure lasting behavioral changes.
4. Compulsive Information Seeking
The internet provides users with a wealth of data and knowledge. For some, the
opportunity to find information so easily has turned into an uncontrollable urge to
gather and organize data. In some cases information-seeking is a manifestation of pre-
existing, obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Compulsive information-seeking can also
reduce work productivity and potentially lead to job termination. Depending on the
severity of the addiction, treatment options can range from different therapy
modalities — which target changing compulsive behavior and developing coping
strategies — to medication.
5. Computer Or Gaming Addiction
Computer addiction, sometimes referred to as computer gaming addiction, involves
online and offline activities that can be done with a computer. As computers became
more widely available, games such as Solitaire, Tetris, and Minesweeper were
programed into their software. Researchers quickly found that obsessive computer
game playing was becoming a problem in certain settings. Office employees would
spend excessive amounts of time playing these games, causing a notable decrease in
productivity. Not only are these classic games still available today but so are
thousands of new ones, and the condition of computer gaming addiction is as
prevalent and harmful as ever.
2. What is the common criteria for identifying Internet Addiction?
Ans: Symptoms of Internet Addiction
● Internet addiction may be associated with physical and emotional signs.
● Some of the physical signs of Internet addiction disorder include:
● Headache, neck-ache or backache.
● Dry eyes or other sight problems.
● Carpal tunnel syndrome (disorder of the sensitivity or movement of a part of
the hand due to compression of the median nerve).
● Insomnia.
● Weight change, due loss of eating habits and/or giving up physical activity.
● Lack of personal hygiene (for example, not bathing in order to stay
connected).
● The emotional signs of Internet addiction disorder include:
● Continuous thoughts about the activity that is being carried on the Internet.
● Euphoria on using the computer.
● Anxiety and stress when the Internet cannot be used.
● Feelings of guilt due to having been connected for longer than was wished or
not having been able to carry out an activity that was planned.
● Isolation.
Alarm Signals of Internet Addiction
The following signs can make one suspect that someone has an addiction to the new
technologies:
● Worsening of academic performance.
● Sleep problems.
● Withdrawal from leisure activities, like sport or going out with friends.
● Worsening of family relationships.
● Excessive anger when the connection fails or is very slow.
3. What are the risk factors for Internet Addiction?
Ans : There are several risk factors for internet addiction, including:
Psychological factors
Depression, anxiety, aggression, impulsivity, and low self-esteem are all psychological
factors that can increase the risk of internet addiction.
Social factors
People who lack social connection or support, or who have interpersonal difficulties, may be
more likely to become addicted to the internet.
Family and school factors
Poor family function can increase the likelihood of internet addiction in middle school
students.
Neurobiological factors
Male gender is a risk factor for internet addiction.
Other factors
Other risk factors include:
● Age and age of first exposure to the internet
● Accessing the internet for gaming
● Living in a household with more than five people
● Having a history of alcohol or drug use
● Having musculoskeletal pain
● Having a lower educational level
● Being unemployed, unmarried, or in an unstable partnership
4. What are the psychological effects of Internet Addiction?
Ans: Cyber addiction, or internet addiction, can have a negative impact on mental health in a
number of ways, including:
● Anxiety and depression: Social media and internet addiction can increase feelings of
anxiety and depression, especially in young adults and teens.
● Low self-esteem: Internet addiction can lead to low self-esteem.
● Poor sleep quality: Internet addiction can lead to poor sleep quality.
● Mood disorders: Internet addiction can lead to mood disorders.
● Impulsivity: Internet addiction can lead to impulsivity.
● Suicide: Internet addiction is associated with suicide.
● Structural brain changes: Internet addiction can cause structural changes in the brain,
particularly in the prefrontal cortex.
● Poor cognitive functioning: Internet addiction can lead to poor cognitive functioning.
● Poor academic achievement: Internet addiction can lead to poor academic
achievement.
● Dangerous activities: Internet addiction can lead to participation in dangerous
activities.
● Poor food habits: Internet addiction can lead to poor food habits.
● Poor interpersonal relationships: Internet addiction can lead to poor interpersonal
relationships.
● Self-injurious behavior: Internet addiction can lead to self-injurious behavior.
5. How should one deal with Internet Addiction?
Ans: Dealing with internet addiction involves a combination of self-awareness, setting
boundaries, and finding healthier habits. Here are some steps to consider:
1. Acknowledge the Problem: Recognize that internet use is affecting ones life
negatively.
2. Set Limits: Establish specific times for internet use and stick to them. Use apps to
track and limit one’s online time.
3. Create a Schedule: Plan the day to include offline activities, such as reading,
exercising, or spending time with friends.
4. Identify Triggers: Notice what prompts excessive internet use and find ways to avoid
or manage those triggers.
5. Engage in Offline Activities: Explore hobbies that don’t involve screens, like sports,
arts and crafts, or cooking.
6. Seek Support: Talk to friends or family about his/her struggles, or consider joining a
support group.
7. Practice Mindfulness: Techniques like meditation can help one stay present and
reduce the urge to mindlessly scroll.
8. Limit Social Media: Consider reducing use of social media platforms, which can be
particularly addictive.
9. Evaluate Content: Be mindful of the types of content one consume. Opt for
enriching or educational material rather than mindless scrolling.
10. Consider Professional Help: If one is finding it hard to cope, a therapist can provide
strategies and support.
Making gradual changes can lead to a healthier relationship with the internet and to
remember, it’s about balance!
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