How Do You Recognize An Internet Addiction?
Kimberly Young, a top authority on Internet addiction, estimates that as much as 5 to 10 percent of the American population exhibits unhealthy behavior in cyberspace. Online addiction takes various forms ranging from uncontrollable consumption of cyberporn to binge shopping on eBay. Only when you can recognize the signs of Internet addiction can you save yourself or a loved one from destructive behavior related to online activity. Look for signs of social withdrawal. If you or a loved one begins to turn down social invitations in favor of using the Internet, this is an early sign of addiction. Internet addiction causes significant relationship problems because the addict prefers spending time in front of the computer over enjoying activities with friends and family. Monitor the amount of time spent at the computer. Internet addicts often leave the computer for only a few minutes a day to go to the restroom or grab a snack . Severe addicts will often lose sleep, neglect household chores
