Understanding and Treating Internet Addiction in College Students

Addiction is regarded by most individuals as a serious condition, typically involving addictions like alcohol consumption, illegal drug use or gambling. However, it is important to realize that other more everyday items and activities can also be habit forming and ultimately addictive. For many college students, the internet is a helpful tool for education and a fun outlet for communicating with friends.

For others, it is an addictive activity that simply cannot be lived without. Although using the internet regularly is not a sign of addiction, this guide will detail the other signs of internet addiction, why it is so rampant on college campuses and what can be done to treat the addiction.

internet addiction

What is Internet Addiction?

It is important not to confuse frequent internet use with internet addiction. Having an actual addiction to the internet means that even going an hour or two without an internet connection causes withdraw symptoms or feelings of loneliness. To be considered an internet addict, you would need to have internet access at all times on a computer, tablet or mobile phone.

Signs of Internet Addiction

It can be difficult to pinpoint signs of internet addiction in college students, since it so frequently used as a means of communication, education and entertainment. If a person prefers to spend time on the computer than with friends on a regular basis, that might be a sign of internet addiction. Other signs include things like missing classes or meals to spend time on the computer, lack of sleep due to late nights online or waking up in the middle of the night in order to check emails, message and chat room updates. Lights on from computers or mobile devices can even disrupt sleep for many internet addicts.

Internet Addiction on College Campuses

The demographic that is most likely to suffer from internet addiction are college age students. This generation has been raised with the internet from an early age, and most rely on technological advances to do everything from take notes in class to communicate with friends. College students have also recently left behind friends and family, and those who have a difficult time transitioning to dormitory life might rely far too heavily on the internet for companionship, ultimately leading to addiction.

Treating Internet Addiction

Because internet addiction is such a recent development, few people are qualified to deal with the issue in college students. However, there are ways that students can help themselves or others who seem to be addicted to the internet. Since so many people turn to the internet as a means of communication, become more social or encourage an internet addict to get outside, make friends and join some kind of organization. Creating real life networks is a great way to wean off internet usage, making it a healthy habit instead of an addictive one.

By understanding more about the occurrence and causes of internet addiction in college students, you might be able to recognize the symptoms in others or perhaps even yourself.

Now its your turn

Are you addicted to internet ?

Jeremy Clark is an accountant and content contributor comparing accelerated online mba programs for those who want to study from home.

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Amy Nielson is a freelance blogger. You can follow her on Twitter @NielsonAmy

32 Responses to “Understanding and Treating Internet Addiction in College Students”

  1. Heath

    Mar 12. 2012

    I almost got addicted to it a few years ago, but I managed to break the habit by going through a vacation.

    I went somewhere I don’t need the internet and I then realized that I really don’t need all the benefits of the web. Now, I only go online when I need it.

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  2. Nishadha

    Mar 12. 2012

    Totally agree that this is becoming a big problem. I think educational institutes have a big role in solving this problem by giving educating students of the consequences of this and also by giving alternatives to browsing the Internet.

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  3. Prakash

    Mar 12. 2012

    addiction of internet and mainly to college students, is at the top position I think…..don’t know it’s wrong or right………..

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    • TechCrates

      Mar 12. 2012

      yes it is ….

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  4. Smith

    Mar 13. 2012

    Hello ,
    I am Smith Cruz .
    It’s true the college student are totally
    addicted for internet like alcohol or any other addiction . But this thing is also true that the internet is medium on which all the information related to any topic is available easily and you can grow your knowledge with the help of internet .

    Thanks
    Regards
    Smith Cruz .

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    • TechCrates

      Mar 13. 2012

      Yep you’re right .. Thanks for your comment

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  5. Nila

    Mar 13. 2012

    Yes, internet addiction is becoming a problem in this modern times. Thank you for the insight. I hope this could help those struggling with this kind of addiction.

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    • TechCrates

      Mar 13. 2012

      Thanks for stopping by and commenting !

