Internet Safety
Cyber-Harassment, Stalking and Addiction
Internet addiction
Internet addiction is becoming a growing concern as more and more people are spending larger quantities of time online. Internet addiction is generally defined as a compulsive use of the Internet and may include the unhealthy use of the following:
- Online gambling
- Online shopping, including auction sites like eBay
- Online dating, including online affairs
- Cyberporn and cybersex sites
- Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter
- Online gaming
- Compulsive surfing of the Web for entertainment and information
For some of us, spending a lot of time on the Internet may seem like a necessity as we integrate technology with our daily work tasks, home life tasks, and communications. But how can you tell when your Internet use has shifted from normal to unhealthy?
If your use of the Internet starts interfering with your life offline, there may be a problem. Signs include neglecting your work, relationships, and daily responsibilities in order to spend time on the Internet. In addition, if you have an extreme emotional response to the Internet, like feeling anxious when you are offline and euphoric when you get back online, you may need to seek help.
Resources for Internet addiction
The following websites provide you with resources and information for dealing with Internet addiction, including self-assessments you can take to determine if you have a problem:
- NetAddiction.com
- Internet Addiction Test from NetAddiction.com
- Other Self Tests for Internet-Related Addictions from NetAddiction.com
- Internet Addiction - Signs, Symptoms, Treatment and Self-Help from HelpGuide.org
