The Internet is an essential part of our lives. We use apps and devices connected to the internet to shop, get to a destination, work, connect with loved ones and to perform many of our daily activities. Without a doubt, we can say that we all somehow rely on online and virtual services to make our lives a lot easier.
Can we be too dependent on the internet? Is there a threshold that can be crossed to transform the essential use of virtual services into a real addiction?
In this article, we are going to talk about an increasingly relevant and prevalent topic, especially given the most recent year. The following paragraphs will address various aspects of internet addiction, such as risks and concerns, self-help and treatment approaches and factors that can lead to this type of addiction.
Finally, some helpful contact numbers will also be provided for anyone who wishes to get in touch with someone regarding this issue.
What is Internet Addiction?
Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) or Problematic Internet Use (PIU) can manifest in poorly controlled behaviors around the use of the internet and intense urges for computer use that lead to psychological distress. Someone who displays IAD symptoms uses the internet to maladaptively cope with life’s stress and to find refuge in virtual platforms and online apps.
Ultimately, internet addiction is a behavioral addiction that has become more and more widespread across the globe. In certain countries, such as South Korea, it has even been recognised as a national health problem because it affects an increasing number of people, especially teenagers and young children.
Internet addiction has also become a behavioral problem in other geographical areas like Northern America and Europe. Although it is not yet recognised as an official mental health disorder, internet addiction is developing as a specialist area that catches the attention of numerous research studies. Some research studies argue that internet addiction meets the criteria for addiction and therefore should be included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM) due to its impact on the user’s mental wellbeing.
With so many opportunities for online surfing, it is no wonder that so many individuals are now at risk of spending a greater amount of time on the internet. Even if it’s video games, online shopping or social media, the risk of getting caught up in endless online time is ever present. This is further accentuated by the increasing apps and devices that are particularly designed to maintain users’ engagement online for as long as possible.
Internet addiction was compared in 1995 by a medical professional to pathological gambling. This is because internet addiction, like gamblig, promises to deliver a temporary feeling of satisfaction that many users keep searching for.
There have been three types of internet addiction identified: video games addiction, cybersex and online gambling addiction.
Internet Addiction Statistics
The latest statistical data from studies collected in 2021 show that:
- 61% of those who regularly use the internet display addiction symptoms
- Unlike other addiction types, internet addiction is highly prevalent across all demographic types, with the highest category being teenagers between 13 and 17 years (73%), 18 to 24 (71%), 25-35 (59%) and 64+ (44%).
- Pew Research shows that 48% of people aged between 18 and 29 use the internet almost constantly;
- Generation X show more internet addiction symptoms than Millenials and are online for longer periods of time;
- Both genders show similar tendencies for internet addiction, with females (64%) more likely to be online at all times than males (56%);
- A study conducted in 2019 revealed that 3.4% of high school students have symptoms of severe internet addiction, while the remaining population still displays signs of moderate and mild addiction;
- According to Pew Research, income is the highest predictor of internet addiction – people who earn $75,000 or more are more likely to get addicted due to using the internet more often;
- 36% of those with a higher education degree use the internet almost constantly, compared to 23% of those who only have high school education;
- Race is another important predictor of internet addiction – statistics show that 34% hispanic individuals use the internet very frequently, while 26% and 25% of white and black people respectively show these behavioral tendencies.
- Of all activities conducted online, social networking seems to be the most prevalent activity, followed by school work, entertainment, online gaming and online shopping;
- Around 20% of people check their social accounts during the night;
- 34% of internet addicts check their social status and go on their favourite websites right before going to bed.
What Causes Internet Addiction?
As with any other addiction type, there is no universal recipe that determines whether someone will get addicted to using the Internet or not. This disorder is usually caused by a number of factors that make someone more vulnerable to spending a lot of time on the internet.
These underlying factors can be precipitated by certain circumstances such as loneliness, having access to constant internet sources or having a job that requires someone to be available online at all times.
Brain Chemistry
Internet addiction is often referred to as a ‘control impulse disorder’, which means that individuals who suffer from this condition struggle to regulate their affect and impulses. Therefore, a potential risk factor is having low control over one’s behaviors and actions.
Furthermore, evidence suggests that the brain chemicals produced while using the internet are similar to those seen in chemical dependencies to drugs or alcohol. More specifically, the brain releases dopamine and serotonin when engaging with social networks or performing pleasant online activities, which offers a temporary satisfactory feeling.
