Like any other compulsive behaviour such as gambling, spending long hours on the internet to shop, browse or game, can produce a rush of dopamine, the brain chemical associated with pleasure. This creates an experience that is similar to that of a drug-induced high, which can be the catalyst for developing symptoms of internet addiction.
This scenario can lead you to build up a tolerance, meaning that you will need to spend more hours online in order to achieve the same effects.
Excessive use of social media, gaming, or even online shopping usually indicates that a problem with internet misuse exists, and it can be difficult to break a negative cycle of excessive internet use, which ultimately impacts on other aspects of your life.
The treatment aims to reduce the impact of compulsive internet use through a combination of self-help groups and counselling focused on abstinence and gradual reduction of internet use over time.
Some of the typical signs and symptoms that would indicate that you may be suffering from an internet addiction are defined below:
Behavioural symptoms of internet addiction:
Common symptoms of an internet addiction can include:
• No longer engaging in activities that were once enjoyed
• Spending most waking hours online
• Anger or agitation if you are asked to step away from your device of choice
• Lying about your internet use
• Concealing your internet use
Physical symptoms of internet addiction:
• Fatigue, insomnia,
• Headache, neck-ache or backache, pain from lack of movement.
• Skin problems, nose bleeding, disorder of the sensitivity or movement of a part of the hand due to compression of the median nerve.
• Digestive problems, dry eyes or other sight problems.
• Change in physical appearance/no longer paying attention to grooming or hygiene
• Unintended weight loss or weight gain
Mental symptoms of internet addiction:
• Poor concentration capabilities
• Trouble distinguishing reality from fantasy
• Memory impairment, continuous thoughts about the activity that is being carried on the Internet, euphoria on using the computer.
Social symptoms of internet addiction:
• Irritable mood, anxiety and stress when the Internet cannot be used.
• Social isolation, worsening of family relationships.
• Employment problems
• Strained interpersonal relationships
• Academic difficulty
