I admit that I’m a psychological-literature junkie. I’m always interested in the latest research and theories on what makes people tick. (yes, everyone at Scout Labs knows his/her Myers-Briggs type). I’ve noticed an increasing number of research paper headlines on the topic of Internet Addiction Disorder over the last few years. So, instead of just ridiculing the concept out-of-hand, I decided to actually read through the research to see if there is any validity to the notion.

Jennifer R. Ferris from Virginia Tech defines it as “a psychophysiological disorder involving tolerance; withdrawal symptoms; affective disturbances; and interruption of social relationships”. Hmmm. Better look at the symptoms to see how I fare.

To be diagnosed as having Internet Addiction Disorder, a person must meet certain criteria as prescribed by the American Psychiatric Association. Three or more of these criteria must be present at any time during a twelve month period:

1. Tolerance: This refers to the need for increasing amounts of time on the Internet to achieve satisfaction and/or significantly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of time on the Internet.

In college I used to only email some things here and there, and now (as CEO of an Internet company) I am connected all day long! So, strike one against me.

2. Two or more withdrawal symptoms developing within days to one month after reduction of Internet use or cessation of Internet use (i.e., quitting cold turkey) , and these must cause distress or impair social, personal or occupational functioning. These include:

• psychomotor agitation, i.e. trembling, tremors; anxiety;
• obsessive thinking about what is happening on the Internet;
• fantasies or dreams about the Internet;
• voluntary or involuntary typing movements of the fingers.

This is getting eerie. For our family vacation this summer, we will be staying in a house in Bali that has ONLY DIAL-UP CONNECTION. I am already waking up in cold sweats about it. And I was wondering what that uncontrollable finger-twitching-in-the-air thing was about…

3. The Internet is often accessed more often, or for longer periods of time than was intended.

I cannot tell a lie. Once I get to CuteOverload, time seems to stand still and I can be there for hours. Gulp.

4. A significant amount of time is spent in activities related to Internet use ( e.g., Internet books, trying out new World Wide Web browsers, researching Internet vendors, etc.).

Great…our whole company hath been stricken!

5. The individual risks the loss of a significant relationship, job, educational or career opportunity because of excessive use of the Internet.

I thought everyone’s spouse yelled at them for playing Facebook games while watching the Daily Show together! Well, signing off now - looks like my case is pretty serious. Please do not let your symptoms go unchecked! Here are some additional resources for your self-assessment:

Belluck, Pam. “Net Addiction: True Disorder or Just a Cyber-Psycho-Fad?” , New York Times 1 Dec. 1996.

Egger, O., Rauterberg, M., (1996) “Internet Behavior and Addiction.”, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich

And a great Internet Addiction Recovery site.