Industry: Internet Addiction

4% of Americans Could Have Internet Addiction

A recent Stanford University School of Medicine study appears in the October issue of CNS Spectrums: The International Journal of Neuropsychiatric Medicine, and lead author Elias Aboujaoude, MD, said it is the first large-scale, random-sample epidemiological study ever performed on the subject of Internet addiction.

Among the study’s notable findings:

•Nearly 14 percent of participants—or roughly 1 out of 8—said they find it difficult to remain away from the Web for days at a time.
•More than 12 percent often or very often stay online for longer than they intend.
•More than 12 percent have felt some urge to cut down on Web surfing.
•Almost 9 percent have at some point tried to hide their surfing habits from family, friends or others.
•More than 8 percent have attempted to escape some problem or concern in their life via the Internet.
•Just under 6 percent said personal relationships were hampered by their excessive Web surfing.

Aboujaoude compared the effects of some Web users’ compulsive surfing, posting and networking habits to those of substance abuse and impulse control disorders, and said an increasing number of Americans are seeking medical attention from doctors or others to address concerns over their Internet use, according to the release.

via BusinessWire