In recent years the technological development has provided new Internet-based communication systems (chat, messenger, social networks, virtual spaces, etc ....).
These "methods" are facilitating the exchange of information and ideas but at the same time, it seems that their "improper" is producing phenomena which are expressed with psychopathological symptoms of addiction.
seems, therefore, that it is spreading a true psychopathology that goes by the name of Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) (Internet addiction disorder) due to abuse of the use of the medium.
It 'obvious that "Dependence" is related to the use to which it is the "means" not the technology itself.
The IAD is considered one of the new employees (New Addiction), which include all forms of dependency which is not involved in the aid of any chemical.
Among the New Addictions can also include dependence on Gambling, the shopping, work, sex, food, from the relationships.
According to online research conducted by Kimberly Young (an expert in the study of IAD) (read interview) , subjects weekly employees are "in network" eight times more than non-employees, also the first tend to progressively increase the connection time, as opposed to seconds.
while normal people do not show interference in daily life and see the Internet as a resource, those employees suffering from moderate to severe problems as a result of the abuse of the Net
were generally recognized in the current state of studies, The following types of "Internet addiction" (IAD): •
from pathological gambling: the net compulsion (gambling or online auctions),
• from cyber-relationship: the cyber-relational addiction (tighten friendships or romantic relationships on-line);
• cybersexual: Cybersexual the addiction (to use pornography on the network); •
from MUDs (online role-playing games): computer addiction which involves the creation of fictitious identities in what are called multi-user dungeon (or size or tomorrow), role-play in which each virtual player plays a character in a virtual reality, parallel to the real
• from information overload: the information overload (obsessive quest for information and news).
According to recent studies, this "addiction" is manifested through a series of symptoms: 1-
the need to spend time growing the network to obtain satisfaction;
2 - the marked reduction of interest for other activities that are not connected;
3-Development, following the suspension of network use, psychomotor agitation, anxiety, depression, classic withdrawal symptoms;
4 - the need to access the network more frequently or for longer periods than during the initial;
5 - the inability to stop or control the use of the Internet;
6 - consuming large amounts of time in activities related to the network;
7 - continued Internet use despite knowledge of physical, social, occupational, or psychological harm caused by the permanent connection to the network.
therapies that appear to be more effective as evidenced in an interview with Young Dot.ssa are ".. the cognitive behavioral, traditional group of 12-step support and marital or family therapy ...."
Some readings:
- Interview aa KS Young
- Types and characteristics of new dependencies
- CAUGHT IN THE NET: Internet addiction and intoxication
- Article on "Internet Addiction "
