Many people use the Internet on a daily basis for work, playing games, social media, and so much more. People shop online and make transactions on the Internet. As with any addiction, when a person is addicted to the Internet, he or she has developed a habit that they continue to do even though it brings harmful consequences to them. The brain changes chemically and physiologically when a person has an addiction. Internet addiction interferes with relationships by causing a person to devote most or all of his or her time online. A person with an Internet addiction chooses to stay home and avoids social situations. He or she develops emotional attachments to the online friends and virtual world they make up. According to A. Weinstein and M. Lejoyeux who wrote about Internet addiction (2010) for The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, “Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) ruins lives by causing neurological complications, psychological disturbances, and social problems.” A person with an Internet addiction enjoys all the aspects of socializing through chat rooms, group forums, social media, or other activities. Some spend endless hours researching a topic of interest or blogging. People with an Internet addiction use a fantasy world to meet people online instead of developing real-life human connections. A person with an Internet addiction may also have a mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, or a social disorder. Signs of Internet addiction include:

Spending a lot of time online
Inability to control behavior
Using the Internet as a way to cope
Hiding Internet involvement
Neglecting significant relationships
Seeking more time online

Internet addiction affects a person’s family, academics, savings, and occupation. Individuals with an Internet addiction spend more time in solitude and spend less time with real-life relationships. Internet addiction can be disruptive by causing arguments with loved ones. Christina Gregory, PhD wrote for PSYCOM, “Some evidence suggests that if you are suffering from Internet Addiction Disorder, your brain makeup is similar to those that suffer from a chemical dependency, such as drugs or alcohol.” If you or a loved one is suffering with an Internet addiction, get professional help. A mental health evaluation may be required to treat any underlying mental illnesses that coincide with addiction. Do not wait, get help today.

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