According to an article in the Guardian Observer, Addiction to internet ‘is an illness’ (David Smith, Sunday March 23 2008). The story mentions research by Dr. Jerald Block and case studies from South Korea. Internet addiction has these components:
- Excessive use, often associated with a loss of sense of time or a neglect of basic drives;
- Withdrawal, including feelings of anger, tension and/or depression when the computer is inaccessible;
- The need for better computers, more software, or more hours of use;
- Negative repercussions, including arguments, lying, poor achievement, social isolation and fatigue.
Is blogging an addiction?