Internet Addiction | Symptoms, Effects and Causes

We are all a bit guilty of overindulging in our screen time, whether it’s social media surfing or video bingeing on YouTube. While it is usually relatively harmless, for some people, it can spiral into internet addiction, a problem so widespread that in 2016, fifteen million Brits opted for a “digital detox” to cut down their screen time. In the ten years since then, internet addiction numbers are only thought to have risen. That is why it is so crucial to know about telltale internet addiction signs and symptoms as well as the harm it can cause. This can ensure you use the internet safely and don’t get caught up in the web of addiction.

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What is internet addiction?

The most straightforward internet addiction definition is an unstoppable need to surf the web, even when it leads to negative outcomes. It is a type of behavioural addiction that causes people to spend too much time online, losing track of time and missing out on work, friends and family time.

Internet addiction has a lot to do with how our brains handle dopamine, the chemical that is all about pleasure and rewards. Every time you do something fun such as winning a game online, watching a viral video or chatting with your friends on social media, your brain releases dopamine, giving you a rush of happiness.

Those quick hits can be habit-forming until, with so much time spent online, your brain actually adjusts to the constant high levels of dopamine. This build-up of tolerance can lead to a point where you need to be online more and more to feel satisfied and time away from the computer makes you feel off.

However, there is more to internet addiction than just changes to brain chemistry. People who fall into the web of internet addiction are often trying to dodge tough times or feelings. When the internet becomes a crutch to lean on because you are depressed, lonely or anxious, that is when internet addiction has truly set in.

Spotting the warning signs of internet addiction

It can be challenging to spot an internet addiction because using the internet is so common for everything from shopping to banking. So how do you know if your usage is just part of daily life or is becoming a problem? If you are starting to think you might be addicted, here are some telltale internet addiction symptoms:

Time slips away when you are on the internet and you end up staying online far longer than you intended.
The thought of getting back online is constantly on your mind.
You feel frustrated and on edge when you are away from the internet for too long (classic signs of internet withdrawal)
You find solace on the internet when you are feeling stressed, down, lonely or anxious.
Your education or performance at work is deteriorating because you prioritise internet use over them.
Your social life is dwindling as you replace real interactions with online activities.
You struggle to cut back on your internet use, even though it is clearly affecting your daily life.

Internet addiction can cause huge harm in your life if it goes untreated. If you spot these signs, reach out for professional internet addiction help right away.

What causes an internet addiction?

The dopamine-producing effects of internet use are only part of the picture of internet addiction. There are many other important factors which contribute to your risk of becoming addicted which is why internet addiction affects some people and not others. Not all of these factors are fully understood but some of the most critical include:

Website and content design

Websites and online content aren’t just randomly thrown together. In fact, they are crafted to keep you coming back. Designers use algorithms that analyse your preferences and continually serve up similar content, creating a loop that is hard to escape. But it’s not just about the content. Clickbait headlines are designed to make you curious and keep you clicking, ensuring you stay glued to your screen long after you intended.

Mental health struggles

If you are dealing with mental health issues like anxiety or depression, the internet might seem like a good distraction. However, if the internet is your only means of coping with distressing symptoms, you are at huge risk of sliding into internet addiction. Over time, this reliance can worsen your underlying mental health issues, creating a harmful cycle that’s hard for you to break.

Loneliness

If you find yourself feeling isolated without many in-person connections, looking for friendship or a sense of belonging online is easy. However, leaning too much on digital interactions instead of real-life ones can start a habit of excessive internet use, potentially leading to an addiction.

Personal factors

Research shows that young adults, particularly those aged 18 to 24, are at a higher risk of developing internet addiction than others. This demographic tends to spend a lot of time on leisure activities online, including social media and video games which can quickly become addictive.

Studies have also found that internet addiction is more prevalent in men than in women. This may be linked to the types of activities men are more likely to engage in online such as gambling and pornography, which are known to be particularly addictive.

The harms caused by an internet addiction

Internet addiction can cast a shadow over your whole life. You might find yourself paying attention to your studies or working hard because nothing seems as engaging as the online world. Socially, you may choose screen time over face-to-face interactions with friends and family. Financially, the consequences can be serious too as you end up wasting all your money online gambling or on endless shopping.

Internet addiction can also cause massive damage to your mental and physical well-being. Physically, it disrupts your sleep as late-night browsing becomes routine, impacting your performance at work or school the next day. A chronic lack of sleep can even affect your immune and digestive systems. Sitting for long stretches in front of your computer can lead to persistent back and neck discomfort while in severe scenarios, neglecting personal care due to excessive internet use might result in unwanted weight gain or loss.

Mentally, the strain from constant connectivity can trigger or worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression, complicating any pre-existing mental health conditions. It also exposes you to online scams, bullies and other issues which can be very harmful to yourself and your family.

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How to get rid of internet addiction

Tackling internet addiction often starts with a digital detox which essentially means cutting yourself off from the internet to lessen your reliance on it. This process can be challenging and might trigger withdrawal symptoms akin to those from drug detoxes. To help manage these challenges and ensure success, it is usually wise to seek treatment through a professional behavioural addiction rehab programme that understands your needs.

The NHS has begun to offer some services for internet addiction, but since it is a relatively new condition, these services aren’t very widespread yet. On the bright side, plenty of private rehab centres across the country specialise in internet addiction, providing the support and resources needed to help you recover and move forward.

Get expert internet addiction support today

It is time to break free from the hold of internet addiction with a plan that suits you perfectly. If you are unsure of where to start, let Addiction Helper point you in the right direction. We can help you find the best treatment programmes for you. Reach out to Addiction Helper today and embark on your recovery journey with our experienced team supporting you every step of the way.

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Our compassionate team are ready and available to take your call, and guide you towards lasting the lasting addiction recovery you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to help someone with an internet addiction?

The first thing you need to do is to be fully supportive and understanding: Show that you care by listening without judgment and acknowledging their struggle. Encourage them to take breaks and suggest activities that don’t involve screens. Sometimes, love and support at home aren’t enough so you should point them towards professionals who specialise in internet addiction. When they finish treatment, you can help them set up times or places at home where no internet is allowed.

Is internet addiction linked to other mental health disorders?

Yes, internet addiction is often linked to a range of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression and ADHD. People might turn to the internet to cope with these conditions, only to find themselves caught in a cycle that can make their mental health worse. It can also co-exist with gambling addiction, shopping addiction and social media addiction, all of which require large amounts of time spent online.

Are certain websites more addictive than others?

Absolutely and many studies have shown that not all websites are created equal when it comes to their addictive potential. Social media platforms, online gaming sites and video streaming services are all specially designed to keep you clicking, watching and scrolling for hours on end. They use algorithms to constantly serve up content that is hard to resist, making it easy to lose track of time.

(Click here to see works cited)

UK Rehab. “Internet Addiction.” UK Rehab, https://www.uk-rehab.com/behavioural-addiction/internet/. Accessed 12 February 2025.
Diotaiuti, Pierluigi et al. “Internet addiction in young adults: The role of impulsivity and codependency.” Frontiers in psychiatry vol. 13 893861. 6 Sep. 2022, doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2022.893861
Cash, Hilarie et al. “Internet Addiction: A Brief Summary of Research and Practice.” Current psychiatry reviews vol. 8,4 (2012): 292-298. doi:10.2174/157340012803520513
UK Rehab. “Behavioural Addictions.” UK Rehab, https://www.uk-rehab.com/behavioural-addiction/. Accessed 12 February 2025.