Computer addiction was noticed in 1973 in some people. The addiction is a mental illness which causes the excessive use of computers to the extent of it interfering with daily life. Its excessive use may also explain problems in social interaction, personality, mood, work ethic and relationships.
Computer addiction is the excessive use of computers to the extent that it interferes with daily life. Excessive use may explain problems in social interaction, mood, personality, work ethic, relationships, thought processes, or sleep deprivation.
Neither computer addiction, Internet addiction, nor video game addiction are clinically described in the DSM 5, the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Some people develop bad habits in their computer use that cause them significant problems in their lives. The types of behavior and negative consequences are similar to those of known addictive disorders.
Not all people who spend hours each day on the computer are considered addicted. There are many uses for computers and the internet and in many cases, an individual may spend 6 or more hours in a day on the computer but still not be considered an addict. Each individual situation is different and therefore, there is no set number of hours that is (or is not) considered a potential for computer addiction.
Effects and Causes of Computer Addiction:
EFFECTS
Excessive computer use may result in, or occur with:
• Lack of face to face social interaction.
• Using the computer for pleasure, gratification, or relief from stress.
• Feeling irritable and out of control or depressed when not using it.
• Spending increasing amounts of time and money on hardware, software, magazines, and computer-related activities.
• Neglecting work, school, or family obligations.
• Lying about the amount of time spent on computer activities.
• Risking loss of career goals, educational objectives,