Internet addiction disorder (IAD), also called problematic Internet use (PIU), is characterized by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges, or behaviors regarding computer use and Internet access that lead to impairment or distress. There is concern that increased access to the Internet among young people may cause students' academic performance to decline. Some experience health consequences from loss of sleep as they stay up to continue scrolling, chatting, and gaming.
Excessive Internet use is not recognized as a disorder by the American Psychiatric Association's DSM-5 or the World Health Organization's ICD-11. Controversy around the diagnosis includes whether the disorder is a separate clinical entity, or a manifestation of other underlying psychiatric disorders. Definitions are not standardized or agreed upon, complicating the development of evidence-based recommendations.
Many different theoretical models have been developed and employed for many years in order to better explain predisposing factors to this disorder. Models such as the cognitive-behavioral model of pathological Internet have been used to explain IAD for more than 20 years. Newer models, such as the Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution model, have been developed more recently and are starting to be applied in more clinical studies.
In 2011 the term "Facebook addiction disorder" (FAD) emerged. FAD is characterized by compulsive use of Facebook. A 2017 study investigated a correlation between excessive use and narcissism, reporting "FAD was significantly positively related to the personality trait narcissism and to negative mental health variables (depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms)".
Additionally in 2020, studies have shown that there has been an increase in the prevalence of IAD since the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies highlighting the possible relationship between COVID-19 and IAD have looked at how forced isolation and its associated stress may have led to higher usage levels of the Internet.
Turning off social media notifications may help reduce social media use. For some users, changes in web browsing can be helpful in compensating for self-regulatory problems. For instance, a study involving 157 online learners on massive open online courses examined the impact of such an intervention. The study reported that providing support in self-regulation was associated with a reduction in time spent online, particularly on entertainment.
Consequences
Mental health consequences A longitudinal study of Chinese high school students (2009) suggests that individuals with moderate to severe risk of Internet addiction are 2.5 times more likely to develop depressive symptoms than their IAD-free counterparts. Researchers studied pathological or uncontrolled Internet use, and later mental health problems in 1,041 teenage students in China. The students were free of depression and anxiety at the start of the study. Nine months later, the students were evaluated again for anxiety and depression, and 87 were judged as having developed depression, while 8 reported significant anxiety symptoms. Another longitudinal study of high school students from Helsinki found that problematic internet usage and depressive symptoms may produce a positive feedback loop. This cycle involves problematic internet usage worsening depressive symptoms, which in turn leads to even more problematic internet usage. Furthermore, problematic internet usage is associated with an increased risk of substance abuse.
Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) is linked to a wide range of negative psychological outcomes. Excessive or uncontrolled internet use can interfere with emotional regulation, social relationships, and cognitive functioning. The major mental health consequences include:
Depression and Anxiety IAD is strongly associated with increased risk of depressive symptoms, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety disorder. Sleep Disturbances & Fatigue Excessive internet use, especially late at night, contributes to insomnia, poor sleep quality, and daytime dysfunction. Stress and Emotional Dysregulation Individuals with IAD often experience higher levels of perceived stress and difficulty regulating emotions, leading to irritability and mood swings. Social Isolation and Loneliness Despite increased online interactions, IAD is linked to decreased face-to-face communication, loneliness, and impaired social functioning. Comorbid Disorders (ADHD, Substance Use, Impulse Control Problems) Research shows strong associations between IAD and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), substance abuse, and other impulse-control disorders.
Social consequences Internet addiction increases the risk of many negative social and health outcomes, including poor academic performance, harmful personality effects, anxiety and depression.
The best-documented evidence of Internet addiction so far is time-disruption, which subsequently results in interference with regular social life, including academic, professional performance and daily routines. Some studies also reveal that IAD can lead to disruption of social relationships in Europe and Taiwan. It is, however, also noted by others that IAD is beneficial for peer relations in Taiwan.
Keith W. Beard (2005) states that "an individual is addicted when an individual's psychological state, which includes both mental and emotional states, as well as their scholastic, occupational and social interactions, is impaired by the overuse of [Internet]".
As a result of its complex nature, some scholars do not provide a definition of Internet addiction disorder and throughout time, different terms are used to describe the same phenomenon of excessive Internet use. Internet addiction disorder is used interchangeably with problematic Internet use, pathological Internet use, and Internet addictive disorder. In some cases, this behavior is also referred to as Internet overuse, problematic computer use, compulsive Internet use, Internet abuse, harmful use of the Internet, and Internet dependency.
