If you think being addicted to the Internet sounds silly, you may be surprised to know that it is absolutely real. A University of Maryland study published in "The New York Times" asked 200 students to go 24 hours without using the Internet. The study claims that many of the 200 students "showed signs of withdrawal and anxiety along with the inability to function" after just 24 hours. The Internet has many advantages and makes life easier, but there are dangers associated with too much Internet use, not the least of which is sitting for many hours on end.
Cyber Crime
The news reports of teens being lured by predators through chat rooms, social media sites or instant messaging have been many. The site Simple to Remember cites a study stating nearly 60 percent of teens received at least one instant message from a total stranger, and 63 percent of those responded but never told their parents.
Psychological Dangers
Parental controls make it easier to block violent or pornographic content, but it's readily available to curious children and teens who are Internet savvy. A search for "sex" or "drugs" may turn up information that's more lurid than educational and can have negative effects on children psychologically. Explicit materials are so pervasive that children who use the Internet excessively will probably be exposed to obscene content unintentionally.
Internet dependency has also been linked to depression and loneliness. Cyberbullying is a problem as well, the most notorious example being that of Megan Meier, who committed suicide in 2006 after being bullied via the Internet, according to the Megan Meier Foundation. More recent examples include Phoebe Prince and Alexis Pilkington, both of whom committed suicide in 2010 after being bullied online, according to CBS News and the "New York Daily News," respectively. The Internet offers 24/7 access to cyberbullies and their unwanted and potentially dangerous interactions.
Social Withdrawal
Internet addiction in children and adults has been linked to physical and social withdrawal from things such as schoolwork, careers, friends and family. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found during a two-year study that after installation of a computer in the household, "family interaction declined dramatically." Married adults spend less time with, and become emotionally distant from, their spouses, and children become isolated and detached from their parents.
Online Gambling
Online gambling sites allow instant, 24/7 access to all kinds of gambling. Problem gamblers don't even have to leave their homes to indulge their addiction. According to the journal "Psychiatric News," gambling websites have even begun advertising on youth-oriented websites.
Internet Dating
People who are addicted to the Internet are also more likely to seek out companionship via the Internet, according to Psych Central. But it's also easy for predators or unscrupulous people to lie about their identities and/or their intentions and lure unsuspecting people, young and old, into bad situations. It also can allow access to people's personal information and open the door for stalking and/or harassing.
Symptoms and Recovery
Symptoms of Internet addiction include failed attempts to control usage, craving more time on the Internet, neglecting friends and family, being dishonest about usage, feeling guilty and declining school/work performance. If you fear you or someone you love has become addicted to the Internet, a number of recovery programs can be found by performing a simple Internet search.
