How to Know If You Have an Internet Addiction and how do you work against addiction?

Internet addiction may be a behavioral addiction during which an individual becomes hooked in to use of the web, or other online devices, as a maladaptive way of dealing with life's stresses. Internet addiction is becoming widely known and acknowledged, particularly in countries where it's affecting large numbers of individuals, like South Korea, where it's been declared a national ill health .Much of the present research on the topic of Internet addiction has been administered in Asia. It’s also a growing concern in developed nations in North America and Europe.

Top 5 Things to understand About Internet Addiction

1. Internet addiction isn't yet an officially recognized mental disturbance. Researchers have formulated diagnostic criteria for Internet addiction, but it's not included within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). However, Internet gaming disorder is included as a condition for further study, and Internet addiction is developing as a specialist area.

2. At least three subtypes of Internet addiction are identified: computer game addiction, cybersex or online sex addiction, and online gambling addiction.

3. Increasingly, addiction to mobile devices, like cellphones and smartphones, and addiction to social networking sites, like Facebook, are being investigated. There could also be overlaps between each of those subtypes. For instance , online gambling involves online games, and online games may have elements of pornography.

4. Sexting, or sending sexually explicit texts, has landed many of us in trouble. Some are teens who have found themselves in predicament big pornography charges if they're underage.

5. Treatment for Internet addiction is out there, but only a couple of specialized Internet addiction services exist. However, a psychologist with knowledge of addiction treatment will probably be ready to help.

Internet Addiction in Kids

Internet addiction is especially concerning for teenagers and Kids. Children lack the knowledge and awareness to properly manage their own computer use and haven't any idea about the potential harms that the web can open them up to. The present generation of youngsters have access to a computer, and it's become commonplace for teenagers and teenagers to hold cellphones.

While this might reassure parents that they will have two-way contact with their child in an emergency, there are very real risks that this constant access to the web can expose them to.

a. Children became increasingly familiar with lengthy periods of your time connected to the web, disconnecting them from the encompassing world.
b. Children who own a computer and have privileged online access have an increased risk of involvement in cyberbullying, both as a victim and as a perpetrator.8
c. Children who engage in problematic internet use are more likely to use their cellphone for cybersex, particularly through sexting, or access apps which could potentially increase the danger of sex addiction and online sexual harms, like Tinder

In addition, kids who play games online often face peer pressure to play for extended periods of your time so as to support the group they're twiddling with or to stay their skills sharp. This lack of boundaries can make kids susceptible to developing computer game addiction. This will even be disruptive to the event of healthy social relationships and may cause isolation and victimization.


Children and teenagers are advised to possess no quite two hours of screen time per day.

What to try to to If You're hooked in to the web

If you recognize the symptoms of Internet addiction in yourself or someone in your care, ask your doctor about getting help. Also as having the ability to supply referrals to Internet addiction clinics, psychologists, and other therapists, your doctor can prescribe medications or therapy to treat an underlying problem if you've got one, like depression or social mental disorder.

Internet addiction also can overlap with other behavioral addictions, like work addiction, television addiction, and smartphone addiction.

Internet addiction can have devastating effects on individuals, families, and particularly growing children and teenagers. Getting help could also be challenging but can make an enormous difference in your quality of life.