Internet Addiction

Internet addiction is a relatively recent phenomenon related to the growth of technology and computers in our society. It refers to excessive and possibly compulsive use of the internet, often relating to chat rooms, online messaging and game playing.

Excessive internet usage can be found in all age groups. As a university student, internet addiction may put you at risk of underperforming in your studies, as well as neglecting other important responsibilities and social activities.

While internet is probably part of your day to day life, you might wonder how much usage can be classed as addiction? This is not an easy question to answer. The amount of time spent on the internet varies for different people and different types of usage.

Perhaps the answer lies with how you balance internet usage with the rest of your responsibilities and activities. Have a think about these questions then write down your answers:

• How many hours each day do you spend on the internet, with family or friends, at work and studying? Keep count over a week and compare all the figures.
• What sort of sites are you using and why? Are they study or personal development related? Are they interactive or social? What do you get out of this type of usage?
• Are you are avoiding tasks or issues by spending time on the internet?
• Do you feel frustrated or angry if you can’t use the internet?

For a more extensive information you can visit the Centre for Internet Addiction Recovery. They have a useful online test to help you look at whether your computer and internet usage is getting in the way of your life and studies.

If you think you are addicted to the internet, it may be useful to seek professional help. You can contact us or your local community health service for advice. Also, check out internet resources, such as the one above, and the following books, which are available at University of Sydney libraries:

• Dr Kimberley Young, "Caught in the Net: How to Recognize Signs of Internet Addiction and a Winning Strategy for Recovery", NY, J. Wiley, 1998.
• Justin Healey (editor), "The Internet: Uses and Abuses", Rozelle, Spinney Press, 2002