I nternet has reached the age of majority, and its use is so widespread that we would be hard to imagine life without him, since many of the actions we do through the network would be unthinkable, or very complicated without it. But as is often the case when a new technology come new concerns about the negative consequences that may result from its use. Internet could not be less, and proliferate in recent years calls attention to its enormous addictive. It is possible that we spend many more hours than necessary slicing through virtual seas, chatting, repeatedly referring to our e-mail or checking if there are developments in web pages or blog to follow. But could we dare to say that the Internet causes addiction?
Without doubt this is a controversial issue among experts, even the opportunity to discuss this addiction be included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV). Perhaps the fundamental problem is to determine whether excessive Internet use fits the definition of addiction and that is where questions begin to emerge, as some experts are more like a compulsive behavior.
The compulsion is based on the principles of dependency, need and desire, and is more directed at reducing the anxiety that obtaining pleasure, ie it is negatively reinforced. In contrast, addiction occurs both components related to the reduction of anxiety or pain as pleasure seeking. Ie mingle both impulsive and compulsive, and negative and positive reinforcements.
Another difference between compulsion and addiction has to do with physical changes, especially the brain, generated by the second. Thus, individuals with drug addiction are not able to quit their addiction without experiencing consequences of these brain changes such as gastrointestinal disturbances, changes in blood pressure, or interruptions in the normal functioning of memory, attention or decision decisions.
On the other hand, one can argue against the consideration of Internet abuse as an addiction that is only a means of communication through any some people satisfy their addiction to sex, gambling or shopping, but not an addiction in itself.
For now, Internet addiction does not exist as such in DSM IV, nor sex addiction, although it is likely that the accumulation of empirical evidence lead to their inclusion in the DSM V, and we can talk about real addiction. Meanwhile, more and more often meet people who show a lack of control over their abusive behavior despite the destructive consequences that their behavior can have for your family or professional life. Aware that excessive use should be a first step, regardless of whether it is an addictive or compulsive disorder, make a more rational use of internet.
Some warning signs.
Do you check your e-mail constantly, even when you wake up in the morning before going to the bathroom?
Have you stopped going out with your friends or set aside any social commitment to spend more time online?
Do your friends or relatives complain about the time you spend online?
Do you prefer to use the Internet to sleep?
Do you feel that you spend too much time online? Would you
goats if someone or something interferes with your time spent surfing the web?
Do you prefer the network to the real world?
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