The solution, as explained in recent articles, is a digital detox in which a person deliberately sets aside their cell phone and social media accounts for a set period of time. Many people begin the experience with one week, such as celebrity musician John Mayer, who praised the concept to his fans last year after finishing his own seven-day unplugged period.

Digital detox destinations are also increasing, with a focus on relaxation, physical activity and even storytelling as a way to connect with others in a non-technological setting. The results can have strong benefits both mentally and physically. Many employers are also recognizing the consequences of employees who are too plugged in and are becoming distracted and overly stressed on their jobs by constantly managing social media and smartphones.

In March, a two-day period is designated as National Day of Unplugging, reflecting what experts call a trend for people to seek a release from their technology and a reestablishment of more simple types of communication. The symptoms of high stress, periods of panic and similar disorders may be connected to the constant stimulation provided by technological devices, with some people remaining in "alert" mode for up to 12 hours a day. A planned digital detox can help break the adrenaline-based cycle.

Even children are seeing the consequences of too much technology, with some children viewing an estimated eight hours per day of media or entertainment in technological format. Experts recommend that parents set aside time each day to truly disconnect from their devices and focus on their children to help their levels of safety and security, which can have lifelong effects.

A Chinese Study

A team of experts led by Hao Lei of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Wuhan set up a study to examine potential brain changes among those addicted to Internet use. Internet addiction is a genuine clinical disorder distinguished by uncontrolled use of the Internet. The team used specialized brain scanning to look for potential impact among 35 male and females between the ages of 14 and 21. Of the 35 whose brains were scanned, 17 were identified as suffering from Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD). The diagnosis was founded upon answers to a questionnaire which asked participants things such as: Have you made repeated but unsuccessful attempts to curb, control or even stop your use of the Internet?

The highly specialized brain scans used MRI to detect alterations in the brain’s white matter. White matter is the substance in the brain which contains nerve fibers. The scans indeed found changes in the white matter of the brain among those who were classified as an Internet addict as compared to those who were not addicted to the Web. The changes in white matter were evidence that connections in nerve fibers which link areas in the brain concerned with decision making, emotions and self-control were disrupted. Such changes suggest that IAD shares some of the same psychological and even neural mechanisms implicated in other impulse control disorders and addictions.

Reaction in London

Psychiatric experts in London report that findings similar to those made in the Internet addiction study have also been found when studying those addicted to video games. Both studies present demonstrable changes within the neural connections between areas of the brain and even in brain functionality. For this reason, British experts have told the BBC that the studies are breaking new ground in terms of understanding how addictions impact the brain.

Long-held Suspicions Now Confirmed

In fact, the two studies (Internet addiction and Video Gaming addiction) confirm what clinicians have long suspected: abnormalities of white matter in the orbito-frontal cortex and other highly significant areas of the brain are present not only in those addicted to substances but in those suffering from behavioral addictions as well.

Experts commenting upon the China study not only applaud its findings which confirm their clinical observations and suspicions, they suggested further studies with greater numbers of subjects. Such studies are expected to confirm what the China study and studies on video gaming addicts have demonstrated thus far – behavioral addictions change the brain in ways similar to changes experienced by substance abusers.

Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, stresses that children today are growing up where electrical outlets and batteries are almost essential to a child in their play world. Children spend more time interacting with a screen than playing make-believe in the woods behind their house. But this technological trend has come with consequences.

This trend has gone so far that psychiatrist Philip Tam believes that there should be a classified disorder to describe those who are addicted to the Internet and online games. Dr. Tam and other parents in Sydney, Australia believe that families need government support to help their children break free from what is being called "pathological internet misuse."

Parents Seek Help for Their Internet-Addicted Children

An increasing number of concerned parents have been seeking psychiatrists to help with their Internet-addicted children. Children from the ages of 10 to 13 were specifically cited as Internet abusers in a Sydney news report. One mother told a Sydney news reporter that her 13-year-old son became so addicted to a particular computer game that he reacted violently, punching and kicking things, when she tried to stop him from playing. He even skipped school many times so he could play the game.

Other parents claim that their children are so hooked on the computer that they have found their child sleeping on the keyboard the next morning. A member of Dr. Tam’s mental health team also mentions that Facebook is another media site that is an addiction with kids. She specifically mentions that girls are likely to become obsessed with it.

