On the Net

Citation

Wynder, N. (1999), "On the Net", Internet Research, Vol. 9 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/intr.1999.17209eab.001

On the Net

Keywords: Internet, addicts, Young people

A recent study, shows that many more people consider themselves addicted to aspects of the Internet than most are aware of.

The study, conducted in the USA with a survey base of just under 400 people, indicates that Internet addiction in the workplace, colleges and universities is a growing problem and is seriously affecting the people concerned.

More than half admitted that they were addicted to online chat or multi-user "dungeons" (MUDs), while the rest admitted addiction to newsgroups, emails and surfing the Web. Just over half those surveyed stated that their addiction had severely affected their occupation or study, with a third saying it had a moderate affect on their lives.

While making an impact on the work and academic lives of the addicted, addicts who access the Internet from home find they may neglect their spouses, their residences, their responsibilities and, indeed, themselves.

Internet addiction has, until recently, been dismissed as a non-medical condition, but the increase in the numbers and severity of those affected has given the affliction a name: Internet addiction disorder, or IAD.

Many affected use the Internet as a release from real life, whether it be problematic or simply just not as exciting as being online. Some find themselves lying about the amount of time they spend online, or concealing their usage of the Internet from colleagues. To many, it is very much like a drug, and routines such as chores, exercising, eating and sleeping can all suffer greatly from the uninterrupted focus on talking or interacting online. In several cases, the problem is not just psychological but also financial, with large telephone bills being run up while the user whiles away the hours online.

As this problem becomes more mainstream, more people will become aware of it and, hopefully, be self-restrained when it comes to spending more time online than they would prefer. Those most at danger, of course are the young, who are a growing user-base for the Internet both at home and in education, and are likely to be the most impressionable when it comes to finding online interaction exciting and enjoyable.

Awareness is the key and, every day, another case of severe addiction makes a number of people aware of the dangers. Not everyone will become addicted, but all should be aware of their use, or misuse, of the Internet to be sure that it does not affect the rest of their normal, lives.

Internet Editor Noel Wynder is currently undertaking research on Internet addiction, specifically based around online chat. If you think you could be of assistance, could contribute in any way or simply wish to comment, please e-mail nwynder@irdc.com