What Is Addiction?

A condition that results when a person ingests a substance (e.g., alcohol, cocaine, nicotine) or engages in an activity (e.g., gambling, sex, shopping, social media/technology) that can be pleasurable but the continued use/act of which becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary life responsibilities, such as work, relationships, or health. Users may not be aware that their behavior is out of control and causing problems for themselves and others.

Are You Addicted to the Internet? (or substitute “Texting”)

1. Do you feel absorbed in the internet (remember previous online activity, or long for the next session)?

2. Do you feel satisfied with internet use if you increase your amount of online time?

3. Have you failed to reduce, control, or give up internet use repeatedly?

4. Do you feel nervous, temperamental, depressed, or sensitive when trying to reduce or give up internet use?

5. Do you stay online longer than originally intended?

6. Have you taken the risk of losing a significant relationship, job, educational or career opportunity because of the internet?

7. Have you lied to your family members, therapist or others to hide the truth of your involvement with the internet?

8. Do you use the internet as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving an anxious mood, e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression?

You are an internet addict if you answered “yes” to questions 1-5 and to at least one of the remaining questions.

Extracted from the presentation The Great Disconnect: MegaHERTZ to MegaHURTS by Michael Wolff and Bradley Bridges.