General Health

Internet Addiction

 

Do you find that you spend more time on line than you really intend?  Do you feel restless or moody when you can't go on line? You may be part of a growing number of students who are finding that they are addicted to the Net.

 

According to Dr. Kimberly B. Young, there are five types of internet addiction:

  1. Cyber sexual addiction (addicted to cyber porn or adult chat rooms)
  2. Cyber relationship addiction (cyber affairs or using online relationships to replace real life friends and family)
  3. Net compulsions (obsessive online gambling or shopping)
  4. Information overload (compulsive database searches)
  5. Computer addiction (obsessive game playing)

Unfortunately, college students can easily become addicted to the internet because of free access and lots of unstructured time.  The internet allows students to easily find the most up to date resources as well as offer a great way to take a break from studies or keep in touch with friends and family.   Most people who use the internet do not fall into any of the five groups mentioned above. Dr. Young suggests some strategies for people who might be addicted to the web:

  • Recognize what you are missing (time with others, sleep, exercise, hobbies, falling behind in responsibilities)
  • Keep a log of how much time you are spending on the internet in each of these categories
    • Chat rooms
    • Interactive games
    • Email
    • Newsgroups
    • World Wide Web
    • Other
  • Find support in person, not just on the web.
  • Take a look at your feelings before you go online. Are you bored? Lonely? Anxious?
  • Manage your time on the web
  • Confront your loneliness
  • Pay attention to warning signs such as
    • Excessive fatigue
    • Losing interest in activities that previously brought you joy
    • Withdrawal from friends
    • Academic problems
    • Ignoring chores
    • An increasing need for privacy

If you have concerns about your internet use, take the anonymous assessment courtesy of Stress Cure to determine your risk of addiction. If you would like to discuss concerns about your use of the internet, speak with a therapist in Student Health Services (949) 824-5301 or The Counseling Center (949) 824-6457.