Mustafa Savci and Ferda Aysan, reviewing existing research, noted a number of social and emotional factors that have been linked to the phenomenon, including loneliness, social anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. However they note that some research has also shown that the use of technology can strengthen friendships, facilitate interpersonal conversations and communication, and aid the establishment of new social relations.
Signs and symptoms
Physical symptoms Physical symptoms include a weakened immune system due to lack of sleep, loss of exercise, and increased risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. Additionally, headaches, eye and back strain are common for those struggling with excessive internet use.Rosen, Larry D., et al. "Social Networking Is Addictive and Can Lead to Psychological Disorders." Are Social Networking Sites Harmful?, edited by Noah Berlatsky, Greenhaven Press, 2015.
Psychological and social symptoms The type of IAD (e.g. overuse of social media, gaming, gambling, etc.) will affect the types of symptoms experienced. For example, overuse of social media can lead to disruption in real-world relationships. The overuse of video games can lead to neglecting family, home, and work-related responsibilities. Additionally, the overconsumption of pornographic content can create interpersonal and relational problems and can negatively affect mental health.
Symptoms of withdrawal might include agitation, depression, anger and anxiety when the person is away from technology. These psychological symptoms might even turn into physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, tense shoulders and shortness of breath.
Theoretical model Current researchers have proposed different theoretical models of IAD from different perspectives.
Theories based on the characteristics of the Internet
ACE model This theory suggests that addiction is caused by the characteristics of the Internet itself, including anonymity, convenience and escape, referred to as the ACE model. Anonymity means that individuals are able to hide their true identity and personal information on the Internet and are thus freer to do what they want. Because of this anonymity, it is difficult to regulate what individuals do on the Internet, thus creating an Internet addiction. Convenience may be a benefit of the development of the Internet, as people can do certain things such as shopping online and watching movies without leaving their homes. However, this convenience can also lead to addiction and dependence on the Internet. Escape refers to the ability of users to find solace online when faced with difficulty or irritation, because the Internet offers a free virtual environment that entices people away from the actual world. Originally the ACE Model was used to describe Internet pornography addiction, but now it is applied to the whole field of IAD.
Reduced social cues The invention of email and SMS made online chatting a reality. However, in online communication, the individual's ability to judge the mood, tone and content of the other person is reduced because the necessary social cues, such as situational and personal cues, are missing. As online norms are currently imperfect, it is difficult to regulate individuals' behaviors on the Internet, and the anonymity of the Internet can make individuals' perceptions of themselves and others diminish, resulting in some anti-social behavior. Consequently, this can lead to inappropriate Internet use and addiction without proper restraints.
Theories based on interaction orientation
Cognitive-behavioral model of pathological Internet use This model defines IAD as pathological Internet use (PIU). In 2001, the cognitive-behavioral model for excessive use of the Internet was created. This model proposed that already existing psychosocial problems (e.g., depression, anxiety, substance abuse) were more likely to lead to the development of excessive and maladaptive behaviors related to the Internet. Importantly, Davis categorized problematic behaviors on the Internet into two categories: specific pathological Internet use (SPIU) and generalized pathological Internet use (GPIU). SPIU behaviors include frequently accessing things such as pornography or other sexually explicit material, stock trading, and online gambling. GPIU behaviors simply include fixating on the Internet itself, rather than particular materials that are accessed through the Internet. Additionally, people engaged in GPIU behaviors are drawn by the different forms of communication that the Internet allows them to engage in. In general, the Internet would lead to maladaptive cognitions, and predisposed vulnerability could reinforce this relationship.
Moreover, the higher the individual's level of adaptation to undesirable behavior, the more likely pathological Internet use is to occur, which also means a higher level of addiction to the Internet.
I-PACE Model This is an integrative theoretical framework model that specifically focuses on Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). As compulsive gaming on the Internet can be a constituting factor of Internet Addiction Disorder, this model can be seen as applicable. The I-PACE model, which stands for Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution model, focuses on the process of predisposing factors and current behaviors leading to compulsive use of the Internet. This model considers pre-disposing factors such as early childhood experiences, personality, cognitive-situational reactions, social cognition, and pre-disposition to mental illness as factors that may play into the development of Internet Gaming Disorder.
Game addiction and flow experience