Today access to the internet is freely available to everyone: smart phones, tablets, watches, smart TV’s - just to mention a few. Excessive internet use is an addiction that interferes with your relationships, work, school, and daily living. However, internet addiction has not been officially viewed as a disorder, but it surely has rapidly gained attention from mental health counselors, researchers and doctors. The overuse of the internet is defined as Compulsive Internet Use (CIU), Problematic Internet Use (PIU), or Internet Disorder (ID). Modern technology makes it difficult to stay away or not use the internet in our daily routine. More and more people do not communicate in person or by phone. The internet is making face to face communication non-existent and impersonal. The internet has taken over—from placing food, online shopping, playing games, and communication. It is difficult to ascertain why this disorder can be troubling to treat or even diagnose. Some experts suggest that it is not the amount of time spent on the internet, but it is how the internet interferes with your day to day life. Some noted signs and symptoms of Internet Addiction that can be exhibited include: boredom, fear, agitation, avoidance and feelings of euphoria when using the computer.Internet addiction has gained attention from many. Some feel that the addiction is not related to the amount of time you spend on the internet but with how the internet is used. Those who suffer from this addiction may have difficulties in developing new relationships and become socially withdrawn- just to name of few. Unfortunately, there is no standardized treatment nor DSM-V diagnosis yet developed. Internet Addiction is listed as a “condition needing further study.” Hopefully in the near future, we will learn more about this disorder.
Taihitia Watson-Wilmer, Nurse Care Coordinator
TOVA Community Health
Primary Specialty Care
www.tovacommunityhealth.org
(302) 429-5870 ext. 120
