Internet Addiction on the Decline?

Submitted by Mark Berman Mon 07/04/2011

Share on Tumblr

A new study suggests that Internet addiction could be on the decline, among college students, anyway.

Researchers at the Seattle Children's Research Institute questioned more than 200 college students at two universities.

They found that 4% of the students scored high enough on the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) to indicate that they have an occasional problem or an addiction to the Internet.

However, it should be pointed out that the website PsychCentral.com claims "the Internet Addiction Test is not considered a well-validated psychological instrument."

Either way, the 4% figure is lower than previous studies that said 6% to 10% of the population is addicted to the Internet.

“Given the Internet is woven into the fabric of the lives of this generation of children, concerns about the potential for addiction are warranted and today’s college students are clearly at risk, given the considerable exposure that they have to the Internet,” said lead researcher Dr. Dimitri A. Christakis.

The researchers said universities should consider creating programs to deal with Internet addiction, as well as preventing it in the first place.

The study, titled “Problematic Internet Usage in U.S. College Students: A Pilot Study,” was published online in BMC Medicine.

Try our self tests for:

: Call to Speak to a Specialist

Call 877-425-7312 any time to discuss treatment options if you or a loved one has a problem with addiction.

Treatment Center State and City Search

Select a state from the list below to begin your search for a treatment center that is right for you.

Support Groups

SupportGroups.com

For individuals, friends and families who are looking to connect during life's challenging times. Share personal experiences, evaluate information and get support during times of need, illness, treatment or recovery.

Online Support Groups

The information provided on MyAddiction.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her health professional. This information is solely for informational and educational purposes. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Neither the owners or employees of MyAddiction.com nor the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading this site. Always speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Please see our Legal Statement for further information.