Are you addicted to the Internet?
Internet addiction is defined by Dr. Jerald Block, as a common compulsive-impulsive disorder that involves online and/or offline computer usage and consists of at least three subtypes:
- excessive gaming
- sexual preoccupations
- email/text messaging
These three subtypes share these characteristics:
- excessive use, often associated with a loss of sense of time or a neglect of basic drives
- withdrawal, including feelings of anger, tension, and/or depression when the computer is inaccessible
- tolerance, including the need for better computer equipment, more software, or more hours of use
- negative repercussions, including arguments, lying, poor achievement, social isolation, and fatigue
Take this Internet addiction test to see if you exhibit any of the symptoms, and then maybe take a walk outside and think about the results.
Make sure you vote in our current poll about Internet addiction.