Internet addiction is typically defined as a compulsive, uncontrollable need to use the Internet, to the point where Internet use interferes with and damages real-life relationships and responsibilities. Is online addiction the same as other addictions and should it be considered as seriously by those studying the human brain? Can compulsive behavior even be classified as an “addiction” in the same way that substance abuse disorders can? The psychiatric community continues to debate these and other questions, but the fact is that, regardless of definition, Internet addiction has significant, negative impacts on the lives of many people and families.

Dr. Kimberly Young, founder of The Center for Internet Addiction, was one of the first in the psychiatric community to conduct research on Internet addiction. Dr. Young first identified Internet addiction in the mid-90s, and presented her findings to the American Psychological Association in a 1996 paper entitled “Internet Addiction: The Emergence of a New Disorder.” Since then, Internet addiction has become a global problem, spreading to nations as diverse as Pakistan, Germany, and China, among others. Internet addiction has been classified as a legitimate mental illness.

Dr. Young, and others, such as Dr. David Greenfield, who founded the Center for Internet Studies, believe that the Internet acts on the brain like a psychoactive drug, causing addiction symptoms similar to those of physically addictive substances. Dr. Greenfield’s work with Internet addicts shows that those suffering from online addiction are likely to report feeling a lack of control over their Internet use, a sense of time distortion while using the Internet, and other symptoms of addiction. Addicts may feel an increased, though typically inaccurate, sense of intimacy with online friends and acquaintances, may use the Internet to cope with unpleasant emotions, and may use the Internet frequently and compulsively.

Internet addicts often find that relationships with family and friends suffer as a result of their compulsive behavior. Internet addiction, like other forms of addiction, damages marriages, partnerships, families and friendships. Internet addicts place Internet use before time with family and friends, and may feel like their real-life friends and relatives don’t really understand them the way their online friends do. Internet addicts, like alcoholics and others, feel guilty about spending time online, and try to hide it. Work suffers, and important chores go undone due to excessive Internet use. When the Internet addict is logged in, he or she may feel on top of the world, only to struggle with feelings of anxiety or depression when not online.