Internet

Addiction

Answer These Questions:

O

1. Do you feel preoccupied with the Internet (think about previous online activity or anticipate next online session)? 2. Do you feel the need to use the Internet with increasing amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction? 3. Have you repeatedly made unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop Internet use? 4. Do you feel restless, moody, depressed, or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop Internet use? 5. Do you stay online longer than originally intended? 6. Have you jeopardized or risked the loss of significant relationship, job, educational or career opportunity because of the Internet? 7. Have you lied to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with the Internet? 8. Do you use the Internet as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression)?

O O O O

Description
O If you answered yes to five of the previous questions, you

could be diagnosed with internet addiction. O Internet addiction has recently originated and studied by Dr. Kimberly Young who defines this as any onlinerelated, compulsive behavior which interferes with normal living and causes severe stress on family, friends, loved ones, and one's work environment. O Like for any addiction, the behavior dominants ones life O The Internet becomes the organizing principle of addicts' lives.

Types Of Internet Addiction

O Cybersex/Cyber porn
O Most common form

O Online affairs
O Chat rooms and instant messaging

O Online gambling
O Teens are most at risk here

O Role playing games

O Online video games

Is it that serious?
Students:
O Students who may have internet addiction may be affected in

a number of the following ways:

O Poor grades O Academic probation O Expulsion O Physical impairment O Relationship and occupational problems O Impulsivity control issues

Is it that serious?
Educators:
O Because of the rise in internet addiction, educators need to be

more aware of the problems some of their students may be facing:

O Teachers will come across students with issues and problems that

are beyond their control O Students with this addiction will need much more than the traditional extra help O Because of this, teachers may need to incorporate instruction on internet addiction to raise awareness among their classroom and school wide. O Will have to become aware of potential warning signs

Activity For 5th-8th Graders

O Teacher will have a brief discussion on what

addiction is. Students put their input as well. O In groups, students will discuss the role of the Internet in their lives (school and home) O They will then discuss the pros and cons of using the internet O Students will then be provided the question Can someone be addicted to the internet?
O Groups will come up and share their suggestions O Teach will wrap up with what research has shown

about internet addiction, leaving the students ponder these two words for themselves.

Activity For 7th-9th Graders

O Have students fill out chart with questions that ask:

how often do you check your email?, do you feel anxious when you are away from the computer?, do you feel happy when you get on the computer?, etc. O Students will answer these questions and write if they think it is a problem or not. They will then share their answers with others in the class O Class discussion on the students responses and how they felt. O Leads into a teacher led discussion on internet addiction

Activity For 9th-12th Graders

O Given students have some background

knowledge in addiction and other addictive behaviors:

O Students will be paired up. One student will

research internet addiction and the other will research another addiction (drug, alcohol, etc.) O The students will share their findings and analyze the similar aspects found among the two. O Students will present their analysis

Useful Links
O http://www.helpforinternetaddictions.com/
O Online addiction and treatment services

O http://www.virtual-addiction.com/
O Offers services, articles, and videos

Resources
O Caldwell, C. D., & Cunningham, T. J. (2010).

Internet addiction and students: Implications for school counselors. Retrieved from http://counselingoutfitters.com/vistas/vistas10 /Article_61.pdf O The Center for Internet Addiction Recovery. Netaddiction.com. The Center for Internet Addiction, 2010.