Internet Addiction: A Review of the Literature

Research on Intemet Addiction is reviewed, comparing and evaluating studies conceming problematic Intemet usage. In the introduction, some background on the uses of the Intemet are presented to include communication, research, gambling, and gaming. The diagnosis of an addiction pathology is analyzed to include the various definitions, symptoms, and assessments. Next the prevalence of Intemet Addiction is discussed based on the research studies around the world along with, a discussion about how these rates vary depending on the definition used. The activities most frequently cited as the focus of addicted individuals\u27 attention are presented. The next section discusses the characteristics of people who are identified as addicted according to gender, personality features, and social impacts. Finally, discussion of the application of pathology to Internet use is presented with reconmendations for future research