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Internet Addiction
Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) is a broad term covering a wide-variety of behaviors and impulse-control problems. Generally, IAD can be divided into five specific types:
- Cybersexual Addiction—characterized by viewing, downloading and trading online pornography or involved in adult fantasy role-play chat rooms.
- Cyber-Relational Addiction – characterized by becoming overly involved in online relationships.
- Net Gaming – includes obsessive online gambling, gaming, shopping, or stock trading.
- Informational Overload—characterized by excessive web surfing and database searches.
- Computer Addiction—characterized by obsessive use of computer games which are not interactive or played online.
It is important to emphasize that new-comers to any activity tend to be excessive in engaging in the activity in the beginning as part of the acclimation stage. This is normally followed by a disillusionment and decline in usage and then a balancing as the activity is normalized. However, some people have personalities which are prone towards addictive behavior. They may become addicted to the Internet or use of computers just as easily as they could to alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, eating, real-time gambling or any number of other activities. For all of us, but especially for persons prone to addictive behavior, it is important to maintain a sense of awareness and make efforts to maintain balance.
Here are some typical warning signs of IAD:
- Do you feel preoccupied with the Internet (think about on-line activity or anticipate the next on-line session)?
- Do you feel the need to use the Internet with increasing amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction?
- Have you repeatedly made unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop Internet use?
- Do you feel restless, moody, depressed, or irritable when attempting to cut down on or stop Internet use?
- Do you stay on-line consistently longer than originally intended?
- Have you jeopardized or risked the loss of a significant relationship, job, educational or career opportunity because of the Internet?
- Have you lied to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with the Internet?
- Do you use the Internet as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression)?
Answering “yes” to five or more of the questions suggests that you should seek professional treatment. It is important to have qualified assistance in addressing the core issues resulting in the addictive behavior. Otherwise, even if you successful break your Internet Addiction, you are likely to transfer the addictive behavior to another outlet.
Resources Available to Students
There are services made available to students by DePauw University which can help students maintain healthy minds while using their laptops and in coping with internet addiction.
DePauw University Counseling Services offers a number of services for students. Counseling Services' is located on the second floor of the Memorial Student Union Building, 408 South Locust Street Room 208, Greencastle, IN 46135-0037. Counseling Services is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feel free to contact us at (765) 658-4268 or (765) 658-6876 (fax). For more information on Counseling Services, please visit their website at http://www.depauw.edu/student/counseling/.
In addition to Counseling Services, students may approach Resident Advisors, student mentors, and their advisors for further support and resources in maintaining a healthy mind.
