2 Internet and Social Media/Technology Addiction
Learning Objectives
- Identify and describe Video and Internet Addiction (gaming, social media, etc) and behavioral addiction and corresponding symptoms.
- Explain the us of treatment strategies for behavioral addictions.
- Utilize and research SAMHSA Guidelines for identification and treatment of behavioral addictions.
- Utilize DSM – 5 TR for diagnosis and research of criterion to treat behavioral addictions.
Internet/Social Media Addiction
Problematic internet use or Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) is characterized by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges, or behaviors regarding internet use that lead to impairment or distress. Societal issues related to excessive internet usage has created a crisis among adolescents and young adults. Due to increased use of the internet over the last 15 years, the onset of COVID and isolation, and our society’s continual usage of social media and smart phones, internet addiction is increasing and causing problematic behavioral addiction as a result. Media, job searches, social institutions, even families are using social media for information, connection, and fast updates that otherwise, would not be as easy. While information sharing has greatly increased accessibility of knowledge and human connection, it has also caused an increase in disruption of normal levels of dopamine in our brains. The need for constant validation, attention, and stimulation has increased rates of addiction to technology over the last few decades. Negative affects of excessive internet usage has been linked to attention bias in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, depression, disrupted sleeping patterns, body weight issues, aggressiveness, and other use of addictive substances (Nuñez & Almeida, 2021).
While internet addiction is not currently included in the DSM – V, there are proposed internet addiction criterion that researchers are considering for inclusion into the next edition of the DSM-V:
- Excessive Internet use, often associated with a loss of sense of time or a neglect of basic drives
- Withdrawal, including feelings of anger, tension, and or depression when the computer is inaccessable
- Tolerance, including the need for better computer equipment, more software, or more hours of use; and
- Adverse consequences, including arguments, lying, poor work or school performance, social isolation, and fatigue.
Additionally, the DSM – V does recognize Internet Gaming as an area warranting more necessary research.
Internet Gaming Disorder
Internet Gaming Disorder is listed in Section III of the DSM-5, which covers conditions requiring further research. This inclusion indicates that while it is not yet an officially recognized disorder, it is acknowledged as an area warranting more study. The criteria for Internet Gaming Disorder are similar to those for other addictive behaviors and include:
- Preoccupation with Internet Games
- The individual is preoccupied with playing internet games, leading to significant distress or impairment.
- Withdrawal Symptoms
- Symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, or sadness when internet gaming is taken away.
- Tolerance
- The need to spend increasing amounts of time engaged in internet games.
- Unsuccessful Attempts to Control Participation
- Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control the amount of time spent playing internet games.
- Loss of Interest in Other Activities
- Loss of interest in previous hobbies and entertainment as a result of, and with the exception of, internet games.
- Continued Excessive Use Despite Problems
- Continued use despite knowledge of persistent or recurrent problems caused or exacerbated by internet games.
- Deceiving Family Members, Therapists, or Others
- Deceiving others regarding the amount of gaming.
- Use of Internet Games to Escape or Relieve a Negative Mood
- Using internet games as a way of relieving negative moods, such as feelings of helplessness, guilt, or anxiety.
- Jeopardizing or Losing a Significant Relationship, Job, or Educational/Career Opportunity
- Jeopardizing or losing significant relationships, jobs, or educational or career opportunities because of participation in internet games.
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CRITICAL THINKING
Critical Thinking Exercises
Brainstorm a list of things you did to cope with the isolation from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Did you increase your substance use?
- How important is social connection in your life?
- Did technology help?
- Do you think it’s possible to become addicted to social media? Why?
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Key Takeaways
- Internet Addiction Disorder is on the rise, and has caused a disruption in functioning, increased anxiety, depression, and sleep disruption.
- While not in the DSM IV currently, Internet Gaming Disorder is currently being researched to understand long term impacts of prolonged dependency on internet gaming.
- Behavioral addictions cause the same misfiring of chemicals in the brain that disrupt the brain’s reward system, creating addiction and a constant need to attain the same levels of dopamine as someone using cocaine or heroin.
References
Cash H, Rae CD, Steel AH, Winkler A. Internet Addiction: A Brief Summary of Research and Practice. Curr Psychiatry Rev. 2012 Nov;8(4):292-298. doi: 10.2174/157340012803520513. PMID: 23125561; PMCID: PMC3480687.
Marin MG, Nuñez X, de Almeida RMM. Internet Addiction and Attention in Adolescents: A Systematic Review. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2021 Apr;24(4):237-249. doi: 10.1089/cyber.2019.0698. Epub 2020 Oct 28. PMID: 33121255.
