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Internet addiction: debating the diagnosis
- Authors:
- CZINCZ Jennifer, HECHANOVA Regina
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Technology in Human Services, 27(4), October 2009, pp.257-272.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
While the internet has revolutionised the process of information-gathering and communication in society, there has been mounting concern in the literature as to the effect of the medium on the individual. A question that is receiving significant attention from the public, mental health professionals, researchers and educators is whether it is possible to develop a diagnosable addiction to the internet. This report reviews this controversy in detail through an analysis of the existing research on Problematic Internet Use (PIU). It includes proposed definitional criteria for PIU, explanatory theories of the manifestation of PIU, measures of PIU, and groups with a higher vulnerability of developing PIU. The report concludes that, irrespective of whether PIU is labelled an addiction, it appears to be an existing and expanding problem worldwide. The report also identifies gaps in the literature, areas for future research, and implications for human service agencies and treatment providers.