Internet Addiction

As technology develops, we became more dependent to the technology. It became harder and harder to get offline. We are afraid to be offline and feel anxious about missing out a single update from our friends. We are continuously connected via Internet, like Facebook or Twitter, but at the same time we are disconnected when we meet face to face. Think about when you have a dinner with your friends. After about ten minuets, one of you starts to grab a phone and check Facebook updates or new Instagram post. This non-stopping Internet use in our society brings up a new disorder, Internet Addiction Disorder, a.k.a. IAD.  American Psychological Association argues that it is a dependence on the Internet that includes obsession, compulsion, and impulse control about the Internet. IAD is a disorder that leads to psychological impairment.

Internet Addiction Disorder people require more and more time online to achieve satisfaction. It means that they want to use the Internet longer than what they did yesterday.  Then, one day, 8 to 9 hours online will not be enough, and they will go online 24/7. Also people with Internet Addiction Disorder will feel anxious about parting from the Internet. Psychological counselor, Hilal Usta, said “an Internet addict feels uneasy and anxious when he or she cannot connect to the Internet”. Although I don’t see myself with IAD, I am very nervous when I forgot to bring my phone one day, or when the battery is dying. IAD people are obsessive thinking about Internet. Without particular reason to use online, they will often go on the Internet. A recent study found that “female college students spend an average of 10 hours a day on their cell phones”. When we are awake, we are mostly online. People these days seek for free Wi-Fi everywhere they go. There are new cars coming up with Wi-Fi service, so during the vacation drive, family can ‘enjoy’ their time with the Internet.

According to our lecture, there is some simple quiz that tells you whether or not you are Internet addiction. Answering yes to more than 4 of these questions might indicate IAD.

·      Do you feel preoccupied or think about the Internet while offline?

·      Do you feel a need to spend more and more time online to achieve satisfaction?

•       Are you unable to control your online use?

•       Do you feel restless or irritable when attempting to cut down your online use?

•       Do you go online to escape problems, including feelings like guilt, anxiety, or depression?

•       Do you lie to family members/friends to conceal how much time you spend online?

•       Have you ever risked an important job, relationship, or educational opportunity because of your Internet use?

            According to an article, Internet addiction is different from other addictions, like gambling because “it is more difficult to pin down a quantifiable, negative effect of Internet use”. Yet, it could be even more addicting than gambling. Also unlike gambling, it is hard to acknowledge this addiction because it is not only you but also almost everyone else using the Internet in daily basis. Usta suggested “having alternative interests feeds individuals socially”. She said, "If a person's only source of happiness is the Internet, this situation leads to addiction. Therefore, having new social activities and interests helps us to fight Internet addiction. Instead of checking Facebook for every second, writing a journal with pen and paper could be new sources of rejoice. Rather than replying to friend’s Instagram photo, having a lunch with her and telling her new hair looks good on her will make both of your day happier and little more alive.