Internet and Computer Addiction

Internet Addictive Behavior

Definition
• Internet Addictive Behavior (IAB) is defined as
a behavioral pattern characterized by a loss of
control over internet use. This behavior
potentially leads to isolation and neglect of
social, academic and recreational activities or
personal hygiene and health.
Internet Addiction Examples
 Social Isolation Device

• "The Internet is unlike anything we've seen

before," says David Greenfield, PhD, founder
of the Center for Internet Studies

• "It's a socially connecting device that's socially

isolating at the same time."
 Psychological “Internet” Dependency

• Dependency implies

– Tolerance – need to spend increasing amounts of time

on computer activity i.e. games, files, chat rooms, etc.

– Withdrawal – psychological discomfort if not on the

internet

– Compulsive use – inability to regulate or moderate

use…out of your control
 Types of Internet Addiction
• Cyber-Relationship Addiction 
• Net Compulsions 
• Information Overload 
• Internet Gaming Addiction 
• Auction Addiction 
 Cyber-Relationship Addiction
• Addiction to social networking, chat rooms,
texting, and messaging to the point where
virtual, online friends become more important
than real-life relationships with family and
friends.
 Net Compulsions
• Such as compulsive online gaming, gambling,
stock trading, or compulsive use of online
auction sites such as eBay, often resulting in
financial and job-related problems. 
 Information Overload
• Compulsive web surfing or database
searching, leading to lower work productivity
and less social interaction with family and
friends.
 Internet Gaming Addiction
• Obsessive playing of off-line computer games,
such as Solitaire or Minesweeper, or obsessive
computer programming.
Exercise No.1

• Internet Addiction Test

 Risk factors for Internet addiction
• You may suffer from anxiety-like obsessive-compulsive
disorder like email checking, whatsapp, hearing ring
tone, frequent check of mobile
• You may depressed further- by isolation, loneliness
• You lack social support, unhealthy relationship, no real-
life friends,
• You’re an unhappy Person,
• You are less mobile or socially active than you once
were,
• You are stressed.
Signs and Symptoms of Internet Addiction

• Losing track of time online

• Having trouble completing tasks at school, work or
home
• Isolation from family and friends
• Feeling guilty or defensive about your Internet use
• Feeling a sense of euphoria while involved in Internet
activities
Signs and Symptoms of Internet Addiction

Some physical discomforts:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (pain and numbness in
hands and wrists)
• Dry eyes or strained vision
• Back aches and neck aches; severe headaches
• Sleep disturbances
• Pronounced weight gain or weight loss
 Tips for dealing with Internet addiction

• Set goals for when you can use the Internet.

• Replace your Internet usage with healthy activities
• To keep a log of how much you use the Internet for
non-work or non-essential activities.
• Are there times of day that you use the Internet
more?
• Are there triggers in your day that make you stay
online for hours at a time when you only planned to
stay for a few minutes?
 Helping a child or teen with an Internet
addiction
• Encourage other interests and social activities
• Monitor computer use and set clear limits
• Use apps to limit your child’s smart phone use
• Talk to your child about underlying issues
• Get help
Thank You