Do You Suffer From Internet Addiction?

Most people believe that leisurely Internet use is a harmless, friendly activity to gather information and pass time. However with the growing reliance on the Internet not only within the workplace but with everyday life, some health professionals have noted that a percentage of people who compulsively use the Internet actually suffer from psychological and sometimes physical disorders.

Internet Addiction is described as an impulse control disorder which does not involve use of an intoxicating drug and is very similar to pathological gambling.

The Internet is an easily accessible and readily available 'bottomless' source of information and entertainment. And with an infinite amount of information and endless entertainment at the touch of a mouse or keyboard, Internet addicts seem to be constantly searching for something to fill a void. Whether Internet addicts are searching for knowledge, downloading music, or trying to locate a long lost friend, the excessive use of the Internet can ultimately interfere with one's ability to function at home, at work, or in social relationships.

In order to be diagnosed as having Internet Addiction, a person must meet certain criteria as prescribed by the American Psychiatric Association. Some symptoms of Internet Addiction include spending increasing amounts of time on the Internet to achieve satisfaction or accessing the Internet more often and/or for longer periods of time than was intended. Internet addicts may tend to give up or reduce social, occupational, or recreational activities because of extended Internet use. Other symptoms may include feelings of restlessness, moodiness, and depression when attempting to cut down use of the Internet.

There may also be physical ailments as a result if an Internet addict is experiencing Internet withdrawals. Physical symptoms of withdrawal may include trembling, tremors, or involuntary shaking of the fingers or hands.

There's really no dispute that some people use the Internet in a compulsive manner, but there is still a debate as to whether or not Internet addiction is real. The controversy surrounding Internet Addiction is precisely whether people can actually become addicted to the Internet itself, or to the stimulation of the information and entertainment it provides. The debate will always be there, but the fact remains there are people who develop issues with their mental and physical health from extensive use of the Internet.

The Internet Addiction Test, developed by Dr. Kimberly Young, is the first validated and reliable measure of addictive use of the Internet. You can take the test at: www.netaddiction.com/resources/internet_addiction_test.htm