Accessibility around the clock, around the globe. The Internet has become an indispensable part of our society and everyday life, both in business and in private. Via e-mail, messenger or even chat rooms, the possibility of communication is almost limitless, virtual department stores, legal information portals or online learning are just a few examples of the diversity of use on the Internet. How blurred is the line between normal Internet use and Internet addiction? The term Internet addiction first appeared in 1995 and was coined by psychiatrist Ivan Goldberg. Since then, there have been a multitude of innovations surrounding the Internet; in contrast to the 1990s, there is hardly a home left in Western-style society without an Internet connection, and the same applies to companies. But with the growth of virtual offerings, the danger of a possible Internet addiction can grow at the same time.
Internet addiction or pathological Internet use
Currently, there is no binding term that unites the symptoms and effects of a possible Internet addiction. Instead of Internet addiction is also often the language of pathological Internet use or a disorder of their own impulse control. This is because an Internet addiction is not a dependence on a substance, such as alcohol or nicotine, but rather a compulsion to behave in a certain way, in this case an urgent desire to use the Internet frequently. Internet use can be completely different. Whether it is games, chat rooms, frequent checking of e-mails or other activities on the net, the possibilities are enormous. Chat rooms are often used by people who are shy in reality. Here they can quickly and easily get in touch with others, even immerse themselves in other personalities. Games on the Internet are predominantly assigned to adolescents in a possible Internet addiction.
Symptoms and consequences of Internet addiction
Although the clinical picture has not yet been exhaustively researched, characteristic symptoms as well as possible impact of excessive use of the Internet can be identified in the following areas:
- Loss of control
- Severe loss of reality
- Impairment in the social environment up to social isolation
- Physical stress symptoms
- Psychological effects
Loss of control plays a central role in Internet addiction. No more control over time, but also the loss of control over themselves can be crucial factors for addictive behavior in connection with the medium Internet. Internet addiction often begins with spending more and more time on the Internet every day.
At first, this is not noticeable, as the process is gradual. However, the person affected suddenly has less and less time to take care of other activities such as housework, hobbies. The workplace and circle of friends can also be affected by an increase in Internet addiction. In the worst case, Internet addiction can even lead to the loss of a job due to abuse of the Internet at work or to complete isolation. Often, sufferers feel shame when they realize they are losing control because of the Internet. Problematically, however, shame and feelings of guilt can lead to trivializing the actual time spent on the Internet or even lying to others in order to avoid therapy. These actions can then also have psychological consequences. Affected persons react irritably or even aggressively when they are asked about a possible problem with the Internet by people close to them. Therapy can be helpful.
Help and therapy for Internet addiction
In addition to the characteristic transformation caused by Internet addiction, it can – without therapy – also entail consequences for health. Sleep disorders due to overstimulation of the senses, nervous stomach complaints, headaches and eye pain can possibly be triggered by excessive use on the Internet. Therapy and help from outsiders are needed to return to a realistic approach to the Internet. Counseling centers can help those affected and their relatives here and provide addresses for possible therapy.
