Online Gaming Addiction

(n.d.). Retrieved from http://jyeungg.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/video-game-addiction-1.jpg

Online gaming represents one of the biggest and fastest growing Internet businesses around the world. In countries overseas such as China and South Korea, online gaming is much more than just playing a game:  It is a lifestyle. Video games are considered to be a major social activity and many young kids aspire to become pro-gamers.  China has the largest online user base in the world, with 457 million active users, of which 2/3 engage in online game play.  South Korea is known for the fact that professional gaming has a very extensive following in the country. Major tournaments are often held and even broadcast on live television for everyone to watch. Pro-gamers are held with the utmost regards and treated as celebrities. 

Statistics on video game addiction in teens can be found here: http://www.psychology.iastate.edu/faculty/dgentile/SRCD%20Video%20Game%20Addiction.pdf

The average online computer game player spends about 25 hours per week playing online games.  This is close to the average amount of time people spend watching TV.  Television addiction is quickly becoming replaced by online gaming addiction, with people spending less time watching TV shows and more time playing games on their computers. However, the majority of addicts spend in excess of 40 hours per week playing games.  They find themselves skipping out on daily chores just to be able to play more.

The average computer game addict is a male around the age of 25. The average female addict is 32 years of age, as females become more addicted as they get older due to influences from their boyfriends and husbands. 

(n.d.). Retrieved from http://image.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Technology/Pix/pictures/2007/11/14/china-internet460x276.jpg

Addiction to online gaming is becoming a growing problem.  The Chinese government has implemented an anti-addiction game system, while the Korean government even had to go so far as to ban anyone under the age of 18 from playing online games between midnight and 8:00 am.  While this addiction is a serious problem, these decisions are a step in the right direction.

Do you play any online games?  If so, there is a possibility that you might be addicted.  However, there are now many sites and programs to help with online gaming addiction.  In order to get self help for your addiction, we suggest visiting the Online Gamers Anonymous website.

Sources

Cain, G. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1983234,00.html

Chinese ministries schedule anti-addiction game system. (11, April 2007). Retrieved from http://www.chinatechnews.com/2007/04/11/5240-chinese-ministries-schedule-anti-addiction-game-system

Computer game addiction - MMORPGs. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://internetaddictiondisorder.org/computer-game-addiction-mmorpgs/

Online gaming in China. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_gaming_in_China

Internet Addiction: Forever Addicted?

(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/images/addiction/computer_addiction_225.jpg

Is there a way out once you've become addicted?

Internet Addiction is just that: an addiction.  It may not be as well-known as alcohol or drug addiction, but there are definitely ways of helping those who have spiraled too far into the addiction.

Therapy is one way of going about an addiction problem.  Therapists are ready and willing to help through cognitive-behavioral therapy.  "Cognitive-behavioral therapy provides step-by-step ways to stop compulsive Internet behaviors and change your perceptions regarding the Internet, smartphone, and computer use.  Therapy can also help you learn healthier ways of coping with uncomfortable emotions, such as stress, anxiety, or depression" (Saisan, Smith, Robinson, & Segal).

Counseling is another route to take for changing one's self.  Often with Internet addiction, there is not just one person affected.  The behaviors associated with Internet addiction can include affairs in the cybersex area of addiction.  Counseling can help both parties see the way out and resolve current or past issues.  Places like the Center for Internet Addiction Recovery are good places to look for help.  Think of it as a rehab for Internet Addiction.

One other way to kick Internet addiction to the curb is through support.  It's currently difficult to find groups similar to Alcoholics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous, as public recognition of this addiction is relatively new.  However, if you are having issues with other addictions in addition to your Internet addiction, attending these support groups may help your Internet addiction as well.  Currently, there are support groups for Internet addiction that have actually been formed on the Internet itself, but these groups should be used with great caution.

(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.interventionsupport.com/wp-content/uploads/internet-addiction-300x200.jpg

Also, just being a friend who is supportive and encouraging can go a long way.  The following is a list of helpful tips for being a support to someone dealing with this addiction.

Tips for Helping Others with Internet Addiction

- Be a good role model.  Manage the Internet and computer use in your own life as well.

-Introduce the Internet addict to other people who handle their Internet use sensibly.

-Get your friend involved in non-Internet related interests.

-Talk to your friend about your concerns with their Internet use.

-Support their desire for change if they think they have a problem.

-Encourage them to seek professional counseling.

(Saisan, Smith, Robinson, & Segal)

In conclusion, while some may think this is going to be a factor in their lives forever, it doesn't have to be.  One can overcome his or her Internet addiction if he or she is willing to take the steps listed above to get better and continue living a non-addictive life.

Sources

Saisan, J., Smith, M., Robinson, L., & Segal, J. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/internet_cybersex_addiction.htm

Cybersex Addiction

[Web log message]. Retrieved from http://blog.staturesoftware.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/internet-addiction.jpg

Have you ever been on the Internet browsing the web and suddenly see pop-ups of naked women, penis enlargements, or live sex chats? Have you ever clicked on them? Have you ever watched porn online? If so, how often? How often is too often? What do you get out of cybersex?