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  6. Webeveron

    Mar 13. 2012

    Addiction has really become a big problem, it needs to be solved methodically before it eats into our social values

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  7. John

    Mar 14. 2012

    Many times, Internet addicted people like to spend more time on internet and in result the are get addicted. Internet addiction is directly affects on brain and after that it can also started showing number of health issues. So, be aware of it and try to avoid spending unnecessary time on Internet.

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  8. Peter

    Mar 14. 2012

    I think internet addiction is not only limited to college students. Everyone who uses the internet is at risk of getting addicted. An internet addict tends to get moody pretty quick if there’s no internet connection and will suffer from a number of withdrawal symptoms. Personally, I try to spend less time online each day, not only to stay away from becoming an addict but also it’s good for personal health.

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    • TechCrates

      Mar 14. 2012

      Very true … Thanks for your comment !

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  9. Puneet

    Mar 14. 2012

    Internet addiction is bad for health but its good if you want to make money online. I am also a web addict but I am enjoying this addiction.

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    • TechCrates

      Mar 14. 2012

      You’re right .. but one cannot ignore the health problems caused due to this addiction !

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  10. Isabel

    Mar 15. 2012

    I believe internet addiction is not only a problem among college students but also among highschools. I know some highschool students who stopped their schooling because of this. Creating real life networks could be of great help for this young people.

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  11. puneet

    Mar 15. 2012

    Yes You are right. Hey Admin. Why Don’t you use your name instead of “admin”. It will look nice. 🙂

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    • TechCrates

      Mar 15. 2012

      Thanks for the suggestion…will think over it

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  12. Paul

    Mar 16. 2012

    Gud tutorial, i learnt alot. Keep it up

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  13. CollegeofContent

    Mar 17. 2012

    The internet can be quite addictive, especially when you are a single person , with no children and have never been married. One good thing about the world wide web is that if you think big and see the bigger picture in terms of how it can work for you, you can start your own business online, and work slowly toward accomplishing your online goals. From there, you’ll have a legitimate reason to be addicted to the internet, because you’ll be potentially making money online everyday!

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    • TechCrates

      Mar 17. 2012

      I agree but one also need to take care of his health !

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  14. Nicholle

    Mar 20. 2012

    Internet is truly addictive especially those high school and college students. Many parents nowadays are suffering regarding with this addiction. Anyway, I learn a lot and thanks!

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    • TechCrates

      Mar 20. 2012

      Thanks for your comment …

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  15. Cristina

    Mar 22. 2012

    I’m not in college but i am a freelancer and bulk of my work is online. I need to check my email all the time in case one of my employers sent me a message and I need to make sure that my work is always up to date. I don’t think I’m an addict though because I really don’t want anything to do with the net when I’m not working. I think that’s the advantage of working online all the time, you kinda get sick of it haha

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  16. glenda

    Mar 23. 2012

    I always use internet everyday I spend almost 18 hrs. of using it.but way back on my student\’s life I spend 4 hrs of it,I used it as a reference on my assignments.but now some students using it for some brainless reasons.

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  17. Brain

    Mar 27. 2012

    Internet addiction is very dangerous for students. Many students use internet for social networking, watching videos or playing games. It is not good to use internet more than some limits because it may effects on mind. This is really great topic about addiction so that every one can thinking about this topic.

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  18. Ben

    Apr 16. 2012

    I read your postand I think I am Addicted. What I should do ? 🙁

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    • TechCrates

      Apr 16. 2012

      Read on …there are tips for treatment too !

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  19. Sahl

    Apr 24. 2012

    would it be called addicted if i have a passion related to the internet, eg blogging.

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    • TechCrates

      Apr 24. 2012

      that’s an exception …

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  20. Rashmi

    Apr 26. 2012

    Internet addiction is becoming a very serious problem, especially with students and younger kids. Parents should be careful about it and don’t allow children to become addicted only because when they are on the computer, children make no noise..

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  21. Rahul

    May 18. 2012

    i also got addicted to internet in the beginning and spent many of my whole nights just in surfing. but now i’m an improved person.

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