Interestingly, some studies link internet use with significant changes in the structure of the brain. More specifically, white and gray areas in the prefrontal areas of the brain have been shown to be affected by prolonged internet use.
The frontal area plays an important role in key cognitive and executive functions, such as attention, memory, remembering details, planning, decision-making and rationalization. As such, any impulse control disorder such as internet addiction can negatively affect this function and in time slow down their efficiency.
Poor Impulse Control
Another risk factor that leads to internet addiction is poor control over one’s impulses and behaviors. This is why young people are the most prone to developing this type of addiction – since their prefrontal cortex is not yet fully developed, they are less able to regulate their impulses related to excessive internet use.
The tendency to use the internet comes easy for most people, especially when they are looking for a quick escape from their problems. For example, if someone has had a difficult day, turning to online shopping, social media or online gaming can provide the temporary boost of relaxation that they most need.
It is no wonder, therefore, that internet addiction is so easy to develop. Any problems with regulating one’s moods and emotions can quickly result in a mindless overuse of the internet.
Mental Health Conditions
Research also states that having underlying mental health conditions can also increase the risk of using the internet compulsively. For example, someone who suffers from anxiety or depression can turn to a virtual platform to relieve their symptoms and find a temporary refuge.
Similarly, individuals who suffer from social anxiety or extreme shyness can find it easier to interact with other people online. Therefore, the feeling of connectedness they get from these virtual interactions keeps them stuck in the vicious loop of internet addiction.
Some people might also have a biological predisposition towards internet addiction. A lot of the time, this is related to conditions like depression and anxiety, where individuals lack key brain neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. This chemical deficiency causes people to engage in activities that offer a pleasurable feeling, which in turn reduces their symptoms on a short term basis.
A Temporary Source of Reward
In many cases, internet addiction develops in people simply because it is an activity that activates the reward centres of the brain.
This is common in most addiction disorders – any addictive activity or substance releases dopamine, a chemical highly associated with a rewarding feeling. When someone feels highly rewarded after engaging in a certain habit, they are more likely to repeat it in order to obtain the desired effect.
Unfortunately, any addictive behavior wears off the dopamine system. This means that someone will need to engage in the same pleasurable activity more often in order to achieve the same rewarding feeling.
The more of an activity someone needs to feel good, the more serious their addiction becomes.
What are The Symptoms?
Many signs and symptoms of internet addiction disorder can be very similar to other addiction types or mental health conditions. This is why it is highly important to keep an eye on those who are at risk of developing this condition. A lot of the time, Internet addiction has both emotional and physical consequences, such as:
- Feeling of euphoria when using a computer or internet device – This is the ‘high’ phase of the addiction, where individuals experience a temporary excitement. When engaging in their favourite virtual activity, people who suffer from internet addiction disorder experience a relief from stress and their ordinary burdens. Being away from the internet for too long can cause the opposite effect, which is why individuals go back to the virtual world very soon.
- Losing track of time – Those who display internet addiction symptoms can be so caught up in their virtual activity that they lose track of time very easily. They can be online for hours without actually realising it.
- Boredom with tasks outside the internet – Since engaging with virtual platforms feels so rewarding, it can be difficult to find the same sense of excitement in other ordinary tasks. For this reason, those who develop internet addiction disorder can feel that those routines are extremely tedious and uninteresting.
- Anxiety and depression – Since Internet addiction has been classed as an impulse control disorder, it is expected that it will primarily affect mood and affect. Anxiety and depression are very common in people who overuse virtual sources of enjoyment. These symptoms mainly appear when they are not able to catch up with their virtual world or when it is unable to provide the same level of fulfillment and satisfaction.
- Inability to prioritize tasks – On the internet, new things always happen. And those who are addicted to it feel an immediate compulsion to be up to date with all the new information. Scrolling through social media platforms, virtual shops or video gaming can easily spill over into someone’s work time. As a result, issues with prioritizing and procrastination seem to be unavoidable sometimes.
- Insomnia – Prolonged exposure to the blue light from devices can significantly affect sleep. This can also be affected by the fact that people with internet addiction seem to prioritise the time they spend online over the sleep schedule. In time, this can lead to sleep disorders such as insomnia.
- Dry eyes and vision problems – These appear when someone spends uninterrupted time in front of electrical devices, which can impair vision and affect eye health.
- Backache and headaches – These symptoms appear from spending too much time in a fixed posture and doing intense mental activity on the internet.
How Can it Be Diagnosed?
Internet addiction disorder hasn’t been added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) yet; moreover, an official standardised diagnosis for it hasn’t been developed to this date.
