by Sandra Bore
The internet is an amazing place where people can access anything at any given time. We can research any topic imaginable, or socialize with virtually anyone, anywhere, whenever we choose. The internet can be an indispensable tool at school, work, or home. There is, however, a growing number of people for whom being on-line has become a replacement for "real" life. They are said to be suffering from Internet Addiction Disorder, or IAD. Being a relatively new term, IAD is not yet fully accepted as being a true disorder. The consequences for those suffering from IAD are, however, very real.
The term IAD was coined by New York psychiatrist Ivan K. Goldberg in 1995. Symptoms include, compulsive e-mail checking, loss of sleep, withdrawal from face to face interaction, anticipation of next on-line session, and agitation when deprived of on-line time. There have even been reports of people suffering from involuntary typing movements or dreams consisting of scrolling windows. The sheer magnitude of time that sufferers spend on-line has led to divorce, financial ruin, and failure at work or school. The most severe case of IAD known is that of Sandra Hacker of Cincinnati.
On June 16, 1997 police entered the home of Sandra Hacker after receiving a complaint from her ex-husband. There they found Sandra's three children - ages two, three, and five - locked in a room littered with broken glass, debris, and human feces. Apparently, being on-line had become so important to Sandra that she locked her children up so they would not disturb her. Police Sgt. Paul Neudigate, the first officer to arrive at the scene, was quoted as saying that Sandra's home "looked just like the homes of crack and heroin addicts." Sandra was placed under arrest and her children were taken into custody.Gong
Fortunately most cases of IAD are not as serious as Sandra's. However, as with a drug addiction, it is impossible to detect who has the potential for becoming an internet junkie. Though there is very little research done on the subject it seems that no one is immune to IAD. University campuses however, are believed to be a prime breeding ground for IAD, as most universities offer free internet access to their students.
Researchers are beginning to look into why the internet is so appealing and why so many people seem more attracted to "virtual" relationships than "real life" relationships. The eventual findings will undoubtedly be very interesting and will more than likely tell us a lot about ourselves. In the mean time there is help for those afflicted or who feel that they may be afflicted. Ironically, the best help there is at present exists on-line.
In summary it can be said that with more and more people getting connected IAD will most probably become a very common phenomenon. Hopefully present research will enable us to detect who are at risk for being afflicted with IAD, and maybe take steps to prevent the affliction. However, it is probably idealistic to hope that IAD can be fully prevented.