Increased tolerance, loss of control and withdrawal are some symptoms that every addiction displays.
In 1996, Kimbely Young, a psychologist at the University of Pittsburgh studied 396 "dependent" users of the internet and 100 nondependent users. In her study she found that dependent users spent an average of 38.5 hours per week online, and nondependent users spent less than 5 hours a week online.
Similar results were found in another 1997 study with students at the University of Texas at Austin conducted by psychologist Kathy Scherer. Out of 531 students, 98% of dependent users found themselves staying online longer than they wanted. Over a third of these students had problems in academic, social, and work responsibilities because of their overuse with the intenet and over half wanted to cut down but said they couldn't.
Trapped in the Web.
Carol Potera explains how many people can not get enough of the round-the -clock entertainment that can be found on the internet. A virtual world of chat rooms and games are replacing work, friends, family and sleep for as many as five million Americans.
Kimberly Young believes that people who have drug and alcohol addictions are more prone to become internet addicts because of their dependent tendencies and problem behaviors. "Internet Addicts form close bonds that fuel their compulsions." If they are making a lot of friends online or participating in a game that allows a group of people to play, individuals tend to become more attached.
Mental health specialists do not know exactly how to treat an internet addict, however they are beginning to emerge. Some therapists are telling these people to simply turn off the computer, however that is clearly not working. Another problem is that people with this disorder rarely admit to having a problem so many do not seek treatment.
Intenet Addiction: genuine diagnosis or not?.
Peter Mitchell describes internet addiction as "a compulsive overuse of the internet and irritable or moody behavior when deprived of it.
