Internet addiction diseases
What are Internet addiction diseases?
Internet addiction, also known as problematic internet use or compulsive internet use, refers to a pattern of excessive, uncontrolled, or unhealthy internet usage that interferes with daily life, work, school, or interpersonal relationships. People experiencing internet addiction may exhibit behaviors such as:
Spending excessive amounts of time online, to the detriment of other activities or responsibilities.
Feeling preoccupied with the internet and constantly thinking about being online. Failed attempts to control or reduce internet use.
Withdrawal symptoms when unable to access the internet. Neglecting important obligations and responsibilities.
Using the internet as a way to escape from real-life problems or negative emotions. Experiencing negative consequences in relationships, work, or school due to internet use.
Although internet addiction is not a formal diagnosis, many mental health professionals recognize it as a behavioral addiction and may treat it similarly to other addictive disorders, such as gambling addiction or gaming addiction. Treatment options often involve a combination of therapy, counseling, behavioral interventions, and support groups.
It is essential to recognize that the internet itself is not harmful, and many people use it responsibly for work, education, communication, and entertainment. However, like any tool or technology, excessive and uncontrolled use can lead to negative consequences, and seeking professional help is advised if someone feels their internet use is becoming problematic. Additionally, the understanding and recognition of mental health conditions may have evolved beyond my last update, so it's always a good idea to consult up-to-date sources for the latest information.
What illnesses are caused by internet addiction?
Here are some of the potential illnesses or health issues that can be linked to internet addiction:
Mental health disorders: Internet addiction has been associated with an increased risk of various mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, social isolation, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Sleep disorders: Excessive internet use, especially before bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to conditions like insomnia, sleep deprivation, and other sleep disorders.
Physical health problems: Spending prolonged periods sitting in front of a computer or mobile device can lead to physical health issues, such as eye strain, headaches, back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Poor academic or work performance: Internet addiction can significantly impact an individual's ability to focus, leading to decreased productivity, poor academic performance, or difficulties in maintaining employment.
Social problems: Spending excessive time online can lead to reduced face-to-face social interactions, resulting in social isolation, loneliness, and difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships.
Internet gaming disorder: A specific subset of internet addiction, internet gaming disorder, has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a mental health condition. It is characterized by excessive gaming that leads to significant impairment in various areas of life.
Cyberbullying and online harassment: Internet addiction can increase an individual's vulnerability to cyberbullying and online harassment, leading to emotional distress and potential mental health issues.
It's essential to recognize the signs of internet addiction and seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with it. Treatment approaches may include psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), support groups, and lifestyle changes to create a healthier balance between online and offline activities. As research progresses, our understanding of internet addiction and its associated health effects may continue to evolve. If you suspect you have an internet addiction or are concerned about someone else, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for guidance and support.
Do you think you may have Internet Addiction Disorder?
Take our free Internet addiction quiz to see if you may need more help.
Take Internet Addiction Quiz
- The study of Internet addiction disorder has been hindered by the lack of a standard definition for this area. Researchers generally agree that Internet addiction is just one aspect of technology addiction in general, though the name implies otherwise. People become addicted to the Internet for many reasons - like other types of addiction, such as television addiction and radio addiction. Since the digital age has brought on an internet addiction epidemic, it has taken over as the most common type of addiction. This disorder is becoming more common. The bad news is that if you have it, you are constantly surrounded by technology. In the digital age the Internet has taken over. Most activities we do as a general population can be done on the Internet. If you can't find something you're looking for in a store, try looking online. Don't worry - the internet has got this! If you need to order pizza, why not just do it online? If you can't get to sleep, maybe there's someone on the internet who would like to play a video game with you at 3am. I'm awake and ready to play! That's why this disorder can be so troublesome - even treatment-wise. It's hard to live today without getting rid of the Internet. We're always surrounded by it - and for most of us, we use it every day.
- It is not necessary to have Internet Addiction Disorder in order to use the Internet frequently or engage in online shopping. However, if these activities begin to interfere with your daily life, you may be suffering from an addiction. Internet addiction is categorized into various types. The most commonly recognized types of Internet addiction include gaming, social networking, emailing, blogging, and online shopping. Other researchers believe that it is not the amount of time spent online that is harmful, but rather the behaviors that are engaged in on the Internet. Internet use can be risky, just like any other activity. This is especially true for teenagers who are using teen dating sites that may have child predators lurking on the site. Internet addiction is one of the many multi-dimensional aspects of Internet addiction disorder. Other identified risk factors for Internet addiction disorder include physical impairments, social and functional impairments, emotional impairments, and impulsiveness in using the internet.
