Modification in the proposed diagnostic criteria for internet addiction

The Internet is a new technology that has impacted the world and provided m any benefits to its users. At the same time the Internet has had negative r amifications. Some people are becoming preoccupied with the Internet, are u nable to control their use, and are jeopardizing employment and relationshi ps. The concept of "Internet addiction" has been proposed as an explanation for uncontrollable, damaging use of this technology. Symptoms of excessive Internet use are compared to the criteria used to diagnose other addiction s. In particular, pathological gambling is compared to problematic Internet use because of overlapping criteria. This article suggests some modificati ons to the diagnostic criteria that has been commonly proposed for Internet addiction.