Officially Classifying ‘Pathological Internet Misuse’

Mental health specialists are hoping to officially classify this condition in the internationally used Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They would use the term "pathological internet misuse" to describe video game and Internet addiction.

The mental health specialists hope that this formal classification would lead the government to provide treatment programs. Families would have more support and more treatment options available to them.

A Website for Internet Addiction

Until Internet addiction is officially classified, Dr. Tam and his colleagues have created a website that would be helpful to families dealing with Internet addiction. The Network for Internet Investigation and Research (NIIRA) will be a forum where Internet addiction can be discussed and debated, and helpful information can be shared. Dr. Tam and his team of experts believe that as the world of play drastically changes for children, the world of mental health treatment must make changes to keep up with it.

Four out of every five parents are very concerned about the likelihood that their child is addicted to social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, according to a recent article in PC Advisor. That means 80 percent of all parents share this concern over the time their children are spending involved with social networking sites.

Recent research conducted by an internet charity showed that one third of all parents worry about the dangers of the web and how it impacts their children. Over 60 percent of those parents share stories claiming the web is financed by organizations that have a financial interest in the Internet. One in three of those asked believe the Internet can actually "rewire" your brain, even though there aren’t yet any scientific theories to prove this.

A Director with the Nominet Trust, Annika Small, recently told The Telegraph that they believe the Internet is a positive thing for socializing and that people who spread inflated fears about it are the ones who may stifle the benefits of the very people who need it most.

Small hopes to see debate that is based on precise research done within the group doing the policy making. She hopes the scare tactics being shared with parents will cease and instead hopes the focus will remain on the true effects these technologies are having on adolescent’s brains, as well as their attitudes and behaviors.

Online addictions remain controversial among researchers, but a recent study brings to light that when online time becomes excessive it has the potential to physically rewire the brain. Surface-level brain matter can shrink with extensive online use. And, in some situations, a craving for the Internet can spin out of control and become addictive.

This study from Scientific American shows that unlike substance addictions, Behavioral addictions such as shopping, food and the Internet are still touchy with researchers focused on medicine and the brain. In fact Gambling is the only behavioral addiction that is addressed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Asian children appear to be ahead of us in Internet addiction as approximately 24 million children are labeled as Internet addicts. This equates to about 14 percent of urban youth in China, whereas the urban youth Internet addiction rate in the U.S. is in the range of 5 to 10 percent, according to study co-authors and neuroscientists from the Xidian University in China, Kai Yuan and Wei Ain.

According to results found in a study examining youth who spent 10 or more hours online a day, the brain matter shrunk in some small regions of the brain up to 20 percent in an individual. The longer the duration of the addiction; the higher the level of tissue reduction. More research is needed to examine the effect of Internet addiction on the brain, but current data suggests that an addiction to online play can have a lasting impact.

Back in 2007 there was a push to include video game addiction in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is essentially the Bible when it comes to classifying mental disorders. The request was rejected due to lack of evidence, and critics claim that these compulsions are no different than watching five hours of television a night. They suggest that there is an underlying condition at the root of the compulsion – perhaps boredom or stress relief?

Researcher Sara Kiesler, PhD of Carnegie Mellon University says there is no research available yet confirming that the problems of Internet usage are not related to other underlying conditions such as loneliness or compulsive gambling. Still, other researchers contend that these individuals might not engage in these types of behaviors had the Internet not provided them with the motive and opportunity to do so. Founder of the Center of Internet Studies, David Greefield, PhD says that the Internet presents a paradox – it helps us form social connections but also fosters seclusion and solidarity.

Greenfield’s research has shown, however, that "problem" Internet users exhibit similar symptoms to those suffering from other addictions. He surveyed over 18,000 Internet users and discovered that nearly 6 percent had met the criteria for compulsive Internet use such as spending hours online without a break, feeling out of control, and hiding the true amount and context of Internet use from others.

Internet addiction has gained popularity partly because people can be anyone they want to be. The Internet provides a false sense of security and anonymity. It also provides an escape from reality, which only adds to its allure and universal appeal.

