Addiction To The Internet

From the years 2007 to 2010, the number of worldwide internet users has nearly doubled, and in the United States the number if high speed internet lines have increased exponentially from 2.8 million in 1999 to 206 million in 2011 (Carlisle, et al). Increased access of the internet allows an increase of internet use. Many people use the internet as a source of information for school, work, or just for enjoyment as the internet offers many outlets to opportunity and connection. In a couple clicks people are able to go from job searching to catching up with a friend on Facebook. On the other hand, many are becoming addicted to the online world the internet provides. Although increased access to the internet has allowed us to constantly stay connected,

A study from Nottingham Trent University revealed typical addictive behavior, including neglect of personal life, escapism, and mood modifying experiences appeared to be present in some people who used the internet and social media networks excessively (“How Social Media”). Always being connected has a great effect on users’ emotional well being. For example, a girl that was addicted to Tumblr experienced this effect. As her popularity on the site increased “it began to consume her, blurring the distinctions between her online and virtual life” (“How Social Media”). This is common to how most people feel more confident online than in real life. The girl spent days isolated in her bed speaking only a few words and if she was not in her room she wished she could be. Her unhealthy internet use “dwindled her confidence, increased cravings for self validation, and caused her to drift from real life friends, as her online persona began to overtake” (“How Social Media”). Through this example, it is evident that this girl’s internet addiction caused multiple social and emotional problems. However, she is not alone many individuals are at risk of developing internet addiction and experiencing the social problems that come along with

Many discredit internet addiction as a disorder because there is no objective criteria; people only recognize it as a problem when people experience “severe repercussions, like the loss of a job or relationship” (Lussier). People are also doubtful of internet addiction because the American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association do not recognize it as an established disorder. Without it being recognized by professional organizations, people may find it hard to believe that internet addiction is a true problem. Others fail to realize internet addiction as a disorder because they figure these people just really enjoy being on the internet. After all, with the endless amount of information we have access to it would be easy to understand why someone would enjoy being on the internet to a great extent. In addition, with the emergence of social media within the past decade, many users enjoy catching up with friends and even finding jobs online. The internet has become an important part of people’s everyday lives which is why people enjoy being on it to the extent they