Internet Addiction Factors, Types

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Awareness Images

This blog post presents a list of factors and types related to Internet Addiction (aka, Internet Use Disorder). Like this entire website, all the images and content are public domain, educational and free to download, share or print. In addition to factors and types, the definition for internet addiction is provided.

It is important to note that internet addiction remains a controversial subject. Some feel it is not a true behavioral addiction like compulsive gambling, pornography and sex addiction. This writer is in the camp that views internet addiction as real, with all the trappings of other behavioral addictions.

Internet Addiction Defined

Internet Addiction: Internet Addiction (aka Internet Abuse, Internet Dependence & Internet Gaming Disorder) is an umbrella concept defining a child or adult’s compulsive and progressive abuse of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Although the internet is the predominate arena in which the compulsive dependency takes place, electronic devices and communications channels not internet enabled are also included in the definition.

Internet Addiction causes dysfunctional cognitive, affective, behavioral & perceptual intrapersonal consequences accompanied with employment, academic, familial, peer & intimate partner interpersonal consequences. On a continuum of severity, ranging from absent to mild, cessation of internet and/or electronic device usage causes withdrawal symptomatology, psychological and/or physiological, combined with perceptual tolerance. Also, on a continuum of severity, internet abusive online users engage in criminal, deviant and/or deceptive online activities ranging from absent to severe.

The chronic and more debilitating condition, Internet Dependence, is more severe and self-destructive. Internet addiction is segmented into six typologies as follows: Cyber Sex Fixated, Cyber Relationship Fixated, Internet Gaming & Online Commerce Fixated, Information Implosion Fixated, Dark Side Fixated and NOS (Not Otherwise Specified) Fixated. The NOS Fixated typology applies to internet abusing online users who share more than one typology, has a co-existing mental illness or medical condition causing psychiatric dysfunction.

INTERNET ADDICTION FACTORS

Anonymity

(internet addiction factor)

Online anonymity allows the internet addicted to obtain, exchange, and disseminate information without their identity being revealed.

Accessibility  

(internet addiction factor)

Cyberspace provides unrestricted access to the information, materials & social contacts that meet whatever the internet addicted preoccupation may be.

Isolation

(internet addiction factor)

The ability to research, discover and engage online users who share the same fixation in an isolated environment; allowing the internet addict to engage in high-risk online activities.

Inexpensive

(internet addiction factor)

Other than the cost of the devices, utility bills and software, the internet addicted can access untold number of websites, social contacts and organizations all specific to their chosen fixate.

Fantasy 

(internet addiction factor)

Cyberspace for the internet addicted is home to an entire universe; designed by them, and themed with their fixation.

Disconnection

(internet addiction factor)

Synonymous with detachment, the internet addicted gradually disconnects from their real friends, family and associates.

TYPES OF INTERNET ADDICTION

Cyber Sex Fixated

(internet addiction type)

Obsessed with internet pornography, adult chat rooms, adult fantasy role-play websites, sexually themed social networking sites and texting like-minded online users.

Cyber Relationship Fixated

(internet addiction type)

Fueled by the compulsive need to be accepted; online dating sites, chat rooms and social networking sites becomes the habitual repertoire for all online activities.

Gaming & Online Commerce Fixated

(internet addiction type)

Fixated on browsing, purchasing, competing and betting at websites involving shopping, online gaming, casinos and auctions.

Information Implosion Fixated

(internet addiction type)

Terms best describing this internet addicted type include “information addicts,” “dataholics” or suffering from “infobesity.”  

Dark Side Fixated 

(internet addiction type)

Fixated on all things macabre, violent, criminal, deviant and bizarre. Gravitates to obscene material and fascinated by all things dark themed. (Similar to Doomscrolling)

iPredator Internet Addiction Page

Internet Addiction Risk Checklist (IARC)

Michael Nuccitelli, Psy.D.

Michael Nuccitelli, Psy.D. is a NYS licensed psychologist, cyberpsychology researcher and online safety educator. In 2009, Dr. Nuccitelli finalized his dark side of cyberspace concept called iPredator. Since 2010, he has advised those seeking information about cyberbullying, cyberstalking, cybercriminal minds, internet addiction and his Dark Psychology concept. By day Dr. Nuccitelli is a practicing psychologist, clinical supervisor and owner of MN Psychological Services, PLLC. After work and on the weekends, he volunteers helping online users who have been cyber-attacked. Dr. Nuccitelli’s is always available to interested parties and the media at no cost. This website and everything created by Dr. Nuccitelli is educational, free and public domain.