Recently the Internet has become abuzz with conversation swirling around the term Internet addiction disorder (IAD). Not to be confused with addiction, IAD describes when Internet use becomes problematic to the point of interfering with daily life. What exactly constitutes IAD is also a subject of controversy. Critics argue that original research on the subject was mainly based on exploratory surveys. Exploratory research, while insightful, does not prove a cause-effect relationship, and is therefore purely theory.

For now, it appears that experts will continue to debate over whether or not Internet addiction is actually a legitimate problem. In the meantime, those who believe they may have a problem with Internet use should seek out the help of a professional to rule out any underlying concerns that might be contributing to the issue.

How Facebook Works

Facebook is the most widely used social media site in the world with approximately 350,000,000 users. Its format allows site members to post profiles about themselves including hometown, education, employment, relationship status, likes and dislikes, photos, videos and links to other resources on the Internet. Membership is free.

Each member has a Facebook “page” which is managed by the member by posting information, photos, videos and links. Members also respond to comments left on their “walls” which is a feature on which other members can write messages and a thread of dialogue can be created about each message. Comments on a member’s “wall” can be written text, photos, videos or other links, but also the “like” or “dislike” feature can be quickly hit to register a response to any posting without having to comment or do more than click on these 2 choices.

Members become “friends” with other members by receiving an invitation to do so or by extending an invitation to others to become friends. On each members “page” there is a list of that member’s friends and one may go to these other members’ pages to obtain some information about who the friends are. There are security settings which can be used to limit who may browse a page, but typically one may see at least some identifying information and photos about another member’s friends.

The site tallies the number of friends had by each member and this is displayed prominently on each member’s page.

Members post their “status” which is a statement disseminated to their friends for viewing. The “status” can include text, photos, videos or links to online resources and can be updated at any time. When a member posts a new “status”, other members who are “friends” receive notice that the status has changed. Notice occurs on the site and can be received offsite as well through cellphone and electronic devices by email or other messaging service.

Facebookalso provides an onsite chat service in which members can communicate in ‘real time’ by typing dialogue back and forth to one another. These chats can only occur between 2 people at a time and their content is private, available only to those involved. There is an “available for chat” feature which displays which “friends” are online and so can be invited to “chat” privately. Members can ‘multi-task’ by leaving the chat to do other activities on the site or elsewhere online. When dialogue has been entered by another member, a signal is given to attract the multi-tasking member back to the chat. It is possible to maintain multiple chats simultaneously.

Special interest pages or ‘groups’ are also available on Facebook. These are organized by topics of interest or, in the case of fan pages, by celebrity. By joining these groups, individuals may find others onsite with similar interests.

Facebook can also be used to announce events and ‘invite’ others to attend. The names of those who accept or decline invitations are posted.

Reinforcement of Members’ Vulnerabilities and Potential Risks

The features of Facebook allow individuals access to certain activities and information that can trigger addictive and other problematic behavior. The following is a list of some of the triggers that the site’s use may provide if one is vulnerable to the development of problematic behaviors in general or addiction more specifically. Vulnerabilities in difficulties with relationships, intimacy, self-worth, self-esteem and mood are just a few areas in which site members may develop problems. Other already existing problems that can be exacerbated with use are sexual and relationship compulsivity, codependency, mood and impulse problems and characteristics of personality disorders.

The site’s features give access to the following which may increase the risk of problematic behaviors and consequences for some. This is not an exhaustive list but is intended to highlight some of the potential areas of risk. The use of Facebook and similar social media sites create opportunities for:

·Increased and unlimited interactions with others

·Impulsive or fantasy-based and contrived self-disclosure

·Fantasy-based or contrived self-profiling and access to the same of others

·High risk disclosure of personal information

·Dissemination of information about others

·Provocation of others, targeting by others

·Indirect contact with others through 3^rd parties or generalized postings

·Opportunities for developing ‘relationships’

·Opportunities for soliciting or being solicited for sexually compulsive behavior

·Vulnerability to exploitation emotionally, psychologically, sexually, financially, etc.

