Computer Addiction.

“Excessive desire and subsequent use of the internet or the computer that results in negative consequences socially, financially, physically, emotionally or otherwise for the user. A preoccupation with computers can lead to problems with relationships, problems with productivity or problems with self-care and hygiene”.

Offline Computer Addiction: excessive gaming behavior, which can both be

practiced offline and online.  Online Computer Addiction: Commonly

known as Internet addiction.

How do people become addicted?

Many people turn to the Internet in order to manage unpleasant feelings such as stress, loneliness, depression, and anxiety.

Losing yourself online can temporarily make feelings such as loneliness, stress, anxiety, depression, and boredom evaporate into thin air.

Are you addicted?

Feeling an intense desire to go online, play a computer game, or socialize, being drawn by the computer as soon as you have a chance.

Spending time on the computer despite family functions taking place, special events, or other activities.

Replacing old hobbies with excessive use of the computer and using the computer as your primary source of entertainment and procrastination.

Performing actions on the computer that are outside the realm of what your original plans.

Lying to your family and friends about the activities that you perform while on the computer.

Having an emotional attachment to your computer.

Possessing anxious feelings when wanting to use the computer or knowing that time on the computer is limited.

Exhibiting mood swings or irritability when you are not allowed to spend as much time on the computer as you would like to or if your computer time is interrupted

Losing track of time while on the computer and spending more time on it than intended

Using the computer as a form of escapism from reality

Effects

Overspending on hardware, software or other computer items.

Loss of relationships.

Loss of a job due to a lack of productivity, giving up career goals in an effort to spend more time on the computer, lack of productivity on school assignment.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (pain and numbness in hands and wrists).

Dry eyes or strained vision.

Back aches and neck aches; severe headaches.

Sleep disturbances.

Pronounced weight gain or weight loss.

Treatments

Counseling and therapy  Group Support Changing Interests

References

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/internet_cybersex_addiction.htm

http://www.addictions.com/computer/