What is Internet Addiction?

Have you ever lost track of time while scrolling on your phone, only to wonder where the hours went?

For many, the internet is more than just a tool. It’s a refuge, a routine, even a compulsion. While occasional overuse is common, for some individuals, internet engagement crosses the line into addiction, disrupting sleep, relationships, and mental well-being. Internet addiction, also known as problematic internet use or compulsive internet use, refers to an inability to control one’s online activity, leading to distress or impairment in daily functioning. While it’s not yet formally included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a standalone diagnosis, “Internet Gaming Disorder” has been recognized as a condition warranting further research.

This article explores how internet addiction develops, what psychological factors are at play, and how individuals can recognize when online activity crosses the line into harmful territory.

People struggling with internet addiction often:

Skip meals or delay sleep to continue being online
Ignore job tasks, schoolwork, or other responsibilities to stay online
Avoid real-life social interactions in favor of virtual connections
Cancel plans or avoid family and friends to spend time on the internet
Try to limit screen time but relapse repeatedly
Downplay or hide how much time is spent online
Experience irritability, anxiety or restlessness when offline
Neglect hygiene, sleep, meals or exercise because of extended time online

The Impacts of Internet Addiction

Internet addiction can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life—psychologically, cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally. As digital technology becomes more integrated into daily routines, these impacts are becoming increasingly common and, in some cases, debilitating.

1. Mental and Emotional Health

Excessive internet use, especially social media, can worsen feelings of isolation, inadequacy, or low self-esteem. Additionally, late-night screen time disrupts sleep patterns and circadian rhythms, leading to insomnia or poor-quality sleep. Overuse of internet can also reduce attention span, memory, and the ability to focus on tasks. Many people may struggle to regulate their emotions, using the internet as a coping mechanism for stress, loneliness, or boredom, which can reinforce a cycle of avoidance and emotional dependency.

2. Physical Health

Long hours online typically involve little physical movement, potentially increasing the risk of obesity, heart problems, and other health issues. Blue light from screens can cause digital eye strain (computer vision syndrome). Prolonged sitting and bad ergonomics can lead to musculoskeletal issues.

3. Relationships and Work

Real-world relationships may suffer due to excessive time spent online. Partners, family, or friends may feel neglected. Heavy internet users might struggle with face-to-face social interactions, preferring a virtual world. Time spent online (e.g., gaming, social media) may detract from studies or productivity at their job. Overall, internet addiction can lead to procrastination and a lack of motivation.

So What Causes Internet Addiction?

Several factors contribute to the development of internet addiction:

Psychological Factors: Escapism and loneliness may push people to seek comfort or distraction online. Additionally, instant gratification from likes, games, or videos releases dopamine, reinforcing the habit. Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADHD can also drive excessive internet use.
Environmental Factors: Easy access to devices and Wi-Fi, peer influence, and some cultural norms that encourage constant connectivity can all influence the development of internet addiction.
Biological Factors: Chronic overuse may impact brain regions related to impulse control, decision-making, and emotion regulation—similar to other behavioral addictions. Activities like gaming, social media, or pornography release dopamine, reinforcing the habit.

A Note From PsychNest

Internet addiction is a real and growing issue that affects people of all ages. While technology is an important part of modern life, it’s crucial to recognize when online habits start to interfere with your well-being. Taking small steps like setting screen time limits, unplugging during meals, or spending more time offline with friends and family, can make a big difference. Finding balance is key, and help is available if you need support in regaining control of your digital life.

Check out these resources for some extra support:

Center for Internet and Technology Addiction (CITA) : https://virtual-addiction.com
Internet & Tech Addiction Anonymous (ITAA): https://internetaddictsanonymous.org
ReSTART Life: https://www.restartlife.com

Sources

Cash, H., Rae, C. D., Steel, A. H., & Winkler, A. (2012). Internet Addiction: A Brief Summary of Research and Practice. Current psychiatry reviews, 8(4), 292–298. https://doi.org/10.2174/157340012803520513
Shaw, M., & Black, D. W. (2008). Internet addiction: Definition, assessment, epidemiology and clinical management. CNS Drugs, 22(5), 353–365. https://doi.org/10.2165/00023210-200822050-00001

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