Signs & Symptoms of Computer & Internet/ Gaming Addiction

(3-4 yes responses suggest abuse; 5 or more suggest addiction)

• Increasing amounts of time spent on computer and internet activities

Possible.  But depends on their ability to budget their time.

• Failed attempts to control behavior

ADD, ADHD, other mental condition (a great many exist).

• Heightened sense of euphoria while involved in computer and internet activities

Oh my gosh!  They found something they LIKE that YOU don't!  How horrible for them!  It must be horrible knowing they found something that makes them HAPPY!  (See further below.)

• Craving more time on the computer and internet

Rather than addiction, escapism?

• Neglecting friends and family

Or, perhaps, their social circle of friends IS online.  And perhaps they preceive their family in a negative manner.  Oh, but a bad family is the fault of the computer and internet.

• Feeling restless when not engaged in the activity

It's called being bored out of one's gourd.

• Being dishonest with others

Really?  I know a LOT of people like that.  And they justify it as "protecting the children!" or claim that their religion considers it a "moral" act.

• Computer use interfering with job/school performance

Now THIS may be one legitimate sign of a problem.  Depending on how long it's been going on, it may be a developing problem or one that has been denied for a long time.

• Feeling guilty, ashamed, anxious, or depressed as a result of behavior

Gee, considering how you have helped to have computer/video games demonized and stigmatized and those who participate in the activity as people with some sort of mental problem, is it REALLY a surprise that, after being treated in such a manner, that they WOULD act in those ways?  You CREATED the problem.  It wasn't the computer/video games that was the problem.  All to make money... or for some OTHER deep seeded mental abnormality of your own that you want to inflict on others.

• Changes in sleep patterns

Another symptom that might have its roots in a great many conditions, phsyical and/or mental.

• Physical changes such as weight gain or loss, backaches, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome

 Same as above.  Even carpal tunnel syndrome may be a combined cause of the use of computers all day long, both in work/school AND home.

• Withdrawing from other pleasurable activities

Mood swings also occur in interests.  Sometimes, it's called a fad.  Sometimes, it's called "growing out of" a particular situation.  I, myself, have changed my interest in genres and platforms of games over the last few decades.  Changing overall interests isn't that big of a jump.

Developed by Dr. Hilarie Cash, PhD. of Internet and Computer Addiction Services.