Imagine this—you’ve just walked out of your house and you cannot gain access to the internet due to some technical error. You cannot check your social media. There are no video games to help you pass time. You cannot even get in touch with your close ones easily.
How does it make you feel? Anxious, nervous, or maybe, scared?
From ordering groceries online to binge-watching the latest Netflix series – we all depend on the internet. According to a survey published by Joseph Johnson in December 2019, India has around 560 million internet users. During the pandemic, there was a drastic increase in internet addiction cases all over the globe.
The internet allowed people, who were stuck within the confines of their homes, to experience a sense of autonomy, relatedness, and competency. The number of live gaming streamers increased drastically as the internet acted as a stress buster from the pandemic. You could find watch your favourite virtual content creators all day.
The internet is connecting millions across the globe; it’s true, we can’t survive without the internet. But, the real question, here, is: ‘when does internet usage transform into internet addiction?’
What do we mean by Internet Addiction?
Internet addiction is a behavioural addiction disorder that is slightly different from substance abuse disorder. Although World Health Organisation (WHO) plans on including internet addiction in ICD-11, it doesn’t have a standardised definition as of yet.
Internet Addiction becomes a problem only when it causes a significant amount of impairment in different domains of one’s life for a prolonged period. Just like any other kind of addiction-related disorder, it comprises four components – intoxication, dependence, withdrawal and harm/loss from it. Decreased amount of sleep time, weakened immunity and vulnerability to eye strain and carpal tunnel – these are some of the physical symptoms. If one is denied access to the internet, it can lead to negative emotions such as depression, anxiety, and anger.
Beard (2005) has suggested a couple of symptoms that can be held as a diagnostic criterion for Internet addiction:
1. Preoccupation with the internet which includes thinking about past/future internet sessions
2. Gradual temporal increase of internet usage
3. Failed attempts at quitting or cutting back on internet usage
4. Moodiness, irritability, or sadness when attempting to curb internet usage
5. Staying online for more than one’s expectations
6. Risking a job or relationship opportunity due to their internet usage
7. Lying to close family members, friends or mental health professionals regarding involvement with the internet
8. Using the internet as an escape from realities or feelings of anger, anxiety or depression
There are several kinds of internet addiction, such as:
· Compulsive pornography intake on the internet
· Gaming addiction
· Addiction to virtual reality
· Compulsive need to check social media
· Gambling on online platforms
However, it’s important to remember, that these behaviours are only termed as ‘pathological’ when the individual loses their self-control and such behaviours affect their daily functioning.
So… what now?
Though Internet addiction-related issues are quite common, there is a lack of formal diagnosis. Being able to review a formally recognised diagnosis criterion, can help mental health professionals to deal effectively with such clients. With a formal diagnosis status, it is easier to convey that Internet Addiction is a serious condition that should not be treated lightly. As the issue is more widely recognised, it can help de-stigmatise Internet Addiction and improve prognosis.
However, there is no conclusive proof supporting a separate diagnosis of Internet Addiction. Literature suggests that internet addiction cannot be a separate condition but just a sign of other underlying psychiatric illnesses. Research in South Korea suggests that 30% of the participants, who are addicted to the internet, suffer from masked depression or anxiety. The rest of the 30% of the participants were diagnosed with ADHD. Unlike other behavioural addiction disorders such as gambling disorders, the internet cannot be classified as an anti-social element in our society. Hence, such pathological internet addiction behaviours are justified or ignored by the client.
How does one recover from it?
Internet Addiction may not be classified as a psychological disorder; yet, it has its own set of repercussions. If you find yourself on the internet at all hours of the day, it might be a sign to seek help. Usually, people believe that seeking professional help should be the last option. However, this is not true. Several options such as self-help groups, cognitive behavioural therapy, group therapy and medications can work well on behavioural addictions. Early intervention can lead to a better prognosis.
Using the Internet is not inherently bad, it all depends on how it’s used. Rather than trying to define it as good or bad, it’s best if we can find a way of not abusing it.
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