Internet addiction disorder- is it real?

While we all probably spend a little too much time on our electronic devices, our parents are growing concerned about teen internet addiction. While cutting back on screen time may prove difficult to some, teens who are facing emotional, behavioural, or psychological issues may have an even more difficult time separating themselves from the online world.  research shows that 92 percent of teens are online daily, and 24 percent of teens report that they go online “almost constantly.”

While some parents disregard problematic internet use or overuse, teenage internet addiction is not something that should be taken lightly. Teens who withdraw from the “real world’ into their online world are at risk for further isolating themselves from their peers and family and reinforcing underlying problems.

Who coined this term?

Internet Addiction Disorder was originally proposed as a satirical joke in 1995 by Ivan Goldberg, M.D. While it was originally a parody of the complex and rigid standards of the DSM-V, Internet Addiction Disorder is now becoming a reality for some individuals. While Internet Addiction Disorder is not yet classified as an official disorder in the U.S., it has been classified as a clinical disorder in China, where internet addiction disorder treatment centres have been popping up to combat this threat to their nation’s teens.

Is it really and addiction?

Like video game addiction, many of the symptoms of internet addiction are congruent with the signs of substance abuse. This is due to the fact that under brain scans, both internet addiction disorder and substance abuse addiction share a similar neurological footprint. While substances create addiction by ingesting chemicals that release powerful neurochemicals, process addictions (such as video games, gambling, or the internet) are the result of behaviours that engage these same neurochemicals’ release. So, whether this comes from engaging in certain behaviours or taking certain chemicals, the results are often remarkably similar.

The ‘symptoms’ of this disorder

• Absorbed or obsessed with the internet. Often talking about or thinking about themes related to favourite websites, etc.

• Excessive or problematic use (many hours spent on the internet daily). Often checking favourite sites first thing in the morning, throughout the day, and last thing before bed.

• Anxiety, depression, or irritability when access to smartphone, tablet, or laptop is taken away

• Academic problems, such as dropping grades, missing assignments, disengaged from or sleeping in class

• Disinterested in other pastimes or activities they used to enjoy and choosing to spend time on the internet rather than with friends, sports, and hobbies

• Covering up or lying about the amount of time spent on the internet

• Isolation from their peer group

With the start of the pandemic the number of people who have internet addiction disorder has gone up at an alarming rate. This disorder can be cured and stopped. hopefully now that you are aware of this disorder you will stop being on your devices for too long. By stopping yourself from being on your device for too long you can spend more time on things productive.

The link for the website is https://www.outbacktreatment.com/symptoms-of-teens-internet-addiction-disorder/