·Avoidance of real-life problems and relationships

The nature of self-disclosure on the site can create vulnerability in several ways.   ‘Facebook stalking’ is a commonly used phrase meant to describe the tendency of many to review information about other members to keep abreast of their activities and relationships. Such behavior may target an individual over a long period of time in order to gain information to be used to control, dominate or harm. Victims of domestic violence, for example, can be monitored by the abuser or the abuser’s friends and family members. Other types of victimization have occurred such as robberies when members have disclosed their locations and planned absences over time or actual stalking.

Those prone to over-involvement with others may be especially vulnerable on social sites to becoming preoccupied with other members, monitoring their behavior and compulsively contacting them for interaction. Such negative consequences as reinforced fantasies about others, behavior based on fantasy or delusion, conflict, quick involvement and rejection or ‘public’ humiliation may result.

Those who batter and engage in abusive, controlling or other criminal behaviors may violate legal sanctions such as restraining orders and conditions of probation and parole by participating on such sites.

The use of social media sites becomes similar to other addictive disorders when certain conditions exist such as:

·Obsession or preoccupation with the site and its use

·Compulsive behavior regarding the use of the site

·A tolerance builds for longer and more frequent use in order to feel good from the use

·There is a sense of discomfort or distress when not using the site

·Important areas of one’s life are neglected because of use

·There are negative consequences in areas of one’s life because of use such as mental, emotional, social, family and occupational realms of functioning

·There is continued use of the site despite negative consequences of using it

Co-occurring Conditions and Problematic Use

Individuals who are socially isolated such as those with certain Personality Disorders, Anxiety Disorders or Depressive Disorders may become more isolated when focusing upon online interactions. They may neglect available in person interactions and available supports as well as opportunities to learn coping skills that will help them develop actual relationships and support systems.

Those who have Psychotic Disorders, Schizophrenia or other conditions in which contact with reality may be compromised at times may find symptoms increase when using social media due to the element of fantasy involved and the lack of contact with people in natural settings. Exposure on social sites can exacerbate the sense of vulnerability and paranoia may increase.

People who have sexual addictions, relationship addictions or codependency issues may find themselves involved with others who support the negative behaviors and dynamics associated with these conditions.

Individuals with poor impulse control such as those with Bipolar Disorder or Borderline Personality Disorder may find themselves more stimulated by the social contact with many people and act out impulsively and with decreased social judgment on social media sites.

Other co-occurring conditions which might complicate the use of social media sites are Substance Disorders, Sexual Disorders such as Paraphilia or Impulse Control Disorders. Online interactions can lead to disinhibited behavior and relapse of behaviors associated with these disorders.

Individuals who have developed problems related to the use of Facebook and other social media sites may seek help from mental health providers familiar with compulsivity and addictive behaviors. Individual and group counseling to address obsessions, compulsive behavior and the resulting negative consequences of both are beneficial. Some consequences of addictive social site use such as marital and other relationship issues may require couples’ counseling or family counseling. Education about the problematic use of social sites, triggers and reinforcers of problematic behavior on these sites and the management of co-occurring disorders may also be required. For some, the problems associated with use of Facebook and similar sites will indicate the presence of an undiagnosed or untreated mental health condition which can be identified in a mental health evaluation and consultation.

According to Professor Susan Moeller who led research on a study called “24 Hours: Unplugged,” technology has completely altered social relationships. The study was first conducted at the University of Maryland in April 2010. Today’s “Net Generation” as they are called, feel lost and cut off from their family and friends when asked to separate themselves from technology. Many even reported not only psychological, but also physical withdrawal symptoms, similar to those experienced by drug addicts.

“Unplugged” was conducted to see what would happen if students were disconnected from technology for just one day. It first originated at the University of Maryland when roughly 200 students were asked to refrain from cell phones, the Internet, all social networking sites, and even television and radio while they participated in the experiment. However, they were allowed to read books and make phone calls from landlines. The project is part of a global partnership and has also been conducted across Europe, Asia, as well as parts of North and South America.

As part of the study, students were asked to document their thoughts. Results of the study showed that the physical symptoms were very much like those experienced by someone who abruptly quits smoking. And, across the globe, the words used to describe their reactions were undeniably similar. Some of the words used to describe the experience were lonely, irritable, panicked, anxious, restless, depressed, dependent, crazy, jittery and paranoid.

