Computer Addiction: Definition, Symptoms, Causes, and Effects

Unplugging the Web: Understanding and Addressing Computer Addiction

Computer addiction can be defined as the excessive or compulsive use of the computer, persisting despite serious negative consequences for personal, social, or occupational function. The addiction involves online and/or offline computer usage and consists of at least three subtypes: excessive gaming, sexual preoccupations, and e-mail/text messaging.

Offline and Online Computer Addiction

The concept of computer addiction is broadly divided into two types: offline and online computer addiction. The term “offline computer addiction” is generally used when referring to excessive gaming behavior, which can occur both offline and online. Online computer addiction, also known as Internet addiction, garners more attention in scientific research than offline computer addiction, primarily because most cases of computer addiction are related to excessive Internet use.

Symptoms

The symptoms of computer addiction include:

• Being drawn to the computer upon waking up and before going to bed.
• Replacing old hobbies with excessive computer use, making the computer one’s primary source of entertainment and procrastination.
• Lacking physical exercise and/or outdoor exposure due to constant computer use, which may contribute to health problems such as obesity.

Causes and Effects

Researchers link internet/computer addiction with existing mental health issues, notably depression. Studies have shown that the majority of those meeting the criteria for internet/computer addiction experience interpersonal difficulties and stress. Individuals addicted to online games specifically express a desire to avoid reality.

There are numerous consequences resulting from computer addiction. For example, excessive computer use may lead to a lack of face-to-face social interaction. It may also result in Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), a condition characterized by headaches, blurred vision, neck pain, fatigue, eye strain, dry eyes, irritated eyes, double vision, vertigo, or dizziness.