There are, however, some assessments that can indicate whether someone displays symptoms common to internet disorder.
One of these has been proposed by KW Beard in an article published in the journal CyberPsychology and Behavior. It includes five main diagnosis criteria:
- Intense preoccupation with internet use – either thinking about past or future use;
- A need to use the internet in larger amount of time to experience a greater degree of satisfaction;
- Failure in present or past attempts to control excessive use of internet;
- Restlessness, depression, mood swings that arise when attempting to cut down on internet use;
- Staying online for longer than planned or intended.
Besides these main criteria, the author also adds that some of the following signs must be included in the diagnosis criteria:
- Compromising one’s relationships, job, career, or other crucial life aspects in the detriment of the time spent online;
- Lying to family members or professionals about the amount of time spent using the internet;
- Using online and virtual resources as a way of coping with negative emotional states (such as guilt, depression, worry, etc).
Mental health professionals also use some standardised questionnaires to determine whether someone meets the criteria for internet addiction, such as:
- Young’s Internet Addiction Test
- The Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire (PIUQ)
- The Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS)
Who is the Most At Risk for This Disorder?
Even though everyone can be affected by compulsive use of the internet, there are certain categories of people who seem to have an increased risk of developing an addiction disorder to it.
Research studies show that adolescents are the most vulnerable category when it comes to excessive internet use. Their developing brain has a high curiosity for various information sources found on the internet, which has all the answers for every question they have.
Teenagers are also more vulnerable to internet addiction disorder because they have poorer emotional regulation skills and impulse control. Therefore, if they experience a negative emotion, they are more likely to find refuge in the virtual world. Teenagers are also attracted to the entertaining nature of the internet because they can engage with fun games, online videos and other materials that catch their interest.
Furthermore, another reason why adolescents seem to be more likely to get addicted to the use of the internet is their developing social skills and self-esteem. During this age, many individuals find it difficult to establish secure relationships due to shyness and lack of self-confidence.
Because of this, the virtual world offers them the chance to build connections with others solely through the touch of the fingertips. It is natural that many teenagers find the virtual world a lot easier to navigate than the real one, hence they will prefer virtual relationships which require less social skills.
During the adolescence phase, individuals need a lot of emotional validation and psychological support from their parents and caregivers. However, due to the busy dynamic of many families, parents are less able to provide these to their children. As a result, many youngsters turn to the internet to fulfill the aspects which are lacking in their families. Research studies show that the absence of parental support and emotional closeness are some risk factors which increase someone’s likelihood of using the internet excessively.
On the other hand, studies show that another risk factor for internet addiction disorder is living in a metropolitan area. Perhaps the wide availability of the internet in cafes, shops, malls and other public places makes it easier for someone to be constantly online. Also, parents living in large urban areas tend to work longer hours, which result in less parental supervision of children. When those are left alone for longer periods of time, they are more likely to lose track of the time they spend online.
Preventing Internet Addiction
Implementing strategies that prevent individuals from becoming addicted to excessive internet use is definitely just as important as treating this condition.
Primary prevention is by far one of the most effective measures and refers to developing a sensible internet culture starting from within the household. To implement this practice, adults can set living examples to their children and limit internet use time.
Additionally, adults can educate their children about the benefits of establishing real life connections. They can also help children find enjoyment and fun in activities that are not related to the internet.
Secondary and tertiary prevention measures are more drastic and refer to the ban of internet access both in families or nationwide. For example, internet access can be restricted during certain intervals of time for adults under 18 years old. This type of measure has already been implemented in countries like China and South Korea.
Treatment Alternatives
Psychological Treatment
Many individuals who suffer from Internet Addiction Disorder seem to benefit from existing psychological treatment approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), family therapy, group therapy, and social skills training or counselling.
The most researched therapy approach is CBT, which has been proven highly efficacious in other impulse control disorders and behavioral addictions. For this reason, many clinicians use CBT to help clients reframe their attitudes towards the use of the internet.
CBT is particularly relevant to treating internet addiction because its efficiency has been proven in adolescents as well, who are the most vulnerable category for this disorder. Its practical and hands-on approach can be adapted to various age categories. CBT is well-structured and is usually delivered in 6-12 sessions, depending on the complexity of the issues of each individual.
Similarly, another psychological intervention that has been found useful for treating internet addiction is motivational interviewing (MI). This method is client-centred and aims to change maladaptive behaviors, such as excessive internet use, and replace them with more positive ones.