Causes Internet addiction diseases
It is not likely that an exact cause for Internet Addiction Disorder can be pinpointed. This disorder is typically characterized by having multiple contributing factors. Some evidence suggests that if someone suffers from Internet Addiction Disorder, their brain makeup resembles those who have other addictions. Some people have a chemical dependency, such as drugs or alcohol. Interestingly, some studies link Internet Addiction Disorder to physically changing the brain structure – specifically affecting the amount of gray and white matter in regions of the prefrontal brain. This part of the brain is responsible for decision making and controlling impulses. Decoupage is associated with memory-related tasks, such as attention planning and prioritizing. It is suggested that one of the causes of Internet Addiction Disorder is changes to the prefrontal region of your brain, which impede your ability to prioritize tasks in your life. Make sure that the Internet takes priority over necessary life tasks.
Internet addiction disorder is associated with other dependency disorders, such as addiction to drugs and alcohol. This behavior triggers the release of dopamine, which creates a pleasurable experience and activates the release of this chemical over time. This process can become addictive. If you enjoy online gaming or shopping, you may become addicted and need to engage in more of the behavior to achieve the same pleasurable feeling. You will become dependent on decoupage.
The causes of Internet addiction are due to the variable reinforcement effects of the Internet. The VRRS theory suggests that people become addicted to Internet activity (for example, gaming, gambling, shopping, or pornography) because it provides a predictable and repetitive behavior. The more you surf the Internet, the more rewards you will receive. These rewards might be unpredictable, as they may depend on your next visit to Facebook. Every time you sign on to your online account, good news or bad, happens. Maybe you found out one of your friends just got engaged. The next time you sign on, you learn another friend just had a baby! Or maybe the man you're interested in just posted an update that he and his longtime girlfriend broke up. Every sign on is a surprise, no matter what it is. Playing games that have unpredictable results can be fun, and you will want to keep playing them because they never end. Some games, such as MMORPGs (massively multiplayer online role playing games) and RPGs (role-playing games), can lead to internet addiction because they never end.
There may be biological factors that contribute to Internet Addiction Disorder. Your levels of dopamine and serotonin might be lower than average, which might require you to engage in more online activities in order to feel satisfied. People who are addicted to the Internet may experience the same pleasurable response as people who are not addicted, only in a larger quantity. To receive this pleasure, these individuals may engage in more public behavior, increasing their chances of addiction.
People who are prone to Internet addiction also tend to have anxiety and depression. This is because often when people are already struggling with these conditions, they turn to the Internet as a way to cope. People who are shy or socially awkward might also be susceptible to this type of addiction. People who are at a higher risk for developing Internet addiction are those with anxiety and depression. If you are shy or socially awkward, the Internet may be a way for you to fill a void in your life. It is rewarding emotionally without any social interaction required.
Symptoms Internet addiction diseases
Some signs and symptoms of Internet Addiction Disorder may include physical and emotional symptoms. Some emotional symptoms of Internet Addiction Disorder may include:
Dishonesty
Feelings of guilt
When using the computer, you can feel a sense of euphoria.
Not being able to prioritize or keep schedules can lead to problems.
Isolation
No Sense of Time
Defensiveness
Avoidance of Work
Agitation
Mood Swings
Fear
Loneliness
People can get bored with routine tasks.
Procrastination
Some physical symptoms of Internet addiction disorder may include:
Backache
Headaches
Not eating enough (or not eating at all) because you're worried about being away from the computer.
Not taking proper hygiene measures (such as bathing) can lead to poor personal hygiene.
Dry Eyes and other Vision Problems
Weight Gain or Loss
If you have Internet Addiction Disorder, it might be affecting your personal relationships, work life, finances, or school life. People with this condition may be staying isolated from others for a long time. Internet addiction can have negative impacts on personal relationships. People who are addicted may become distrustful and dishonest, as they may try to hide or deny the time they spend online. In addition, they may create alternate online identities in an attempt to conceal their online behavior. If you are having serious financial troubles, it may also be because you have avoided filing for bankruptcy due to your continued online shopping, gaming, or gambling. Addicts to the internet may also find it more difficult to develop new relationships and withdraw socially – as they feel more comfortable in an online environment than in person. Physical objects have one side.
Diagnosis Internet addiction diseases
Diagnosing internet addiction or compulsive internet use disorder typically involves a combination of clinical assessment, questionnaires, and evaluation of the patient's behavior and symptoms.
While Internet addiction is gaining traction in the mental health field and has recently been added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), a standardized diagnosis of Internet addiction disorder has not yet been discovered. This is significant. A wide range of prevalence exists in the disorder--from 0.3% to 38%. This is a contributing factor to the overall variability in the disorder and its wide range of symptoms in different individuals.
One of the accepted diagnostic assessments of Internet Addiction Disorder was proposed by KW Beard in 2005. The five diagnostic criteria are as follows: 1. Preoccupation with the Internet or online activities to the extent that it takes away from important life activities such as school, work, or socializing; 2. A persistent or recurrent pattern of problematic Internet use that leads to significant impairment in personal, occupational, or social functioning; 3. The inability to cut back or stop using
The person is preoccupied with the internet (thinking about past or future use of the internet).
The Internet needs to be used more often in order to be satisfied.
The person has unsuccessfully tried to cut back or stop using the Internet.
