Blog #4: Are you a Internet Addict?

Are you a Internet Addict?

           The internet is became part of our lives. Because internet has many uses that help us in our daily activities example as a student internet help us in our assignments like in researching a specific topic. Despite the internet has many good advantages also the internet has many disadvantages depends on the users specifically in a disorder named “Internet Addiction”. 

So what is Internet Addiction?

        Internet addiction is defined as any online-related, compulsive behavior or impulse control disorder which interferes with normal living and causes severe stress on family, friends, loved ones, or people around his or her. Internet addiction has been called Internet dependency and Internet compulsive. Similar to other addictions, those suffering from Internet addiction use the virtual fantasy world to connect with real people through the Internet, as a substitution for real-life human connection, which they are unable to achieve normally.

How a person consider as an Internet Addict?

         Some Internet users may develop an emotional attachment to online friends and activities they create on their computer screens. Internet users may enjoy aspects of the Internet that allow them to meet, socialize, and exchange ideas through the use of chat rooms, social networking websites, or "virtual communities". But other Internet users spend endless hours on using internet specifically in social media.  In their minds their only task in their life is to use the internet because of so being addict. 

What are the effects of Internet Addiction?

         Internet addiction may results in personal or self being, family, academics, may cause to financial problems, and occupational problems that are also characteristics of other addictions. Impairments of real life relationships are disrupted as a result of excessive use of the Internet. Individuals suffering from Internet addiction spend more time in solitary seclusion, spend less time of socializing with family or other people around in his or her lives, and are often viewed as socially awkward. Those suffering from Internet addiction may attempt to conceal the amount of spending time in online, which results in distrust and the disturbance of quality in once stable relationships. 

Based on the China’s Beijing Review

      Some suffering from Internet addiction may create online personas or profiles where they are able to alter their identities and pretend to be someone other than himself or herself. Those at highest risk for creation of a secret life are those who suffer from low-self esteem feelings of inadequacy, and fear of disapproval. Such negative self-concepts lead to clinical problems of depression and anxiety so they pretend to be someone else. 

      Many persons who attempt to quit their Internet use experience withdrawal including their emotions like being angry, depression, relief, mood swings, anxiety, fear, irritability, sadness, loneliness, boredom, restlessness, procrastination, and upset stomach. Being addicted to the Internet can also cause physical discomfort or medical problems such as: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, dry eyes, backaches, severe headaches, eating irregularities, (such as skipping meals), failure to attend to personal hygiene, and sleep disturbance.