In fact, most couldn’t even make it the full 24 hours without access to media. Only 21 percent of students reported seeing anything positive come from the time they spent “unplugged,” such as deeper conversations. Many reported being addicted, and nearly 80 percent said they experienced considerable mental, emotional and physical stress when faced with being cut off from their gadgets.

The study has shown that the majority of students aren’t able to function without access to media and communication online. Professor Susan Moeller says that the youth of today have spent all of their lives being “plugged in,” and that technology is the foundation for their social relationships. A related study by the consumer electronics website Retrevo also showed just how obsessed people have become with social media websites.

Retrevo polled 1000 Americans and discovered that almost half admitted to updating their Facebook or Twitter status during the night or first thing in the morning upon waking. About 28 percent of iPhone users confessed to checking these sites before they even got out of bed. It’s no wonder then, that those participating in the “Unplugged” research had a hard time abstaining for 24 hours. Like it or not, this technology has become a part of our lives. As one student puts it, giving up media essentially means giving up family and friends.

Many of us use the Internet a great deal, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we are addicted. So, how do you know if you’re an addict? Common behaviors of Internet addicts include: 1) passing hours online without rest, 2) choosing the companionship of your PC over that of people, 3) becoming increasingly more anti-social – even isolating family and friends 4) lying about time spent browsing the net, 5) masking what you view, and 6) ignoring other aspects of your life such as work or school.

Internet addiction is not unlike any other addiction in that users may seek it as a means of avoiding problems in their lives. Recent studies show that, similar to other addictions, Internet abusers experience a high from using, develop a dependency on it, and some even experience symptoms of withdrawal when it is taken away. Researchers have coined this new epidemic Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD).

A study conducted by Stanford University in 2006 revealed that those exhibiting typical behavior associated with Internet abuse were as high as one in eight. Internet addiction has gained popularity partly because people can be anyone they want to be. The Internet provides a false sense of security and anonymity. It also provides an escape from reality, which only adds to its allure and universal appeal.

Just because Internet abuse is legal, doesn’t mean it’s safe or healthy. Many couples have gotten divorced because of Internet addiction. Families have been torn apart. People have lost their jobs. The stronghold of Internet addiction is not to be ignored.

The news is full of sad stories of Internet addiction. In 2000, Michael Ian Campbell, a Florida teenager issued a virtual threat to a sophomore at Columbine High, threatening to complete the evil scheme that began there. The two met in a chat room online, and Campbell blames his behavior on an Internet addiction. In 2007, a Nevada couple was accused and sentenced to twelve years in jail for neglecting their children because of Internet gaming. The couple even neglected properly feeding their children.

Treating an Internet addiction can be tricky. Finding a doctor who acknowledges and can successfully treat the disorder could prove challenging. Some doctors have found that cognitive behavioral therapy works best because people who use the Internet in excess do so for differing reasons. Therefore, drilling down the root cause in each case is important for treatment. Regardless, experts agree that if Internet use interferes with daily life, it should be examined. A key step in recovery is simply acknowledging the problem. Further research on the subject is necessary and will hopefully yield new treatment programs in the future.
 

It’s unclear what role Tobias’s addiction to the online game played in the death, but addiction experts say the problem is just as serious as any substance abuse problem. Although online gaming addiction isn’t recognized as a disorder by the American Psychiatric Association as a disorder, gambling addiction is expected to be included in the next version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and the American Medical Association has called for more research on online gaming.

Liz Woolley founded On-Line Gamers Anonymous a year after her 20-year-old son committed suicide after his addiction to the role-playing game EverQuest led to his eviction and the loss of his job. The 12-step program’s message boards provide support to at least 800 people per day.

Many people become addicted to online games because they are isolated and reaching out for interaction via the Internet. Most of the problematic games cannot be “beaten” or “won,” and involve actions that keep people coming back. Woolley said that most of the members can’t quit on their own.

Another treatment options for those in need is the reSTART Internet Addiction Recovery Program, an inpatient treatment facility in Fall City, Washington. Executive director Hilarie Cash said that most patients come to treatment with addictions to large-scale online role-playing games such as World of Warcraft or Second Life. Games like FarmVille, where players tend to virtual crops and build a farm, are being added to the list.

Source: Jacksonville.com, Kate Howard, Online addiction no game, experts warn, October 30, 2010