Introduction
Ever since the 1980s, PCs and access to the internet have been thriving in thousands of all over the world. Each day, transactions at work, activities inside homes and school work have rapidly become excessively dependent on the use of computers. As these PCs are utilized to organize data, word process documents, email transmissions and search for new information through the internet, nearly 15 million people use the internet each day and has been projected to increase by 25% every 3 months (Cooper 181-187). Though it is a valuable tool for communication, the internet has properties that encourage addictive behaviors and pseudo intimate relationships. Such cyberspace contacts can lead to cyber disorders like virtual relationships that can evolve into online marital infidelity or online sexually obsessive conduct. An increasing mental health concern, cyber disorders like Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD), also known as Pathologic Internet Use (PIU) have been recognized to diagnose grave issues associated with internet usage (Young & Rogers 25-28). However, caution has been proffered by some experts and academics regarding phraseologies until more extensive study can be built up (Shaffer, Hall and Vander Bilt
[...] Actually, internet addiction is a new phraseology in the psychiatric dictionary, hence, a few experts and field practitioners contended on its validity. Nonetheless, mounting literature on the subject exists. Internet addiction disorder is at present not identified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, IV (American Psychiatric Association 2000) as an addiction. Nevertheless, it is described under the classification of impulse control disorder, not otherwise specified (Babington, Christensen, & Patsdaughter 2003). Prevalence of IAD is tough to project for the simple reason that it is a recent phenomenon. [...]
[...] In addition, another outcome of high internet usage is compulsive sexual behavior, which is one reason sexual addiction is receiving much attention and focus in professional literature. The internet allows individuals to put across sexual behaviors in circumspect but immediate ways. It is approximated that participation in some form of online sexual activity takes place among 20% of all internet users (Cooper, Delmonico and Burg 29). However to 10% of users articulate concerns about their extreme online sexual behavior (Carnes 45-78). [...]
[...] Treatment Options Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy : Based on Beck's theory that thoughts determine feelings, cognitive-behavioral therapy can help a person suffering from internet addiction disorder to recognize thoughts and feelings that caused the person to improperly use the computer to meet personal needs (Orzack 13-20). Christensen et al. (40-47) employed the behavioral change phases to assist the patient to change behavior over time. These phases are pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, maintenance, and termination. The therapist should respond the client's readiness for change in each of the phases with support, educational materials, and other treatments. [...]
[...] Conclusion Computers and the internet are essential components of contemporary daily personal and work life as it is an excellent source of data and methods of communication, however, with its excessive use, whatever good the internet can provide will vanish into thin air. When this happens, individuals can seek the services of a counselor, a nurse, or psychotherapists to help them or a family member with mental health issues that are interlocked with internet use and abuse. As it is, internet addiction and cyber sexual disorders that have led to online marital infidelity and compulsive online sexual behavior are examples of clinical cases that will soon be pervasive in psychiatric practice. [...]
[...] “Childhood Abuse and Multiple Addictions: Research Findings in a Sample of Self-Identified Sexual Addicts.” Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity 3 (1996): 258-268. Christensen, M., Orzack, M., Patsdaughter, C. and Babington, L. (2001). “When the Monitor Becomes the Control Center: Computer Addiction.” Journal of Psychosocial Nursing 39.3 (2001): 40-47. Cooper, A., Delmonico, D. L. and Burg, R. (2000). Cybersex Users, Abusers, and Compulsives: New Findings and Implications. Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity (2000): 5-29. Cooper, A. “Sexuality and the Internet: Surfing into the New Millennium. [...]
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