Is Internet Addiction Real?
Writer:
It’s a complicated question. A survey by Common Sense Media found that half of teens “feel” addicted to their phones. That was in 2016 — nearly a decade later, clinical experts, parents, and countless news and media outlets have expressed concerns about young people’s internet use.
Currently, internet addiction is not a clinical mental health diagnosis, but there is something to that sense of “feeling addicted” to being online. By getting curious about your internet habits, you can get a better handle on them and find a way to engage with the online world that feels healthy for you.
What does it mean to be “addicted” to the internet?
Internet addiction may not be in the DSM, but some mental health professionals think it will show up in future editions, reporting a rise in the number of teens who exhibit an addictive pattern in their internet use. Stanford University psychiatrist Anna Lembke, MD, told NPR that “addiction begins with intermittent-to-recreational use, then progresses into daily use, and then progresses into consequential use.”
Take TikTok, for example. Intermittent-to-recreational use can look like scrolling while you wait for the bus, or using it for something specific, like finding recipes, dances, or making videos with your friends. Then you might find yourself going on TikTok every day for no particular reason — not really paying attention, just scrolling for scrolling’s sake. Consequential use is when the amount of time you spend on the app has consequences in other parts of your life, like being late to school because you were up all night scrolling
The upsides to being online
David Anderson, PhD, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute says there is “a tendency right now within the zeitgeist to pathologize normal adolescent behavior,” and cautions parents against slapping the “addiction” label on kids who spend too much time online.
There’s a lot of fun to be had on the internet — normal teen stuff like shopping, meeting new people, finding music, and playing games that happen to take place online, because that’s the world we live in now.
If there’s something you’re into but don’t have friends who share your interest, the internet is a great place to find people who do. It’s also a great way to put yourself out there creatively, whether that’s writing fan fiction, sharing your latest art project, or making video essays about your favorite topics. They called it the world wide web for a reason, because it connects you to a world beyond the one immediately in front of you. A lot of people feel less alone because of connections they make online.
So, what’s the problem?
“Our brains are hardwired to like things that are novel and stimulating,” notes Matthew Cruger, PhD, a neuropsychologist at the Child Mind Institute. “And the phone captures that.”
Imagine you’re playing a slot machine: Statistically speaking, you’re almost always going to lose, but every now and then you get a win, so you keep playing. This is called “intermittent reinforcement.” Apps are designed similarly — most of what you see probably doesn’t interest you, but every now and then the algorithm gives you something engaging, so you keep scrolling.
So, the problem is when the phone functions less as a tool for connection and creativity, and more like a tiny slot machine that we can’t stop playing. This can look like spending more of your free time watching cake decorating videos than you do actually baking, or more time arguing with strangers in the comments section than hanging out with your IRL friends. It should come as no surprise, then, that research suggests that heavy internet or social media use can lead to anxiety and depression in teens.
How do I know if I have a problem?
Even though internet addiction isn’t a formal diagnosis, it’s still important to be real with yourself about your internet habits. Whether it’s social media or online gaming, if any of the below statements ring true for you, it might be time to start cutting back:
“I’m procrastinating or falling behind on schoolwork because of the time I spend online.”
“I often find myself automatically opening an app, logging on to a game, or scrolling without even realizing it.”
“I feel worse after spending time online but keep going back, anyway.”
“I’m prioritizing screen time over things like eating, sleeping, showering, or cleaning my room.”
“I’m spending more of my free time online than I am on my hobbies and loved ones.”
“I feel antsy, irritable, and weird if I go long periods without looking at my phone.”
If any of the above applies to you, and if setting your own limits for screen time hasn’t worked, it may be time to get help. Talk to a parent, therapist, or counselor about your concerns. With the right support, you can build better habits and have a healthier relationship with the internet.
