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Internet Addiction (HE)

The document discusses internet addiction, highlighting that while it is not officially recognized in the DSM-5, many psychologists view excessive internet use as a serious issue. Symptoms include mood changes, inability to control online time, and withdrawal symptoms when offline. It also offers tips for managing internet use, such as setting timers, engaging with the community, and practicing meditation.

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Hazel Ann T. Mendoza
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© © All Rights Reserved
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3 views

Internet Addiction (HE)

The document discusses internet addiction, highlighting that while it is not officially recognized in the DSM-5, many psychologists view excessive internet use as a serious issue. Symptoms include mood changes, inability to control online time, and withdrawal symptoms when offline. It also offers tips for managing internet use, such as setting timers, engaging with the community, and practicing meditation.

Uploaded by

Hazel Ann T. Mendoza
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Understanding Internet Addiction

You’ve probably heard that we’re all spending too much time on our phones and computers. The
average American stares at a screen — usually one connected to the internet — for 11 hours a day,
according to a recent Nielsen report.

As the internet becomes increasingly entwined in our lives, some experts have raised concerns around
the concept of people having an internet addiction.

Internet addiction, often referred to as internet addiction disorder (IAD), isn’t a recognized condition in
the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

Still, many psychologists argue that excessive internet use should be treated the same as other types of
addiction.

As with other types of addiction, there’s no single cause of internet addition. Several factors can play a
role in the development of addiction. These factors vary from person to person.

What are the symptoms?

Experts have conducted many studies in an effort to pinpoint what internet addiction looks like.
According to a 2012 studyTrusted Source, you may be experiencing an internet addiction if you spend
long stretches of time (defined as “many hours”) online for nonwork-related activities, such as browsing
the web or playing video games, and notice any of the below symptoms:

• sudden changes in mood

• intensive worry about what’s happening online when you’re not there

• not being able to control how much time you’re spending online

• increasing your time online to achieve a certain feeling or mood

• withdrawal symptoms (irritability, physical aches, depression) when not reaching the desired amount
of time online

•continued online behavior and consumption despite conflict with loved ones, or consequences at work
or school

What causes it?


There’s no single cause of internet addiction.

Several factors can play a role, including:

• underlying mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression

• genetics

• environmental factors

Some experts have suggested that some people are predisposedTrusted Source to addictive behaviors
because they don’t have enough dopamine receptors, or they aren’t making the right balance of
serotonin with dopamine. These are two neurotransmitters that play a big role in your mood.

I’m concerned about my internet use — any tips?

If you’re worried you may have an internet addiction, there are a few things you can do to help yourself
before seeking professional treatment.Set a timer on your phone and computer

Some smartphones have built-in settings you can adjust to block or limit your time on certain apps. If
you’re spending six hours a day on Facebook, for example, set your timer to block use after a certain
point in the day.

Engage with your community

If you’re spending a lot of time online because you’re feeling lonely or disconnected from the world,
now is a great time to join a neighborhood book club or volunteer group.

You’ll meet new people and contribute to something bigger than yourself for a few hours a week, which
can help you feel less isolated.

Meditate

Being online for long stretches can tire out your brain. Rest and restore your mental space by meditating
for a few minutes a day. There are many free guided meditations to get you started on Spotify and
iTunes.

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