The international encyclopedia “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM-IV) has included an article about Internet addiction. The disease is described as the one that requires further research.
Psychologists say that Internet addiction is very similar in its symptoms to any other addiction. It causes emotional depression, difficulties with concentration, and apathy. A person suffering from excessive love of the Internet often prefers a computer rather than communicating with people. Sometimes Internet addiction may lead to a deadly outcome. Some time ago, a fan of the network in Taiwan died at his computer desk after spending 40 hours in front of the computer.
One of the first countries to have fully recognized Internet addiction disorder was Australia (measures against the new disease are being taken here at the level of the national health system). Local experts believe that the main risk group includes children, who get “hooked” on computer games.