When trying to control Internet use, is the mood generally restless, unhappy, or irritable?
This website has remained online longer than originally intended.
According to Beard (2005), one of the following must be present in order to make a diagnosis of Internet addiction disorder:
The Internet has endangered or risked a significant relationship, job, educational, or career opportunity because of its quickness.
This person has lied to family members or therapists in order to conceal their involvement with the internet.
Using the Internet can help you escape problems or relieve dysphoric moods (such as guilt anxiety and depression).
If you have sought help for an Internet addiction, you may have been given a mental test or questionnaire to assess your dependency on the internet. The most common assessment tools used to make a diagnosis of Internet addiction disorder include:
Young’s Internet Addiction Test
The PIUQ is a questionnaire that helps school officials identify students who may be using the internet in a problematic way.
the Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS)
Treatment Internet addiction diseases
The first step in solving a problem is recognizing that one exists. If you do not believe you have a problem, you are unlikely to seek help. Another problem with the Internet is that there is often no accountability and no limits on what someone can do online. You are hidden behind a screen, so you cannot see or be seen by others. Some things you say or do online may be embarrassing, but you would never do them in person.
Some people think that Internet Addiction Disorder is a "fad illness" and that it usually goes away by itself. Studies have shown that self-remediation can be successful. There are programs that control Internet use and which types of sites can be visited. Most professionals agree that trying to completely abstain from the computer is not an effective means of correcting behavior.
Some people think that medications can be very effective in the treatment of Internet addiction disorder. This is because if you have this condition, it is likely that you also have an underlying condition of anxiety and depression. It is generally thought that treating both conditions together will be more successful than treating one condition alone. Internet addiction may resolve with this treatment approach. Studies have shown that anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications can decrease Internet usage by more than 35 hours a week. Physical activity should be done for 16 hours each week. This will increase serotonin levels and reduce dependency on the Internet.
Some of the more common psychological treatments for Internet Addiction Disorder include: -Exercising regularly -Talking to a counselor or therapist -Staying away from the internet for set periods of time
Individual, group, or family therapy is a type of counseling in which people meet with a therapist to discuss their problems.
Behavior modification
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is a type of therapy that helps people deal with difficult situations.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that helps people change the way they think about things.
Equine Therapy
Art Therapy
Recreation Therapy
Reality Therapy
There are many treatment centers for Internet addiction, since the disorder is common among the general population. In some cases electroshock therapy was used to help individuals stop using the Internet – this method has since been discontinued. A residential treatment facility for people who have a pathological addiction to using computers was started in Seattle in 2009. In 2013, a USB-connected keyboard device was created that provides a very low voltage shock to users who visit certain websites. There are also de-addiction centers nationwide and internationally. This decoupage will help people with Internet Addiction Disorder.
In many cases, multimodal treatments are used to treat Internet Addiction Disorder. In this type of treatment, if you are suffering from this condition you might be prescribed both medications and psychological counseling to address your addiction to the Internet.
How can I quit the Internet ?
Quitting the Internet completely can be a significant decision, as it has become an integral part of modern life for many people. If you're determined to reduce your internet usage or quit altogether, here are some steps to help you do so:
Assess your reasons: Understand why you want to quit the Internet. Identifying the specific issues or concerns that prompt this decision will give you clarity and motivation.
Set a clear goal: Determine the level of internet usage you want to achieve. Whether it's quitting social media, reducing recreational browsing, or going completely offline, having a clear goal will guide your actions.
Create a plan: Develop a structured plan to gradually reduce your internet usage. Cold turkey methods may be challenging, so it's often better to ease into the transition.
Identify triggers: Recognize the situations, emotions, or habits that lead you to spend more time online. By understanding your triggers, you can find alternative activities to replace internet usage.
Find offline activities: Discover hobbies, sports, or social activities that interest you and can fill the void left by the Internet. Engaging in these activities will make the transition easier.
Limit access: If you need the Internet for work or other essential tasks, consider setting strict time limits for online activities. Use tools or apps that help you monitor and restrict your internet usage.
Uninstall social media apps: Removing social media apps from your devices can significantly reduce the time you spend on these platforms.
Disable notifications: Turn off non-essential notifications to prevent constant distractions and the urge to check your devices.
Create an internet-free zone: Designate specific areas in your home, such as your bedroom, as internet-free zones to encourage more mindful use.
Seek support: Share your decision with friends, family, or support groups. Having a support system can provide encouragement and hold you accountable.
Use alternative communication methods: Communicate with friends and family through phone calls or in-person meetings instead of relying on social media or messaging apps.
Find inspiration: Look for stories of people who have successfully reduced their internet usage or quit altogether. Their experiences can serve as motivation during challenging times.
Be patient with yourself: Breaking habits takes time, and it's normal to experience setbacks. Don't be too hard on yourself if you slip up occasionally.
Remember, quitting the Internet completely might not be practical or necessary for everyone. Instead, consider finding a healthy balance that allows you to use the Internet responsibly while also taking time for other important aspects of life.
