ARTICLE: INTERNET ADDICTION

(IAD) INTERNET ADDICTION DISORDER

　

Are you an Internet addict? Do you have problems with spending too much time online? Do you frequently neglect family, friendships, and social activities to surf the Net? Are you moody and irritable if you are separated from your computer?




If the first thing you do every day is to switch on your laptop, you could be an Internet addict. An Internet addict can be defined as someone who has a compulsive over-use of the Internet. The main symptoms are an anti-social behaviour and a compulsion to be online, which takes precedence over everything else. In addition, not only can you have problems of insomnia and eye strain due to constant reading the screen, but you also will have problems of communication because of the voluntary isolation. Internet addiction is one of the most common forms of addiction nowadays.




What makes the Internet so addictive? The root of the problem is the desire to spend the greatest amount of time online – whether it is via e-mail, a discussion forum, chat, or a game online – exchanging information, support, and chit-chat with other people like themselves.




So, what can you do if you think you may be an Internet addict? The key is to find out the cause of your problems and then look for solutions. Get your life back in balance and analyse your priorities making a point of spending quality time with your family and friends and making time face-to-face conversations. You will rediscover the pleasure of true relationships. If it does not work, please hire the services of a psychologist.
(M.U)