Many people equate gaming addiction with Internet addiction, and sometimes they are in fact one and the same. Many of the games teens get "hooked" on are played online, but there are many non-gamers who are in jeopardy of developing an addiction to the Internet as well.
Internet addiction is defined as "an uncontrollable use of the Internet, including distress, functional impairment, and psychiatric disorders." Teens who are addicted often want to spend all of their free time online. And why not? The Internet has some unique characteristics that make overuse and addiction more likely than many adults realize.
First, the Internet is a very stimulating place. Most Web pages are brightly colored and include music or even video, especially the sites that are built specifically to attract teenagers. There's no end to the exciting sights and sounds that can be experienced online.
The anonymity of the Internet can also be a strong attractor. Teens feel less inhibited, and free to do and say things they normally wouldn't. They can create any kind of identity they want, even one that's the complete antithesis of their real personality. Though they might initially feel an incredible amount of freedom, it's not uncommon for teens to later express regret over things they've said or done online.
Another draw is the Internet is readily accessible; one click and you're online. A teen is never more than a few seconds away from his "alter ego" or fantasy life. And it's there waiting for him 24 hours a day.
Social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook pose the greatest risk for Internet addiction, especially for teens that are more socially awkward and have a hard time making friends. The Internet can become a place where a teen is accepted and can be exactly the kind of person he wants to be. In healthy doses, this can be a fun pastime. Some positive online experiences can actually build a teen's self-esteem and confidence. It becomes a problem, however, when online friends begin taking priority over real-life friends and family.
Several studies have linked Internet addiction and depression in teenagers. Though there's debate as to which comes first, the depression or the addiction, there's general agreement that they feed off each other. A depressed teen may spend more time online as a way to escape, but the increased Internet usage makes him feel isolated, which in turn makes him feel more depressed. Because he's more depressed, he spends more time online trying to hide from his emotions, and the cycle continues.
There are many symptoms of Internet addiction. Some of the more tell-tale warning signs are: lack of interest in other activities, withdrawing from friends and/or family, and poor sleep patterns. Read "Teen Symptoms of Internet Addiction" at Video-Game-Addiction.org for a detailed description of the signs.
If you suspect that a teenager has or is developing an Internet addiction, talk to them about it and get them some help. If left untreated, an Internet addiction can have serious detrimental effects on a young person's emotional, mental, and physical health.