It’s from all the news they are reading online. Whenever I happen to come across a Times or a Daily Mail article, I too become depressed.

Drum roll….spotlight snaps on…Dr Moore walks to the front of the stage….This is known as ‘Internet addiction disorder’ (surprisingly enough!). While it hasn’t as yet made it into the Mental Health Professional’s Handbook (the bible of officially recognised psychological disorders) it has been formally recognized as a disorder by the American Psychological Association. It recognises that some individuals overuse or have problematic use of electronic mail and the World Wide Web (by problematic use I don’t mean they cant open email attachments or find google on the web!). It refers to individuals whose reliance on the internet results in other dysfunctional consequences – such as interfering with their social life, eating or sleeping habits, school work, or job-related tasks at work. Its hardly surprising or unsual in the respect that we can become addicted to almost anything. So just as an individual addicted to shopping may feel a “rush” or pleasurable change in mood from the series of actions related to a spending spree—driving to the mall, going into one’s favorite store, the power of using a credit card, the feeling of ownership and achievement of coming home with bags of clothes etc.— the person with an Internet addiction may feel a similar “rush” from logging onto their computer, checking their email/social network site and going to their favorite web sites looking for updates. Its all based on the same principle of reinforcement and that we repeat behaviours that reward us (either materialistically, psychologically or by the fact that it allows us to avoid negativity). So for example why do some people shop when they are already high in debt? Because the cat of shopping temporarily suggests that they aren’t poor and in financial difficulty. So checking your social network profile at work might run the risk of you getting into trouble with the boss but if you get more emails/friend invites it massages your ego by suggesting you are highly popular and sought after!

The depression probably stems from the fact that you are aware of the addiction and the disruption it is causing to your life but you lack the ability/skills to stop! Knowing you cant stop doesnt do much for your ego or self-esteem! so it becomes quite perverse – the short term buzz actually has long term negative consequences. Its a viscious circle …… if you need advice or you think someone might benefit from some advice I would suggest you contact the American Psychological Asociation ( http://www.apa.org) or the British Psychology Society (www.bps.org.uk) if you are this side of the pond….ok lecture over …stand easy….