Help! I'm addicted to the Internet - are you?

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Monday, 24 March 2008 17:33

Opinion and Analysis

Internet addiction is a real disorder, with its incidence rising across the world, with the most interesting research coming from South Korea, although US ‘case descriptions are remarkably similar’ according to a new report.

Dr Jerald J. Block has published an editorial in the latest issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry, outlining the rise of Internet Addiction and the fact that it is now seen as a ‘common disorder’.

Although I’m personally addicted to the Internet, it’s definitely not in the context of many in South Korea who spend up to 23 hours each week playing online games, although that is not the only criteria.

Besides, it’s my job to be addicted to the Internet, as I’m a technology journalist, and I’m quite happy with my so-called addiction (which revolves more around learning about and reporting on the continuous new developments the technology world unveils every day rather than any of the factors listed below) but that’s not to take anything away from what is a serious issue for many.

Dr Block says that people who are truly diagnosed as Internet addicts have a “compulsive-impulsive spectrum disorder”.

This involves “online and/or offline computer usage”, with Dr Block saying that it consists of “at least three subtypes: excessive gaming, sexual preoccupations, and e-mail/text messaging”.

Four components are then unveiled. The first is “excessive use, often associated with a loss of sense of time or a neglect of basic drives”. The second is withdrawal, “including feelings of anger, tension, and/or depression when the computer is inaccessible”.

I personally have an iPhone and a Nokia N95, in addition to a notebook computer with wireless broadband 3.5G data card, so I’m rarely in a situation where any form of computing device is inaccessible. But back to the third and fourth components.

The third is tolerance, “including the need for better computer equipment, more software, or more hours of use” while the fourth is negative repercussions, “including arguments, lying, poor achievement, social isolation, and fatigue”.

Dr Block then goes onto look at “interesting research” from South Korea. Here we learn again of the rather shocking cases of deaths in Internet cafés, with 10 “cardiopulmonary-related deaths” and even one game related murder.

So serious is the problem in South Korea that the government “considers Internet addiction one of its most serious public health issues”.

Only data from 2006 is reported on by Dr Block, but it includes government estimates that “approximately 210,000 South Korean children (2.1%; ages 6–19) are afflicted and require treatment. About 80% of those needing treatment may need psychotropic medications, and perhaps 20% to 24% require hospitalization”.

That’s certainly very serious and should make any parent ensure they ration the amount of time their children spend playing games or simply wasting time on the Internet, rather than playing educational games and doing their homework.

What else is happening in South Korea, along with China and the US regarding Internet addiction – and what can you do if you are genuinely addicted and need help? Please read onto page 2.