Internet Addiction Disorder – Rooting the Brains of the Youth

Internet addiction disorder is nothing different than the use of internet that causes problem. In fact, addiction itself cites a similar definition – use of something in a manner that causes problem. In short, we may call internet addiction disorder as a problematic use of internet and its various aspects like email, chat, and surf. Though this kind of a disorder is not mentioned anywhere, in the mental health professional’s handbook or in the addiction handbook, yet due to the increasing number of patients of the disorder, it has become essential to consider it as an ill health issue. It is also formally recognized as a mental and psychological health disorder by the American Psychological Association. The main thing to be taken care about, in case of this disorder, is that it is observed to be quite prevalent among the younger generations.

Let us have a look at what this internet addiction disorder exactly is. The disorder of addiction to internet is a process disorder, like various others – gambling, shopping and so on. People who are affected by this kind of a disorder cannot depict similar kinds of behaviors with the use of internet, as a gambling addict would do with gambling. The main thing by which this kind of a disorder is characterized and which is the core function of the disorder, is to spend uncountable number of hours in front of the computer, or if not the computer then other handy sources of  using internet, like the cell phones or the newly launched iPads.

This craze of internet usage all beings with casual use of the internet for purposes of chatting with friends, emailing colleagues, surfing the net for project related information and study guides, etc. There may appear no problem in the beginning. Gradually, the progression of all such problems occurs due to the use of essential technology in a dysfunctional way. As mentioned earlier, many people think that the amount of time spent on the use of internet is the main cause of such dysfunctionality of the brain, resulting in internet addiction disorder. However, in what way the use of internet is being made is more important factor to play good role in the addiction, rather than the amount of time spent.

Causes of internet addiction are not specific like in case of a chemical addiction; and nor are the symptoms. It is as good as doing something for so much of time and with so much of interest that now there does not seem a hurdle anymore in doing it and nor can one stay at peace without doing it. And this applies for all the addictions, with some added and specific factors as causes. An internet addiction attack may be similar to that of shopping addiction – one more process addiction. Just as a person with shopping addiction disorder may tend to feel a rush or a high or a pleasure in the mood when out for shopping, having spent loads of money and bought loads of new things to wear and eat and use, similarly an internet addict may also feel pleased after using the internet for a while, after he feels the craving for it. They go through a similar enthusiasm when they know they are about to be using internet in a couple of minutes; and they feel great, as if having a high,  right from booting their computers to surfing and chatting on their favorite websites. Symptoms cannot say more than this that a person, or your teenager, with internet addiction disorder spends all his time at home or office or in the go, with the company of the internet, including eating, drinking, bathing, changing, dressing up, and so on, in front of a favorite website open. They even sleep with the browsers open and the PCs and laptops switched on. They have an immense craze of downloading from the web, whatever is new and up to date – be it movies, videos, music, pictures, or text and graphic files.

Use of internet becomes faulty and accusable when it begins to interfere with the user’s personal and social life circles and cycles. For example when it is time for a social get together with family and friends, and at that time if a person is found skipping those things for spending time on the internet, may be chatting, or surfing or even watching live videos and so on, then I guess no one will disagree that this is a faulty use of the internet. Since, the disorder is new, there is only little research done on the matter. The readers shall be updated with any essential information or facts related to the internet addiction disorder, at the same place.