Listening 3 – Listen for specific words

Internet addiction was first recognized in 1996 by Dr. Kimberley Young. Her debut paper on the was entitled “Internet Addiction: The Emergence of a New Disorder” and was presented at the American Psychological Association’s annual in Toronto. Since those early days, there has been a mountain of further research, as internet addiction has taken more of a grip than even Dr. Young might have .

So, what are the signs or symptoms of internet addiction? You might think that it would be difficult to reliance on the internet (which most of us would probably admit to) from internet addiction. This is true to some degree, but there are actually several clear that indicate a bona fide addiction.

These an urge to increase the percentage of your day spent online over time, and an inability to curtail the amount of time you spend online, despite concerted . You could be addicted to the internet if you feel restless, agitated and anxious if you are offline – or if you lie to people close to you about the of time you spend online.

Perhaps the most worrying sign of addiction is using the internet to mask of depression, guilt, anxiety or hopelessness. Some internet addicts even reach the of neglecting real-life relationships and responsibilities due to their online involvement. When compulsive internet use begins to with daily life, it’s time to seek help.

There are a range of treatment options, especially for teens, who represent the age group suffering from internet addiction. Some programs involve disconnecting completely and spending a long period of time in the wilderness away from . Other treatment options include individual, group and family therapy, offline recreation and expression and even, interestingly, equine therapy! In Korea, young internet addicts have been encouraged to take up horseback riding to help guide them away from the lures of the online .

Studies have shown that Korea is a hotbed of internet addiction in children, with 680,000 young addicts between the ages of 10 and 19 – and equine therapy has proven in creating a new, healthier passion. According to a doctor of child psychiatry at Samsung Medical Centre, the fact that riding and caring for horses involves both a physical activity and an connection with a living being makes it especially effective in overcoming internet addiction.

Professionals generally agree that internet use and setting healthy boundaries is better than abstaining from it entirely. The internet should enhance real life, not it. A few ways to limit your screen time include turning off instant notifications from email and social media, calling or friends rather than interacting online, and setting (and sticking to!) time limits for your internet usage.