Internet Addiction Disorder: A Compulsive Usage Syndrome
In the digital age, the internet has become an integral part of our lives, offering endless opportunities for entertainment, communication, and information. However, for some individuals, the allure of the online world can lead to problematic behaviour, known as Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD).
IAD is a behavioural addiction characterized by excessive and compulsive engagement with the internet. Symptoms may include withdrawal, increased tolerance, negative effects on livelihood, and co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, hypomania, bipolar disorder, OCD, substance use disorder, suicide risk, dissociative symptoms, insomnia, alexithymia, and low self-esteem.
The current research on IAD in Germany originates from clinical and scientific work led by experts like Dr. Kai W. Müller, who heads the outpatient clinic for gambling addiction at the University Medical Center Mainz. This research addresses disorders like computer game addiction, excessive social media use, and online gambling addiction, which are recognized as causing significant distress and life disruption.
For children, it's crucial to be aware of age-appropriate content and have conversations about how different types of online communication, platforms, and content make them feel. Excessive screen time may slow the cognitive development of children and increase the risk of stroke. If children spend more than two hours per day online, it's considered problematic.
Cybersex addiction, or online relationship addiction, often occurs in chat rooms and social networking sites. Problematic cybersex is an excessive and uncontrolled use of online sexual activities associated with tangible negative outcomes and functional impairment.
Internet gaming disorder is a type of internet addiction that is still under debate for being a formal diagnosis. While no one is expected to abandon their digital devices entirely, adults can change the way they engage with smart technology by identifying excessive internet use patterns, designating blocks of screen-free time, device-free days, and breaks from social media platforms.
If you're concerned you may be spending excessive time on the internet, you can try resources like reSTART, Recovery Zone, and SafeKids.com for additional support to help you or your child disconnect. If adults find that they're having trouble committing to staying disconnected, they might consult a mental health professional and ask them about cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
During the COVID-19 pandemic, non-academic screen time for adolescents in the United States increased. This rise in screen time can be attributed to the increased reliance on digital platforms for education, entertainment, and social interaction.
The rise of advanced technology, dopamine-inducing social media platforms, and smartphones have contributed to increasing dependency. Social media networks have dopamine-boosting features, such as likes or reactions, which can lead to increased dependency. Obsessively scrolling on social media has been linked to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and social anxiety.
IAD shares similar characteristics to cell phone addiction or "nomophobia." Internet gambling addiction, sometimes referred to as "net compulsions," isn't formally recognized but is an area of interest among researchers.
In conclusion, while the internet offers numerous benefits, it's essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with excessive use. Practicing digital wellness, such as intermittent digital fasting, diving into analog activities, starting and ending the day screen free, using an old-fashioned alarm clock, and making the bedroom a no-screen zone, can help maintain a healthy balance.
