- Internet addiction is an impulse problem, similar to compulsive gambling or alcoholism. The computer user is compelled to go online for the majority of the day, even when it is inconvenient. The Center for Internet Addiction Recovery classifies five different types of addicts: those who can't stop going to relationship-type sites (love and social media), online gamers, offline gamers (play Solitaire and similar programs incessantly), sex addicts, and people who can never seem to get enough information (constantly typing in questions on search engines).
- Some Internet addicts can spend up to 24 consecutive hours scanning the Internet. Staring at a computer screen for that long without breaks is not healthy for the eyes. If you take a picture of a computer screen, dark waves are revealed. When an addict uses the Internet for too long those reflections, combined with the hard-to-read text, can cause eye strain. The user's eye sight can blur and weaken. This condition is called Computer Vision Syndrome.
- Problematic, impulsive Internet use can also cause physical issues with the hands and arms. Constant typing on Internet sites, search engines, and chat rooms can cause carpal tunnel syndrome (categorized as a Repetitive Strain Injury or RSI), which is a swelling of the tendons in the hands. Carpel tunnel can be very painful. In severe cases it can even lead to muscle failure and loss of use of the hand. The constant clicking of the mouse (or laptop keys) can also cause RSI of the fingers and thumbs. Poor posture while sitting at a computer can cause back problems.
- Because the compulsive Internet user spends hours inside, the lack of sunlight and contact with other people can cause depression and social disorders, according to psychiatrist Dr. Norman E. Rosenthal. Also, if someone spends the entire day indoors surfing the Internet, day after day, she will not have much face-to-face contact with other humans. It could make it difficult for her to relate and talk to real human beings in social settings.
- Like other addictions, problematic Internet use is considered to be a psychological problem, a compulsion, that requires therapy. There is one important difference between treating Internet addiction as compared to other compulsions, like alcoholism and gambling. It is unrealistic to expect the Internet addict to stop going online permanently---the Internet is a valuable resource for work and school. Instead, the patient is taught to use the Internet in moderation.
