cause

No one knows what causes a person to be addicted to the internet, but several factors are considered to be the causes of internet addiction. One theory focuses on the potential of behavior related to process addiction to change emotions. Just as a person who is addicted to shopping may feel an "impulse" or happy mood change from a series of behaviors related to crazy consumption-checking credit cards, driving to shopping centers, going to his favorite stores, and so on. People with internet addiction may feel similar "hurry" when starting their computers and visiting their favorite websites. In other words, some researchers believe that when a person indulges in a certain behavior, chemical changes will occur in his body. In addition, from a biological point of view, there may be a gene combination that makes a person more addicted, just as researchers have found a gene that affects a person's sensitivity to alcohol.

In addition to the characteristics of process addiction, people's pleasant thoughts and feelings when using the Internet may strengthen the use of the Internet. Although researchers in the field of addiction research question the concept of "addictive personality" itself, it is possible that people with one addiction may become addicted to other substances or activities, including using the Internet. People with other mental disorders or symptoms such as depression, loneliness, stress or anxiety can "self-treat" by using the Internet, just as some people use alcohol or drug abuse to self-treat their mental disorders.

From the perspective of social or interpersonal relationship, there may be family factors that urge people to use the Internet. for

People who have problems with the use of the Internet may only use the Internet occasionally at first, and then gradually develop to use technology in a dys functional way. Internet use may interfere with personal social life, school work or work-related tasks. Many treatments for Internet addiction are modeled after other addiction treatment programs and support groups. (Oleg Nikitin/Getty Photo Agency. Reprinted with permission. For example, a person may "surf the Internet" to escape family conflicts. Another possibility is that social interaction or peer interaction may encourage people to use the Internet excessively. Some affected people may lack social skills and cannot meet people instead of online. If a person's friends are using the Internet, his peers' behavior will also encourage him to use the Internet. Modeling may play a role-users can witness and experience how others participate in Internet use, and then replicate this behavior. Interactive aspects of the Internet, such as chat rooms, e-mails and interactive games like MUDS, seem to be more likely to lead to Internet addiction than simply surfing the Internet alone.

An unanswered question about Internet addiction is whether it is a unique type of addiction or just an example of a new technology being used to support other addictions. For example, there are gambling casinos on the Internet, which can strengthen a person's original gambling addiction. Similarly, some people who are addicted to shopping will transfer their internet addiction from local shopping centers to online stores. People who are addicted to some forms of sexual behavior can visit pornographic websites or use chat rooms on the Internet as a way to meet other people who may be willing to participate in these forms of sexual behavior. Researchers may need to determine whether there is a "pure" Internet addiction.

symptom

One symptom of internet addiction is spending too much time on the internet. It may be difficult for a person to reduce his or her online time, even if they are threatened by poor grades or unemployment. It is reported that college students failed the course because they didn't want to stop using the Internet. Other symptoms of addiction may include lack of sleep, fatigue, poor grades or work performance, apathy and quick thinking. Investment in social relations and activities may also decrease. A person may lie about how much time they spend surfing the Internet, or deny that they have a problem. They may be irritable when they are offline, or angry with anyone who questions their time online.

Demographic data

In the past, people who were reported to have Internet addiction disorder were stereotyped as young, introverted, socially awkward and computer-oriented men. Although this stereotype may be correct in the past, the popularity of computers and the increasing convenience of Internet access are rapidly challenging this concept. Therefore, problematic Internet use can be found in any age group, social stratum, race or ethnic group, education and income level, and gender.

diagnose

As mentioned earlier, Internet addiction disorder has not been added to DSM as an official diagnosis. However, the following is a set of standards for Internet addiction proposed by addiction researchers. This standard is based on the diagnostic criteria of pathological gambling.

Patients must meet all the following criteria:

He or she is absorbed in the Internet (thinking about previous online activities or looking forward to the next online conversation).

He or she needs to spend more and more time online to feel satisfied.

He or she has made unsuccessful efforts to control, reduce or stop the use of the Internet.

When trying to reduce or stop using the Internet, he or she will be restless, moody, depressed or irritable.

He or she is online repeatedly for more than the time he or she originally planned.

The person must meet at least one of the following criteria:

Because of using the Internet, he or she has endangered or faced the risk of losing important relationships, jobs, education or career opportunities.

He or she lies to family members, therapists or others to hide the degree of involvement with the Internet.

He or she uses the Internet as a way to avoid problems or relieve unpleasant emotions such as helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression.

treat

Because Internet addiction is a relatively new phenomenon, there are few studies on the effectiveness of treatment procedures. Some professionals advocate quitting the internet. Others believe that it may be unrealistic for a person to stop using the Internet completely. As the society relies more and more on computers for business transactions, educational projects, entertainment, information acquisition and interpersonal communication, it will be difficult for people who know computers to avoid using the Internet. Learning how to use the internet in moderation is usually the main purpose of treatment, which is similar to that people with eating disorders need to accept food. Many programs used to treat Internet addiction are modeled after other Internet addiction treatment programs and support groups.

If a person's internet addiction has biological factors, antidepressants or anxiolytics may help them solve these addiction problems. Psychological intervention may include changing the environment to change the connection with Internet use, or reducing the reinforcement gained by excessive Internet use. Psychological intervention can also help people identify the thoughts and feelings that trigger them to use the Internet. Interpersonal intervention may include social skills training or communication skills counseling. If users turn to the Internet to avoid problems in these areas of life, they can instruct families and couples to treat them.

Relapse of addictive behavior is very common for anyone with addiction disorder. Recognizing and preparing for recurrence is usually part of the treatment process. Identifying situations that may lead to excessive use of the Internet and finding ways to deal with these situations can greatly reduce the possibility of complete recurrence.

prognosis

Although there is no extensive research, it seems that treatment can effectively maintain and change the behavior of people who use the Internet excessively. If this disorder is not treated, this person may experience more conflicts in his or her interpersonal relationship. Excessive use of the Internet may endanger a person's employment or academic status. In addition, such physical problems may develop into fatigue, carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain and eye fatigue.

prevent

If a person knows that he or she has difficulty with other forms of addiction, they should carefully explore the types of applications used on the Internet. In addition, it is also important for people to participate in social activities outside the Internet. Finally, mental health workers should study how to participate in the implementation of new technologies instead of waiting for the consequences.

If you want something shorter, it depends on treatment and prevention.