Therapeutic Approaches for Internet Addiction

Abstract

The invention of the internet has brought us abundant information, convenience, connection, communication, and entertainment in the past five decades. While people enjoy using the Internet, it has also triggered negative effects. Heavy internet users become lost online, some are addicted to games and social media, and others to their smartphones and online shopping. The problem is that often the Internet addicts do not know they are addicted or, even if they do know, they do not take any therapeutic approaches to improve their conditions. Internet addiction can be detrimental to a person's mental and physical health. Since the symptoms of Internet addiction are varied and the consequences can be severe, it is essential to closely examine the treatments for Internet addiction. What approaches should people take if their family members, friends, relatives, students, or themselves are Internet addicted? In this chapter, the researcher attempts to revisit and update research on definitions, theories, models, causes, consequences, symptoms, and treatment of internet addiction.