Can you really be addicted to the internet?

[geoff01]

Chinese scientists have observed differences in the brains of people who obsessively use the internet similar to those found in people who have substance addictions. Is this proof that the internet can be addictive?

Several reports today suggest that a study of the brains of people who excessively use the internet show abnormalities similar to those found in people with substance addictions could be proof that the internet has similar addictive qualities to drugs, alcohol or tobacco. The Independent's report here is the most extensive. It says:

Internet addiction has for the first time been linked with changes in the brain similar to those seen in people addicted to alcohol, cocaine and cannabis. In a groundbreaking study, researchers used MRI scanners to reveal abnormalities in the brains of adolescents who spent many hours on the internet, to the detriment of their social and personal lives. The finding could throw light on other behavioural problems and lead to the development of new approaches to treatment, researchers said. An estimated 5 to 10 per cent of internet users are thought to be addicted – meaning they are unable to control their use. The majority are games players who become so absorbed in the activity they go without food or drink for long periods and their education, work and relationships suffer.

But is there really such a thing as internet addiction?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/r...nternet-health

[edwarddevis]

Yes it is true in many sense, we observe a change in behavior of kids when they spent more then 2 hours on internet, they spend most of the time chatting with friends or play games. It is the big problem faced which is taking shape and we should be keep an eye on our kids, so as to find out, if they are involved in such kind of addiction.

[NameNick]

I think, Internet is the new information world, where are it's own low and traditions, where some people feel better then somewhere else. We can have relationships in Internet, we can have job in Internet. I think, it is our second life. Nobody says that you have addiction from life.

[Cupidz]

I've been lived with internet for the last 4 years, 24/7 a day , so Internet is my breath

[WModel]

No doubt you can be addicted to the internet. Just like any other addiction it provides an escape from the real world. I know for one I would struggle to live without it let alone make a living!

[Synthetic]

Im not sure that i have an addiction. I really don't like too much social networks, forums etc. but im feeling more happy in internet than out . Here i always can found someone to talk or here i can always find something interesting to read etc. Internet is good place, but i think real life is better

[Offshore Anon Solutions]

I'm not addicted to internet.
But it is a workplace for me.

[NameNick]

Originally Posted by brianw

How can you not be addicted to it if it's your entertainment, education, work, gaming, news etc. I don't watch TV, nor read paper books, nor newspapers, nor do many other real world things, for everithting i can find here - faster, better and most of times - for free. So yeah, i am a proud internet addict

Exactly!
Internet is a new life where we can do anything we want.

[John Crosby]

I think everything depends on the person... but now in this morden world it's really become a problem for many people.. especialy it's very bad for children..

[NameNick]

Originally Posted by John Crosby

especialy it's very bad for children..

Including this content "only for adults", where cild can just choose a birthday date which he want to enter a site.