Internet Addiction
Internet addiction is described as an impulse control disorder, which does not involve use of an intoxicating drug and is very similar to pathological gambling. Some Internet users may develop an emotional attachment to on-line friends and activities they create on their computer screens.
What are the Symptoms?
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Signs and symptoms of Internet Addiction Disorder may present themselves in both physical and emotional manifestations. Some of the emotional symptoms of Internet Addiction Disorder may include:
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Depression
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Dishonesty
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Feelings of guilt
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Anxiety
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Feelings of Euphoria when using the Computer
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Inability to Prioritize or Keep Schedules
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Isolation
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No Sense of Time
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Defensiveness
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Avoidance of Work
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Agitation
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Mood Swings
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Fear
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Loneliness
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Boredom with Routine Tasks
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Procrastination
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Physical Symptoms of Internet Addiction Disorder may include:
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Backache
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Headaches
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Insomnia
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Poor Nutrition (failing to eat or eating in excessively to avoid being away from the computer)
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Poor Personal Hygiene (e.g., not bathing to stay online)
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Neck Pain
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Dry Eyes and other Vision Problems
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Weight Gain or Loss
Too much use of internet may lead to internet addiction which has a significant role of increasing the risk of having a mental health, such as anxiety and depression. Internet addiction will change an individual's lifestyle and is hard to deal with its day-to-day activities. People who are internet addict will have a difficult time to plannings especially in their time management.
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In addition, some effects of being internet addict is unfinished task, forgotten responsibilities, weight gain, eye damage and especially the brain will not work properly.
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Internet addiction will affect a certain individual's life especially its relationship to others. They will have no time in communicating to others as they focus only on their gadget screens. For example, a relationship with your family, it will likely to happen that you don't want to be disturbed by your family because you don't want to miss a certain activity in your phone. Being internet addict will make an individual a passive person, will affect most of the behavior, and changes of attitude.
Four signs you are internet addict
1. You’re spending more time online than with family or friends
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* An individual will most likely to focus on internet games or computer rather than communicating to his/her family or friends. That person will spend most of its time in surfing the internet.
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2. You’re neglecting yourself and your work
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* The individual will neglect to check and focus on his/her health, do house work and office work or to study in school.
3. You’re using the Internet to alter your mood
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* Making the internet as an excuse to change your mood. Going online helps relieve the symptoms of a mood disorder’but the relief is short-lived. The more people used the Internet, the less time they spent in contact with real people, which could lead to loneliness and isolation.
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4. You think about the Internet even when you’re not online
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As with addictions to drugs or alcohol, Internet addicts are constantly searching for their next fix. If you’re preoccupied with your next purchase on eBay or tactics in an online game, you may have a problem.