“A vast network of millions of people with computers has provided, for virtually everyone, a tantalizing new - Adventureland - in which to experience and express their sexuality” (Boulware). Cybersex is defined as the consensual sexual discussion online to achieve arousal or an orgasm. Online sex is available on more than half of all Internet websites we visit every day, making it easy to come across.

Exploring the sexual world on the web is intriguing and exciting. It can also be informative. I would venture to say that as kids, we heard some phrases or words about sex from other kids that we didn’t know and looked them up on the Internet after school. Strictly for educational purposes, I’m sure. Or maybe a married couple wants to spice up their sex life so they search for new ideas for the sack. This innocent excitement can quickly turn into an obsessive compulsion or addiction.

Compulsive online sex can negatively impact your life and your relationships. Many Internet addicts abandon their social environments for the virtual ones. Most obsessive individuals will tell themselves it is not a big deal or they can control it if they wanted to. That’s denial. Those who have realized their addiction to cybersex “discovered their time on the Internet pursuing sex was consuming a significant chunk of their work time, distracting them from other activities, and pushing out, for lack of time or interest, existing relationships or new relationships” (Boulware). It’s extremely sad and tough to overcome. When the addiction becomes that deep, a further evaluation by a professional counselor or a therapist is needed. Maybe the addiction is a symptom of an emotional or psychological problem.  There are 12-step programs available for sex addiction.  One is Sex Addictions Anonymous, or SAA.  Their website is www.sexaa.org.  Many people find this type of program very helpful. 

[Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.amyoops.com/2009/01/cybersex-doing-it-wrong.html

Would you consider yourself addicted to the Internet? To you, is it determined by the amount time you spend on the computer, what you are doing while you’re on the computer, what you are giving up by being on the computer, or all three? Whatever it may be, it is still a growing problem. If you have concerns this may pertain to you, a friend, or a family member, take this self-questionnaire below to help you evaluate the severity of a potential cybersex addiction.

"1.   Do you visit porn sites or sex-oriented chat rooms more than 5 times a week?

 2.   Do you use your computer at work to access porn sites during the day?

 3.   Do you ever feel guilty, or ashamed of your on-line sexual activities?

 4.   Do you keep your cybersex a secret from your mate or partner?

 5.   Have you ever masturbated while watching Internet porn?

 6.   Do you frequently erase your computer files to conceal your cybersex activity?

 7.   Have you tried to cut down on the time you spend at sex-related sites?

 8.    Have you been successful at cutting down the hours you spend on the Internet for sex?

 9.   Do you feel anxious or upset when you are not able to access sex on-line?

 10. Do you worry that someone you know will discover your on-line sexual activities?

 11. Does it seem to you that your sex chat room friends are more significant to you than your regular friends or family?

 12. Does the time you spend on-line for sex, sometimes interfere with, or distract you from, your real life activities or responsibilities?

 13. Has a chat-room relationship ever progressed to phone sex, or sex in person with that individual?

 14. Have you purchase sex-oriented materials or products on-line?

 15. Do you very much look forward to your Internet sex activities?"

 (Boulware)

If you answered “Yes” to more than 8/15 questions, the situation is problematic and professional help is necessary. “There are a variety of treatments available from mental health professionals, psychotherapists and counselors” who have good track records with helping people regain control of their addictive behaviors (Boulware). Don’t be afraid to get help for yourself or family members.

Source

Boulware, C. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.summitnjpsychotherapy.com/articles-cybersexaddiction.trust

Internet Addiction Disorder

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As the whole world is growing more obsessed with the Internet and everywhere you go you are bound to see something related to the World Wide Web, addictive use of the Internet doesn't come as much of a surprise.  Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) was identified two years ago by Dr. Ivan Goldberg.  IAD can be defined as an out-of-control behavior that threatens to overwhelm the addict’s normal life.

Many people suffer from the consequences of obsession with the online world and are unable to control their use.  People frequently don’t believe the reality of this condition, but Internet addiction is real, just like alcoholism, drug addiction, or compulsive gambling.  It can have devastating effects on the lives of the addicts, including, but not limited to, job loss, failure in school, decrease in productivity at work, and divorce.  The number of “netaholics” in the United States has already reached epidemic proportions, and the number continues to rise.

A new brain scan study shows that not only can a person be truly addicted to the Internet, but also that Internet addiction may also cause the same brain changes that are seen in alcoholics and drug addicts.  A recent study took 17 women and men who were diagnosed with Internet Addiction Disorder and compared their brain scans to those of 16 people who weren't addicted to the web.  What they found was that the Internet addicted participants had more patterns of “abnormal white matter” on their brain scans than those of non-addicts.  The changes in the white matter areas showed evidence of disrupting pathways related to emotions, decision-making, and self-control.

