Internet AddictionMenia Florokapi & Dimitra Tsanaktsoglou

2nd Gymansium of XanthiXanthi, Greece

•What is Internet Addiction?•What are the warming signs of Internet Addiction?•What are the effects?•How can someone get help?

What is Internet Addiction? Internet Addiction: A disorder where one

spends a lot of time online usually without clear purpose.

Addicted people behave just like those who are addicted to gambling.

Addicted users may develop an emotional attachment to on-line friends and activities.

Addicted people live in a virtual world and can connect with real people only through the Internet.

This is a serious problem…

What are the warning signs of Internet Addiction

You stay on-line longer than you intended.Your friends in your life complain to you

about the amount of time you spend on-line.

You often form new relationships with on-line users.

You neglect household chores to spend more time on-line.

You prefer to be on-line than hang out with your friends.

Warning signs continuedYou find yourself anticipating when you will go on-line again.

You are afraid that life without the Internet would de boring , empty and joyless.

You lose sleep due to late-night log-ins.

You often try to reduce the amount of time you spent online with no result.

What are the effects?Internet addiction results in personal, family, and

school that people with other addictions have.Real life relationshiops are getting in trouble

because of excessive use of the Internet. People spend more time alone and do not prefer

the company of others.They cannot create real relationships.They create fancy online profiles to hide their

identity.Low-self esteem, among others, “help” this trend.

What happens when trying to quit?People experience withdrawal including: anger,

depression, relief, mood swings, anxiety, fear, irritability, sadness, loneliness, boredom, restlessness, procrastination, and upset stomach. 

Being addicted to the Internet can also cause physical discomfort or medical problems such as: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, dry eyes, backaches, severe headaches, eating irregularities, (such as skipping meals), failure to attend to personal hygiene, and sleep disturbance.

How can someone get help?If you think something is wrong talk to

people you trust and respect.Also talk to your parents and ask them to

seek professional help.As in most cases do not underestimate

anything!