Internet addiction, also known as Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD), refers to a behavioral pattern of excessive dependence on Internet use and an inability to control oneself. This test is a free online test of the IAD self-measurement scale. It is a commonly used self-measurement scale that can help you initially evaluate whether you have Internet addiction tendencies. Please note that this is a self-assessment tool only and if you have concerns about your condition it is best to consult a professional for assessment and advice.
Internet Addiction refers to a psychological disorder caused by excessive dependence on the Internet and the inability to control oneself. It is similar to other forms of addiction, such as drug addiction or gambling addiction, but here it is an addiction to the Internet.
Internet addiction can manifest as long-term and frequent use of the Internet and the inability to control one’s desire and behavior online. People may be addicted to internet activities such as social media, online gaming, video streaming, online shopping, etc. This addiction can have a negative impact on an individual’s life, studies, work, and relationships.
Some common internet addiction symptoms include:
- Loss of control: Unable to control the time and frequency of online surfing, and difficult to stop or reduce online behavior.
- Addiction: Having a strong desire and desire for online behavior, putting it before other important activities.
- Withdrawal symptoms: When unable to access the Internet, physical and psychological symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and depression may occur.
- Tolerance: Needing longer and longer periods of time online to get the same sense of satisfaction.
- Social isolation: Reduced interpersonal contact with the real world and more investment in the virtual world.
- Losing touch with reality: Being addicted to the virtual world and ignoring the responsibilities and obligations in real life.
- Negative Effects: Internet addiction can have a negative impact on an individual’s mental health, academics, work performance, and relationships.
For those who think they may be suffering from internet addiction, it is important to seek appropriate support and help. Counselors, psychiatrists and other professional organizations can provide support in assessing and treating internet addiction. They can help individuals control their Internet use behavior and restore a healthy life balance through psychotherapy, behavioral therapy and moderate medication.
Internet Addiction VS Internet Dependence
| Internet Addiction | Internet Dependence | |
|---|---|---|
| Impact on real life | Seriously affecting life, in addition to eating and sleeping necessary to maintain life, time and energy are spent online | As soon as you have free time, you want to go online, but you can still maintain a normal social life. |
| Interpersonal communication | No interpersonal communication in real life, self-isolation | Normal communication with people around you |
| Emotional expression | Emotional indifference, no verbal communication with family and friends | Normal emotional expression, with a fixed social circle |
| Thinking consciousness | Depend on the virtual world and hate reality | Be able to distinguish the difference between virtual and reality |
| Psychological illness | There are psychological symptoms such as depression, autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and paranoia in varying degrees | No psychological illness |
| Brain Control Elements | 5HT, the element in the brain that controls emotions and state of mind, is imbalanced. | 5HT Balance |
