Sexting and online sex 
addiction are still the most common form of Internet addiction. The widespread availability of sexual content online has given rise to a nearly 60% of new cases of online sex addiction from mobile use. New problems related to Internet infidelity and online affairs have also emerged as a sub-type of Internet abuse leading to new trends in divorce and marital separation. Finally, addictions to video games and online role-playing games are the fastest growing forms of Internet addiction, especially in China, Taiwan, and Korea. For more information, read more on the Internet Addiction Sub types.
Internet Gaming Disorder is an addiction to online video games, role-playing games, or any interactive gaming environment available through the Internet. Online games such “Grand Theft Auto”, “World of Warcraft”, the “Dark Age of Camelot”, or “Diablo II” – dubbed “heroin ware” by some players – can pose much more complex problems. Extensive chat features give such games a social aspect missing from offline activities, and the collaborative/competitive nature of working with or against other players can make it hard to take a break. For immediate help, please download:
- Internet Infidelity and Online Affairs – Individuals who suffer from an addiction to chat rooms, social networking, or texting become over-involved in online relationships or may engage in virtual adultery. Screen addiction results in online friends who quickly become more important to the individual at the expense of real life relationships with family and friends often leading to divorce, separation, or family instability.
- Video Games and Gaming Addiction – Anyone who has experienced it knows all too well – video game addiction is real. Although gaming addiction is not yet officially recognized as a diagnosable disorder by the American Medical Association, there is increasing evidence that people of all ages, especially teens and pre-teens, are facing very real, sometimes severe consequences associated with compulsive use of video and computer games. Video games are becoming increasingly complex, detailed, and compelling to a growing international audience of players. With better graphics, more realistic characters, and greater strategic challenges, it’s not surprising that some teens would rather play the latest video game than hang out with friends, play sports, or even watch television. Of course, all gamers are not screen addicts – many teens can play video games a few hours a week, successfully balancing school activities, grades, friends, and family obligations. But for some, gaming has become an uncontrollable compulsion. Studies estimate that 10 percent to 15 percent of gamers exhibit signs that meet the World Health Organization’s criteria for addiction. Just like gambling and other compulsive behaviors, teens can become so enthralled in the fantasy world of gaming that they neglect their family, friends, work, and school.
- Net Compulsions – Screen Addiction can be generalized compulsive behavior to Internet gambling, shopping, or eBay. These focus on winning and often cause financial problems, relationship problems, and work-related problems among addicts. Gamblers will be mesmerized as they play slot machines, craps, blackjack and roulette on tablets and phones. Millions of Americans play various gambling games on the Internet, even though the businesses are typically illegal, unregulated, and offer no consumer protections. An estimated 1,700 offshore sites accept these bets, with the annual market estimated at $4 to $6 billion. Beyond the regulatory issues, gambling addiction is often called the “hidden illness” because there are no obvious physical signs or symptoms like there are in drug or alcohol addiction. Problem gamblers typically deny or minimize the problem. They also go to great lengths to hide their gambling. For example, problem gamblers often withdraw from their loved ones, sneak around, and lie about where they’ve been and what they’ve been up to. The same can be said for compulsive shoppers and problemm eBayers.
- Information Overload – The wealth of data available has created a new type of compulsive behavior regarding excessive Internet and database searches. Screen addiction in this case results in spending greater amounts of time searching and collecting data from the web and organizing information. Obsessive compulsive tendencies and reduced work productivity are associated with this behavior.
INTERNET ADDICTION 