(n.d.). Retrieved from http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/57832000/jpg/_57832478_p3320456-white_matter_fibres,_dti_scans-spl.jpg

These similar changes of white matter have also been seen in brain scans of people addicted to cocaine, alcohol, marijuana, meth, heroin, and ketamine.  These results suggest that IAD may share psychological and neural mechanisms with other types of substance addiction and impulse control disorders.  This study also leads the researchers to believe that the brain scans of video game addicts are quite similar to that of the scans of Internet addicts, thus linking the changes in the neuronal connections between brain areas, as well as changes in brain function in people who are frequently using the Internet or video games.

An estimated 5-10% of Internet users are unable to control their usage and are considered addicts.  The act of surfing the Internet becomes a way of life for some kids, young adults, and even adults.  This alienates them from their peers and replaces their real-life interactions with virtual ones they get in return from the Internet.  This addiction to the Internet allows for kids and young adults in particular to spend more of their free time surfing the Web instead of outside running around and interacting with their peers.  Though many don’t realize the severity of this condition, it is a reality for an increasing percent of our population.

Source

Jaslow, R. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57357895-10391704/internet-addiction-changes-brain-similar-to-cocaine-study/

Justyna, P. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/info_8115765_negative-effects-internet-usage.html

Are You Addicted?

(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.outlooksw.co.uk/thml/ocd.html

Are you worried that you might be suffering from Internet Addiction, but aren't completely sure? There are a few quizzes on the Internet that ask you questions to assess whether there is a chance you have an “unhealthy relationship with the Internet.” This quiz on PsychCentral.com also provides a disclaimer that lets the reader know that the results are not a diagnosis, just merely a screening measure to give some insight.

The quiz asks simple questions, like, “Do you find that you stay online longer than you intended?” and “Do you feel preoccupied by the Internet when offline, or fantasize about being online?” There are 3 answer choices for each of the questions that show how often that certain situation occurs—“Never or rarely,” “Sometimes,” or “Often or regularly.”

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The quiz only takes a few minutes to complete, and at the end, it gives an assessment of your possible Internet addiction.  For example, if you receive a score of 5, you are probably just an average Internet user. However, with a score of 30 or more, Net Addiction is likely. Even a score of 20 means addiction is possible.

We suggest that you take this quiz, even if you don't believe you are addicted to the Internet.  You never know what your results might be!  However, if you receive an alarming result, don't panic.  If you take this quiz and receive a score of 30 or more, or even just a score that worries you, there are many places to find more information on Internet Addiction and steps to take towards recovery.  In fact, we will be discussing some of those very steps right here on this blog. That raises the question, though: Isn't it ironic that in order to learn more about an addiction to the Internet, you use the Internet as a tool?

Source

Grohol, J. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://psychcentral.com/quizzes/netaddiction.htm

What is Internet Addiction?

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In today’s society, we rarely go a day without accessing a computer.  Whether it’s a PC or a smart phone, we are constantly using these devices, frequently to connect to the Internet.  But what is the distinction between using the Internet healthily and this use becoming an addiction?

Internet addiction is a reality for many people.  In its simplest form, Internet addiction is an impulse-control problem.  Internet usage begins to take up more and more of your time, and it takes an importance over other aspects of your life.  This form of addiction covers quite a broad range of topics, including cybersex addiction, cyber-relationship addiction, net compulsions, and information overload.

When does this problem become an addiction?  It is different for each person.  Many people use the Internet for work-related reasons.  Many others use social networking aspects of the Internet to stay in contact with family and friends that live too far away for regular face-to-face communication.  Using the Internet in these ways does not mean that you are addicted.  A person is addicted to the Internet when he or she allows it to consume much of their time, leading to the neglect of his or her relationships, work, or other important aspects of his or her life.  Internet usage becomes a problem when it is disruptive to your own productivity and relationships.

So how can you tell if you are addicted to the Internet?  While there is no exact measure of this addiction level, there are many signs that serve as warnings.  As stated above, neglect of relationships, with both family and friends, in favor of Internet usage is a sign that you might be addicted.  Your social life may seem to decline, often being replaced by the Internet.  Perhaps you feel as if those physically surrounding you don’t quite seem to understand your Internet usage:  your cyber-friends seem to understand you more than the people you truly know.  You might also become defensive about your Internet usage when it is brought up by family, friends, or even coworkers.

Another sign of Internet addiction is a lost sense of time while online.  Time seems to just slip away, and even if you intend to only spend a short amount on your computer, time quickly escapes you, and you end up spending much more time than planned surfing the Internet.  If this time is interrupted by another aspect of your life, you might become agitated.  Due to this use, your other, physical work may go unfinished.

If you find that many of these signs pertain to you, you might be suffering from Internet addiction.  However, there are ways to move past this addiction.  From group support to counseling, anyone can learn to not let the Internet take over their lives.  Throughout this blog, we will dive deeper into what Internet addiction means, as well as methods to cure one’s self of this addiction.

Source

Saisan, J., Smith, M., Robinson, L., & Segal, J. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/internet_cybersex_addiction.htm