Internet addiction : a review of the research.

Abstract

Interest in internet addiction has grown over the decade. Internet addiction is broadly defined as the inability of individuals to control their internet use, resulting in marked distress and functional impairment in daily life. This review consolidates the relevant and latest academic investigation on internet addiction. The first section will give an overview of the definitions, terminology and assessment tools. The second section will consider the addictive potential of internet and possible etiology of internet addiction. The third section will focus on the psychiatric co-morbidity and the treatments available for internet addicts.