Internet addiction, also known as internet use disorder (IUD), refers to excessive and compulsive internet use that interferes with daily life and relationships. Here are some key features of internet addiction
Types of internet addiction:
– Cybersexual addiction: excessive viewing of pornography or engaging in online sexual activities
– Net compulsions: excessive checking of email, social media, or news websites
– Cyber relationships: excessive online socializing or gaming
– Gaming addiction: excessive online gaming
– Information seeking: excessive searching for information online
Signs and symptoms:
– Salience: internet use becomes the most important activity
– Mood modification: using the internet to improve mood or escape problems
– Tolerance: needing to spend more time online to achieve the desired effect
– Withdrawal: experiencing unpleasant symptoms when unable to go online
– Conflict: arguing with others about internet use
– Relapse: repeatedly returning to excessive internet use
– Lack of control: unable to control or reduce internet use
– Loss of interest in other activities
– Continuing despite consequences
– Denial or minimization: hiding or lying about internet use
Causes and risk factors:
– Using the internet excessively as a child
– Recent traumatic event
– High stress levels
– Substance use disorder
– Male gender
– Mental health condition
– Poor moods
– Limited offline social time
– Family conflict
Effects:
– Altered brain chemistry and structure
– Aggression, vanity, and impulsivity
– Shortened attention span
– Physical effects: weight gain, stiff limbs, back pain, poor vision, carpal tunnel syndrome
Treatment:
– Peer support groups
– Cognitive-behavioral therapy
– Motivational interviewing
– Medications: antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs
Statistics:
– 1.5% to 8.2% of people in the US and Europe have internet addiction
– 6% of people globally have internet addiction
– 10% to 27% of Nigerian youth have internet addiction
Co-occurring disorders:
– Depression
– Anxiety
– Alcohol use disorder
– Substance use disorder
– Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
