Internet and computer addiction: “new age” disease of the 21st century

Abstract

SummaryThe aim of this paper is to give a brief overview of research and the newest theoretical considerations on internet addiction classification and treatment. Over the past years we have been increasingly facing the so-called "new age" disease of internet addiction as a serious problem affecting numerous people, especially the young population who has made social networks and other internet contents a modus vivendi. A literature search was conducted for the purpose of locating information on prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of internet and computer addiction. Certain researchers and psychiatrists believe that the excessive internet use is a symptom of other disorders, such as depression and anxiety, or impulse control disorder. However, over the past few years a consensus has been reached that this constellation of symptoms is actually an addiction disorder. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) has recently come up with a new definition, according to which addiction represents a chronic brain disorder. Consequently, the new American Classification of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) has introduced this form of addiction under the diagnostic category dubbed "cybernetic disorder". The field of internet addiction is advancing rapidly through its official recognition as a separate and distinct addiction disorder. Some individuals with internet addiction are at significant risk and merit professional care and treatment. There are several treatments available, but the primary prevention is the most effective intervention. Family practitioners and psychiatrists should be taught to screen their patients for this disorder.

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) among youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina — Scale and selected mechanisms

“…Classic signs of Internet addiction include: constant thinking about online activities, even in situations that are not adequate; psychosomatic symptoms in case of withdrawal -stopping using new media; increased tolerance -prolonged time of engaging in online activities without reasonable need; struggling with self-control when it comes to time spent in the Internet; lack of interests in things outside the network and limiting social interactions for the benefit of online activities; using Internet to forget about negative consequences in the real world; frequency of using media is kept secret from the loved ones (Medenica, Račić, & Joksimović, 2015).…”