Ask yourself the following questions, which are the official criteria of Addictive Internet Behavior (Adapted from the DSM-IV, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition)
Do you:
1) feel preoccupied with the Internet (i.e., thinking about the Internet when offline)?
2) feel a need to use the Internet with increasing amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction?
3) have an inability to control your Internet use?
4) feel restless or irritable when attempting to cut down to stop Internet use?
5) use the Internet as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a poor mood (i.e., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression)?
6) lie to family members or friends to conceal the extent of involvement with the Internet?
7) jeopardize or risk the loss of significant relationship, job, educational or career opportunity because of the Internet?
8) after spending an excessive amount of money on online fees, often return another day?
9) go through withdrawal when offline (e.g., increased depression, anxiety, etc.)?
10) stay online longer than originally intended?
Individuals who have met four or more of the criteria over the past 12 month period, would be classified as dependent.
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