What Is Internet Addiction Disorder Criteria
Any mode of communication involves an attempt of making connection with human beings. Internet creates an analog of real life experience in relationships. However, empirical evidences have shown that many times internet has disengaged from general communication processes. Given the popularity and attraction of the internet, its psychosocial factors contribute to rigid interpersonal formations. However, the Internet itself is a neutral device, which was originally created for military and academic use.
Over the years, the social dimension of internet has taken a vicious turn towards addiction. Anonymity, loss of boundaries has led to accelerated intimacy among the users of internet. The way people uses internet has changed drastically. Internet is such a powerful tool that if used properly can give enormous success. Otherwise, it can be used as a tool of moral hazard. However, measures are galore for a more user-friendly performance everyday. To be reckoned as a person having an internet disorder he or she needs to be affirmed of the criteria that are suggested by The American Psychiatric Association.
Three or more criteria have to be present all the time for a period of twelve months in order to confirm internet addiction. If they are present, then the person is medically declared addicted. There are some typical associations, which are inevitable with the internet. Intolerance is the first and basic symptoms, which has surfaced among the victims. This phase is marked by increase in the number of hours spent surfing. The victims have known to report that the satisfaction comes much later. Therefore, they continue surfing the internet unnecessarily for long hours.
They are known to experience lowering of satisfaction level if spent same amount of time they used to. Usually after this tolerance phase the problem starts. Victims often try to reduce internet usage but are met with harsh withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms grow within days to months of reducing usage. The negative symptoms affect ones social, personal as well as occupational spheres of life. The victims start to feel frustrated and alternatively use fantasizing about the ongoing activities and info updates on the internet.
Trembling, tremors and other similar symptoms are a part of internet addiction. In order to ease the discomfort level, the victim may start using internet again. Some other symptoms have been found which indicates disorder criteria. The victim may start using internet again to escape the withdrawal symptoms. Many a time, the subject uses the internet for long hours unintentionally. This is also a major disorder criterion. Important meetings both social and professional are not attended because of addiction to internet.
Just because of the internet itself, the subject of internet addiction is slowly but gradually drifting away from his/her responsibilities. Recent research has come up with new criteria as well. While downsizing the consumption of internet services, the subjects have shown signs of restlessness, irritability and a lack of patience. Internet is used as a solution to escape one's responsibilities, depression etc. The user hides his/hers usage pattern of internet from their family members. This is also a fatal criterion of the disorder. The final and the most unconstructive form of addiction come when the user pays excessive fees to access internet.