Internet Addiction

1. Internet Addiction Roxanne Torres & Karoline Sweet

2. Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) Internet addiction disorder refers to the problematic use of the Internet, including the various aspects of its technology, such as e-mail and the World Wide Web; it has been formally recognized as a disorder by the American Psychological Association. It is an addiction that closely parallels the other addictions such as drug and pathological gambling addiction and is potentially just as damaging.

3. Facts • Internet addiction affects people in all age groups and both genders. • Addicts are on anywhere from 40-80hrs a week • Some have 1 time sessions lasting up to 20hrs • People who are vulnerable, are those who are lonely or bored • Children who are unpopular or shy with peers are often attracted to the opportunities for creating identities in online communities.

4. Signs of Internet Addiction You check your email every five minutes, and spend more time in chat rooms than chatting in your living room with friends and family. Your relationships suffer because of your internet use. Weak relationships are a sign of internet addiction. Your family and friends complain about your computer use. You hide the amount of time you spend on the internet. You hide the websites you surf. Secrecy is a sign of internet addiction. You use your computer to escape problems or avoid reality (this could be a huge sign of an internet addiction or other psychological disorders) You have a hard time staying off the computer for a day or two. You feel preoccupied by the internet when you’re not online.

5. Psychological Symptoms • Having a sense of well-being or euphoria while at the computer • Inability to stop the activity • Craving more and more time at the computer • Neglecting family and friends • Feeling empty, depressed and irritable when not at the computer • Lying to family and friends about activities • Problems with school or work

6. Physical Symptoms • Carpal tunnel syndrome • Dry eyes • Migraine headaches • Backaches • Eating irregularities, such as skipping meals • Neglecting personal hygiene • Sleep disturbances and changes in sleep patterns

7. Treatment • Practice The Opposite • External Stoppers • Setting Goals • Abstinence • Reminder Cards • Get involved in new activities • Support Groups • Family Therapy

8. Prevention Look for symptoms of Internet dependency. Ask yourself if your child's Internet use is affecting his or her school performance, health, and relationships with family and friends. If your child is demonstrating strong signs of Internet addiction, consider seeking professional counseling. Compulsive Internet use may be symptomatic of other problems such as depression, anger and low self-esteem. Examine your own online habits. Do you have trouble controlling your Internet use? Remember, you are your child's most important role model. Don't ban the Internet - it is an important part of most kids' social lives. Instead, establish rules about where your kids can go online and what they can do there - and stick to them. Such rules might include: a limited amount of time online each day; no surfing or instant messaging until they complete their homework. Rules definitely help.

9. Prevention Keep your computer in a public area of your house, not in a child's bedroom. Encourage and support your child's participation in other activities - particularly physical pastimes with other children. If your child is shy or socially awkward with peers, consider a social skills class. Encourage activities that will bring your child together with others who have similar interests, such as computer classes or hobby groups. Investigate software that monitors and restricts Internet use. Although these tools are helpful, keep in mind they can be easily disabled by a savvy computer user. Your ultimate goal should be helping your kids to develop self-control, discipline and accountability with the Internet. If your child seems interested only in playing online video games, try a tie-in to one of their favorite games. For example, if your child prefers fantasy role-playing, encourage her or him to read fantasy books.

10. Addiction Survey…Are You Addicted? Do you spend more time than you think you should surfing the 'Net? Yes No Do you feel you have a problem limiting the time you spend on the 'Net? Yes No Have any of your friends or family members complained about the time you spend at your computer? YesNo Do you find it hard to stay away from the 'Net for several days at a time? YesNo Has either your work output or your personal relationships suffered as a result of spending too much time on the 'Net? YesNo

11. Survey continued… Are there particular areas of the 'Net, or types of files, you find hard to resist? YesNo Do you have troubling controlling your impulses to purchase items, products, or services on the 'Net? YesNo Have you tried, unsuccessfully, to curtail your use of the 'Net? YesNo Do you derive much of your pleasure and satisfaction in life from being on the 'Net? Yes No

12. Survey Results If you gave 0-3 Yes Answers If you scored between 0-3 yes answers on this survey--congratulations! You probably have very little tendency to become addicted to the 'Net. If you gave 4-6 Yes Answers If you scored 4 yes answers, you may or may not have a tendency to become addicted to the 'Net. If you scored 5 or 6 yes answers, you may have a greater chance of developing a problem. If you gave 7-9 Yes Answers You may very well be addicted to the 'Net.

13. Questions?