Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) raises the age-old debate of whether Internet addiction exists as a mental disorder by itself or whether it’s symptomatic of existing mental disorders such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Though inconclusive, many medical opinions support the classification of “Internet Addiction” and “Gaming Addiction” as psychological disorders in their own right.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia define “Internet Addiction” as “excessive, non-essential use of the Internet that causes psychological, social or physical problems for the user.” Common Internet addictions for kids include cyber-relational addictions (chat rooms, instant messaging or social networking sites), net compulsions (online gaming or online gambling) and information overload (excessive web surfing or database searches).
Warning signs of IAD involve spending profuse amounts of time online to the point where relationships, work and health deteriorate. Professional treatment available for Internet addicts includes cognitive behaviour therapy and tools to moderate Internet use.
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