Since internet addiction is a lot of the time developed within the family, many individuals can benefit from interventions such as family therapy. By improving the communication within the family and allowing members to communicate their needs more efficiently, this type of therapy can contribute to the reduction of time spent in the virtual world.
Pharmacological Treatments
This type of treatment is only recommended in cases where Internet Addiction is present besides other mental health conditions.
In these instances, several reports indicate that the use of serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is efficient for individuals with a comorbid diagnosis of depression or anxiety.
Additionally, other types of treatments are non-tricyclic antidepressants, psycho-stimulants, mood stabilizers, and naltrexone.
Multimodal Treatments
Internet addiction is a complicated phenomenon that affects multiple aspects of someone’s life, such as social, health, and psychological. For this reason, a multimodal treatment approach can target these factors altogether for more efficient results.
A combined treatment approach can include behavioral therapy, parental training, teacher education, family therapy, medication, and brief intervention therapies, which are combined to suit the needs of each individual.
Besides, a programme launched in 2012 indicated that a widely inclusive recovery program for internet addiction can also be a viable alternative. This program includes multidisciplinary approaches such as mindfulness-based relapse prevention, digital detoxification and animal-assisted therapy among other intervention types.
In conclusion, since internet addiction often has deeper psychological and sociocultural factors, the most effective treatment type should encompass multidisciplinary approaches that take into account the unique circumstances of each person.
Management of Internet Addiction
Since there is no ultimate treatment that can completely erase all Internet Addiction symptoms, the best solution is to implement strategies for the management of this condition.
It is important to keep in mind that a total ban on internet access is not a solution, nor is abstinence from internet use. Instead, teachers and parents should promote a healthy and sensible management of the time spent in the virtual world.
Children and adolescents should be educated to perceive the internet as an essential component of an ever-evolving society, where digitalization is a useful tool. In this regard, they should be supported to develop a healthy perception of the internet as a tool that can facilitate communication, ease access to information and provide useful resources for their interests.
Similarly, adults can also better manage their internet use by only using it in situations where it is an absolute necessity. The management of internet addiction should include a time management intervention, where both adults and children learn to take control of the time they spend online.
Ultimately, the best management approach should include a sensible Internet usage as the primary goal.
This can be achieved by:
- Having an open discussion with children and adolescents on the conditions of Internet use before accessing this facility at home (e.g. setting clear boundaries and limits on the use of the Internet prior to giving children wifi passwords, computers and devices, etc.);
- Adults should model a sensible internet use behavior in front of the children (e.g. not using the internet after a certain time, accessing only safe and reliable sources, etc.);
- Setting aside electronic devices in social gatherings or at meal times;
- Avoiding the use of internet while eating, walking, or taking time off for oneself;
- Implementing a weekly digital detox – such as allowing an entire day/ half of the day for internet-free time on days when access to the internet is not required for business/ school;
- Having an assigned time for socializing online by using an alarm or apps that keep track of the time spent on social media;
- Introducing more leisure activities that do not require the internet and scheduling social activities in advance. This can prevent people from resorting to social media as a way of coping with boredom or lack of activities;
- Offering oneself rewards for staying away from the Internet for a planned amount of time – this can include having a nice meal outside, taking a weekend trip or doing an enjoyable activity;
- When using digital resources for work or study, turn off notifications from social media to avoid being interrupted and carried away by virtual interactions.
Helpful Telephone Numbers
In the US, individuals can get in touch with the Recovery Village for more information about the support for internet addiction disorder. They can be contacted at 888.680.9803.
In the UK, people can access a free addiction assessment at the Priory Group Hospital by calling the Enquiry line at 0808 163 5490.
This treatment provider offers a wide range of treatment options for various internet addiction subtypes, such as online gambling or gaming.
Summary
The Internet is becoming an essential part of modern life and our day-to-day activities. Due to its highly rewarding and entertaining nature, the risk for internet addiction is present in all population categories. However, the concept of “Internet Addiction” remains controversial, and more research needs to be carried out into its implications for psychological health.
This article discussed the main signs and symptoms that can point to a potential Internet Addiction and provided some useful information on how to prevent this condition.
Some treatment alternatives and prevention strategies were also discussed.
Since the technological era is going to expand even further from now onwards, adults and especially children should implement healthy strategies for the use of the Internet. We can admit that, despite its incontestable value in providing information, the internet can quickly take over our lives and control our behaviors and actions. For this reason, sound prevention strategies should be put in place both at home, in school, and in the workplace.
