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The Types of Internet Addiction

There are many different types of addiction out there, and Internet addiction is no exception. Being addicted to the Internet is not an uncommon problem, with how large a part of everyday life it is, and readily available for anyone who has a dial-up, DSL, broadband, or Wi-Fi connection.

  1. Obtrusive Web Surfing Addiction

    • Obtrusive web surfing addiction is when a person is addicted to surfing the web and unable to comfortably leave the computer to do other activities. This addicted person will sit in front of the computer for hours searching website after website looking for nothing in particular. When the person does leave the computer, he feels anxious, depressed, and has a need to get back to it as soon as he can. The person has trouble completing everyday tasks because the Internet takes up so much of their time.

    Cyber Sexual Addiction

    • We see sex everywhere from magazine ads to television, and even through our home computers. With the Internet available to anyone with a connection, sex is also readily available with just a few clicks of a mouse. Meeting someone online and partaking in cybersex with that person can be addictive. It can be done in private without anyone knowing who or where you are. Cybersex allows you to be anyone you want to be without the embarrassment of someone you know personally finding out your deepest fantasies.

    Internet Dating Addiction

    • Internet dating has turned into an addiction over the years. What better place to meet someone and date them without the fear of rejection. Internet dating, also known as the shortcut to love, sells itself since everyone is looking for love and what easier way to find it than with just a few clicks of the mouse. There are hundreds of dating sites online to post your picture and what you're looking for in a potential mate, or to search other profiles to find one that may be compatible with you. Those who are addicted to online dating will sit in front of the computer for hours searching profile after profile hoping to find that special one.

    Internet Gambling Addiction

    • Internet gambling addiction has become more popular among all age groups. This form of gambling allows for easy wagers, no traveling is required, and is available right in your living room or home office. Virtual casinos are now more popular than real world casinos due to their location: your computer screen, PDA, or cell phone, which makes for some easy money-making and losing. Internet gambling sites are designed for all ages, young and old. For the younger gamblers, children's games are designed to lure teenagers to their websites to make their bets.

    Social Networking Addiction

    • Websites like Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace are addictive. You're constantly checking updates from your online friends or posting new updates of what you're doing at the moment. These sites are time-consuming and are accessible from any computer or cell phone--only inches from your fingertips at all times. The need for online friends and to know what they are doing, as well as keeping others informed of your goings-on, has become an addiction within all age groups. Many addicts check their messages every chance they get and some even lose sleep over such sites trying to keep up with online friends.

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