With the Internet growing fast and over one billion people having access to the Internet it can be viewed as both a great asset and a dangerous attraction. There are addictions that can form from Internet use. Using the Internet wisely and sparingly will help you or family members avoid many of the Internet addictions that are associated with being on the Internet. There are some cautions for Internet addictions, including things you need to be aware of if you or someone you know may have an Internet addiction.
Internet addictions are being classified as Internet Addiction Disorder by psychologists and counselors. With the use of the Internet soaring they are finding more and more of these disorders. Mental health practitioners are still looking into the problem and doing more research. What they have come up with so far is an overwhelming amount of people who say that their lives have been affected by overuse of the Internet.
Researchers suggest that there are over 31 million American adults show signs of an Internet addiction disorder. Some of the signs can include compulsive checking of e-mails or chat rooms, the need to check out web pages either for content or just to be on the computer. Most Internet addicts spend over 30 hours a week on the Internet for non-essential use. Women are becoming the most addicted to the Internet and are the ones who most seek out help.
People who are addicted or who have been addicted to the Internet say that it has affected their relationships: they used the Internet as an escape from the real world or problems they may be having. Many of these people said that they would or did have problems from staying off the Internet for a given number of days. They also commented that they were preoccupied with the Internet when they were not on it. These are all signs of serious addictions and can lead to other problems in a person’s life.
Not only are they mental problems with an Internet addiction but there could also be physical problems. These problems include carpal tunnel syndrome from constant surfing, clicking or typing. The addict can also suffer from dry eyes, migraine headaches and backaches from being on the computer for hours on end. There are also many addicts who have skipped meals to stay on the Internet or have changed their sleeping patterns in order to stay on the Internet for a longer time. Sometimes the addicts don’t even think of time passing they are too involved in the Internet and what they are doing there.
The Internet is a vast wealth of information, gaming and fun. It seems to be safe and innocent but it can also be an addiction waiting to happen for many people. When on the Internet, a person can go anywhere, see many things, find information on anything they desire and lie about who and what they are. These things create a fairytale world that will not add up to the real world. Consequences are really not a part of the Internet world so it is easier for many to abandon real life and become addicted to the Internet.
Not all who use the Internet however are addicted; many people use it for what it is intended for, just another tool for information and games. However, when lives become affected by the Internet there could be problems. To help avoid potential problems there should be time limits set on Internet use. Decide what is appropriate for all members of your household. Monitor the people who use the Internet and also set rules for sites and games that are appropriate. The Internet should always be used with some caution and greater enjoyment will be had from all people involved.