Internet addiction is described as an impulse control disorder, which does not involve use of an intoxicating drug and is very similar to pathological gambling.

 

While time spent online can be hugely productive, compulsive Internet use can interfere with daily life, work, and relationships. When you feel more comfortable with your online friends than your real ones, or you can’t stop yourself from playing games or compulsively checking your smartphone or other mobile device—even when it has negative consequences in your life—then you may be using the Internet too much.

 

 

 

-What are the effects?

 

Internet addiction results in personal, family, academic, financial, and occupational problems that are characteristic of other addictions.

 

 

-What are the symptoms?

 

An addiction to the Internet is manifested in both physical and emotional symptoms:

 

-Emotional: Feelings of guilt,Depression,Anxiety,Agitation

 

-Physical: Headaches ,Disturbances in sleep ,Blurred or strained vision