I suffer from compulsive information seeking. 
www.addictioncenter.com
After being consumed by an online social life and persona, a person may be left with limited social skills and unrealistic expectations concerning in-person interactions. Many times this leads to an inability to make real-world connections, in turn making the individual more dependent on their cyber relationships. Counseling or therapy is typically required to treat this addiction and ensure lasting behavioral changes.
Other internet addiction tests have also gained popularity. In 2005, Dr. Keith W. Beard published an article in which he proposed 8 characteristics that describe having an internet use disorder. If 5 or more of the traits describe the subject, they would be diagnosed with an internet addiction. The characteristics are:
Internet Addiction
Internet addiction is a growing problem and harm stemming from excessive computer use has garnered the attention and concern of experts across the US.
www.addictioncenter.com
5 Types Of Internet Addiction
Internet addiction is a broad term that covers a range of behaviors and impulse-control problems involving internet, personal computer, and mobile technology. While there is yet no officially accepted criteria to diagnose an internet addiction, researchers have identified 5 subcategories of specific types of computer and internet addictions.Cybersex Addiction
A cybersex addiction is one of the more self-explanatory internet addictions. It involves online pornography, adult websites, sexual fantasy/adult chat rooms, and XXX webcam services. An obsession with any of these services can be harmful to one’s ability to form real-world sexual, romantic, or intimate relationships. Treatment options are available for those with cybersex addictions, typically in the form of intervention followed by ongoing inpatient or outpatient therapy.Net Compulsions
Net compulsions concern interactive activities online that can be extremely harmful, such as online gambling, trading stocks, online auctions (such as eBay), and compulsive online shopping. These habits can have a detrimental impact on one’s financial stability and disrupt job-related duties. Spending or losing excessive amounts of money can also cause stress in one’s relationships. With instant and easy access to online casinos and stores, it is easy for those who are already susceptible to a gambling or spending addiction to get hooked online.Cyber (Online) Relationship Addiction
Cyber or online relationship addicts are deeply involved with finding and maintaining relationships online, often forgetting and neglecting real-life family and friends. Typically online relationships are formed in chat rooms or different social networking sites but can occur anywhere one can interact with people online. Often people who pursue online relationships do so while concealing their real identity and appearance; this modern phenomena led to the creation of the term “catfish.”After being consumed by an online social life and persona, a person may be left with limited social skills and unrealistic expectations concerning in-person interactions. Many times this leads to an inability to make real-world connections, in turn making the individual more dependent on their cyber relationships. Counseling or therapy is typically required to treat this addiction and ensure lasting behavioral changes.
Compulsive Information Seeking
The internet provides users with a wealth of data and knowledge. For some, the opportunity to find information so easily has turned into an uncontrollable urge to gather and organize data. In some cases information-seeking is a manifestation of pre-existing, obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Compulsive information-seeking can also reduce work productivity and potentially lead to job termination. Depending on the severity of the addiction, treatment options can range from different therapy modalities — which target changing compulsive behavior and developing coping strategies — to medication.Computer Or Gaming Addiction
Computer addiction, sometimes referred to as computer gaming addiction, involves online and offline activities that can be done with a computer. As computers became more widely available, games such as Solitaire, Tetris, and Minesweeper were programed into their software. Researchers quickly found that obsessive computer game playing was becoming a problem in certain settings. Office employees would spend excessive amounts of time playing these games, causing a notable decrease in productivity. Not only are these classic games still available today but so are thousands of new ones, and the condition of computer gaming addiction is as prevalent and harmful as ever.Signs And Symptoms
In 1998, Dr. Kimberly Young developed “The Internet Addiction Test.” It includes a 20-item questionnaire that is administered to the client by a proctor. These items include questions like:- How often do you find that you stay online longer than you intended?
- How often do others in your life complain to you about the amount of time you spend online?
- How often do you find yourself anticipating when you will go online again?
Other internet addiction tests have also gained popularity. In 2005, Dr. Keith W. Beard published an article in which he proposed 8 characteristics that describe having an internet use disorder. If 5 or more of the traits describe the subject, they would be diagnosed with an internet addiction. The characteristics are:
- Is preoccupied with the internet (thinks about previous online activity or anticipates next online session).
- Needs to use the internet with increasing amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction.
- Has made unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop internet use.
- Has stayed online longer than originally intended.
- Is restless, moody, depressed, or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop internet use.
- Has jeopardized or risked the loss of a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of the internet.
- Has lied to family members, therapists, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with the internet.
- Uses the internet as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood (e.g. feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression).
