Internet addiction is defined by Dr. Weinstein and Dr .Lejoyeux as excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges, or behavior regarding the internet use that leads to impairment or distress. There are at least three subtypes of internet addiction: gaming, cybersex, and email or text messaging. Internet addiction and all three of its subtypes have the features of withdrawal, tolerance, and negative repercussions. Withdrawal systems that are associated with internet addiction are sweating, nausea, anger, and irritability. People with internet addiction will show signs of tolerance by justifying the purchase of the latest and greatest computer equipment or finding more time to spend on the internet. Some of the negative repercussions may be social isolation, poor performance at work or at school, inability to keep appointments, and fatigue.
There are three different proposed models for classifying internet addiction. Those who think that internet addiction should be included as a separate disorder believe that it should be listed as a separate disorder under the non specified impulse-control disorder. Some researchers believe that internet addiction should not be listed as a separate disorder and that it is an impulse-control disorder that is on the obsessive-compulsive spectrum. Brain imaging and pharmacological treatment studies support this argument. The third proposed model would be that internet addiction is a behavioral addiction. Psychiatrists believe that it is part of a behavioral addiction because of the adverse consequences, withdrawal, and tolerance that are typical attributes of a behavioral addiction.
I think it will be interesting when more information and studies are done on internet addiction. From the information that I have read, internet addiction is a lot like a drug addiction. I thought it was very strange that people who have an internet addiction suffer from withdrawal symptoms like nausea, sweating, and anger. Before my research on the topic, I assumed that internet addiction was just caused by a misuse of time. I thought that it would only cause social problems and issues with school and work. I did not realize that some suffer physical symptoms from internet addiction.
1. Pies, R. (2009). Should DSM-V designate "Internet addiction" a mental disorder?. Psychiatry (1550-5952), 6(2), 31-37.
2. Weinstein, A., & Lejoyeux, M. (2010). Internet Addiction or Excessive Internet Use. American Journal Of Drug & Alcohol Abuse, 36(5), 277-283.
in my opinion, i don't think Internet is an addiction, now most of the businesses are based on technology ans internet.
ReplyDeleteI think that this is the opinion of a lot of Psychiatrists. It does seem that in other countries that they are taking internet addiction more seriously than we do in the U.S. One reason may be that in the U.S. people are on the internet in their homes so it may not be as noticeable if someone has a problem. A lot of countries have internet cafes and the problem is more noticeable because it is out in public.
DeleteYes, it seems that the few studies that have been done on this topic have been conducted in other countries. Given that fact, it appears likely that the US isn't as concerned about the possibility of Internet addiction. It has become the norm to be sitting in a restaurant and everyone around you is plugged in. I believe we see it as a way of life now.
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