"Computer addiction": A critical consideration

Problems related to intemperate Internet use are examined within the concep tual framework of addiction. If is argued that empirical support for the co nstruct validity of computer addiction has yet to emerge, that defining the construct as a unique psychiatric disorder is therefore premature, and tha t, in most cases, excessive computer use may be symptomatic of other, more primary disorders. Greater caution and rigor are urged in investigating and treating problems related to intemperate computer use.