« CYBER ADDICTION »

(INTERNET ADDICTION)

By

Selma Mouloudj

OUTLINEIntroductionWhat is Addiction?What is Internet Addiction?Types of Internet AddictionWhat makes internet use

addictive?SymptomsConsequences

INTRODUCTION

Everyone enjoys the benefits of the Internet,

and for many, it is also an indispensable tool for

work, education, and communication. The time

spent on the Internet can be hugely productive,

for some people compulsive Internet use can

interfere with daily life, work and relationships.

When someone feels more comfortable with

their online friends than their real ones, or they

can’t stop themselves from playing games,

gambling, or compulsively surfing then he

might be using the internet too much....

SO ARE YOU ADDICTED TO INTERNET ?

WHAT IS ADDICTION?

The term "addiction" is used in many

contexts to describe an obsession,

compulsion, or excessive psychological

dependence, such as: drug addiction (e.g.

alcoholism, nicotine addiction),

gambling, money, work addiction,

compulsive overeating, Oniomania

(compulsive shopping), computer

addiction, video game addiction,

pornography addiction, television

addiction, etc.

WHAT IS INTERNET ADDICTION?

Internet addiction is defined as any online-related, compulsive behavior which interferes with normal living and causes severe stress on family, friends, loved ones, and one’s work environment. Internet addiction has been called Internet dependency and Internet compulsivity. By any name, it is a compulsive behavior that completely dominates the addict’s life. Internet addicts make the Internet a priority more important than family, friends, and work. The Internet becomes the organizing principle of addicts’ lives. They are willing to sacrifice what they cherish most in order to preserve and continue their unhealthy behavior.

TYPES OF INTERNET

ADDICTION

*Cyber relationship addiction (cyber affairs or using online relationships to replace real life friends and family) Chat rooms/online dating/social networking

Cyber sexual addiction (addicted to cyber porn : pornography)

Net compulsions (obsessive online gambling or shopping)

Information overload (compulsive database searches)

Computer addiction (obsessive game playing : video and computer games )

WHAT MAKES INTERNET USE

ADDICTIVE?

Many people turn to the Internet in order to manage unpleasant feelings such as stress, loneliness, depression, and anxiety. When you have a bad day and are looking for a way to escape your problems or to quickly relieve stress or self-soothe, the Internet can be an easily accessible outlet. As much comfort as the Internet can provide, though, it’s important to remember that there are healthier (and more effective) ways to keep difficult feelings in check. These may include exercising, meditating, and practicing simple relaxation techniques.

It is accessible 24/7 It can be anonymous It feels secure It is easy to use It provides the illusion of connection It can be inexpensive It is fun and very engaging

SYMPTOMS

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (a painful condition of the hand and fingers caused by compression of a major nerve where it passes over the carpal bones)

Dry Eyes Headaches Back Aches Eating irregularities (skipping meals) Sleep disturbances Inability to stop the activity Neglect of family and friends Feeling empty, depressed, irritable when not at

the computer Problems with school or job Having a sense of well-being or euphoria (a

feeling or state of intense excitement and happiness while at the computer.

CONSEQUENCES

PHYSICAL SIDE-EFFECTS

Sleep depravation

Risk of carpal tunnel syndrome

Back strain

Eyestrain

Headaches

FAMILIAL PROBLEMS

Marriages

Dating relationships

Parent-child relationship

Close friendships

ACADEMIC PROBLEMS

More time is spent “researching” than actually completing assignments.

Incomplete or Missing Assignments

Inability to concentrate on real life instruction

Grades begin to decline

Skipping classes to stay in chat room

Absenteeism

The Internet Addiction Test (IAT) is the first validated and reliable measure of addictive use of the Internet. Developed by Dr. Kimberly Young, the IAT is a 20-item questionnaire that measures mild, moderate, and severe levels of Internet Addiction.

IAT Activity

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS USING THIS SCALE:1= RARELY2= OCCASIONALLY3= FREQUENTLY4= OFTEN5= ALWAYS

1. How often do you find that you stay on-line longer than you intended?

2. How often do you neglect household chores to spend more time on-line?

3. How often do you prefer the excitement of the internet to intimacy with your partner?

4. How often do you form new relationships with fellow on-line users?

5. How often do others in your life complain about the amount of time you spend on-line?

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS USING THIS SCALE:1= RARELY2= OCCASIONALLY3= FREQUENTLY4= OFTEN5= ALWAYS6. How often do your grades or school work

suffer because of the amount of time you spend on-line?

7. How often do you check your e-mail before something else that you need to do?

8. How often does your job performance or productivity suffer because of the internet?

9. How often do you become defensive or secretive when anyone asks you what you do on-line?

10. How often do you block out disturbing thoughts about your life with soothing thoughts of the internet?

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS USING THIS SCALE:1= RARELY2= OCCASIONALLY3= FREQUENTLY4= OFTEN5= ALWAYS

11. How often do you find yourself anticipating when you will go on-line again?

12. How often do you fear that life without the internet would be boring, empty, and joyless?

13. How often do you snap, tell, or act annoyed if someone bothers you while you are on-line?

14. How often do you lose sleep due to late-night log-ins?

15. How often do you feel preoccupied with the internet when off-line, or fantasize about being on-line?

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS USING THIS SCALE:1= RARELY2= OCCASIONALLY3= FREQUENTLY4= OFTEN5= ALWAYS

16. How often do you find yourself saying, “Just a few more minutes,” when on-line?

17. How often do you try to cut down the amount of time you spend on-line and fail?

18. How often do you try to hide how long you’ve been on-line?

19. How often do you choose to spend more time on-line over going out with others?

20. How often do you feel depressed, moody, or nervous when you are off-line, which goes away once you are back on-line?

RESULTS 20-49 points: You are an average on-line

user. You may surf the Web a bit too long at times, but you have control over your usage.

50-79 points: You are experiencing occasional or frequent problems because of the internet. You should consider their full impact on your life.

80-100 points: Your internet usage is causing significant problems in your life. You should evaluate the impact of the internet on your life and address the problems directly caused by your internet usage.

Control yourself !Use The Internet smart !