What Makes the Internet Addictive:
Potential Explanations for Pathological Internet Use.

Kimberly S. Young
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford

Paper presented at the 105th annual conference of the
American Psychological Association, August 15, 1997, Chicago, IL.

ABSTRACT

Research has identified pathological Internet use (PIU) which has been associated with significant social, psychological, and occupational impairment. Prior research in the addictions field has explored the addictive qualities sustaining drug and alcohol addictions, pathological gambling, and even video game addiction. However, there exists little explanation for what makes computer-mediated communication (CMC) habit forming to the determent of one’s personal well being. Therefore, this exploratory study classified 396 cases of dependent Internet users (Dependents) based upon an adapted version of the criteria for Pathological Gambling defined by the DSM-IV (APA, 19950. Qualatative analyses attempted to identify the psychological reinforcement underlying CMC. Results suggested that information protocols were the least addictive functions and that interactive aspects of the Internet such as chat rooms were highly addictive, creating an atmosphere for Dependents to seek out companionship, sexual excitement, and alter identities. Implications for assessment and treatment are discussed.

What Makes the Internet Addictive: Potential Explanations for Pathological Internet Use.

Methodology

• Subjects
• Materials
• Procedures

Results

• Demographic Data
• Addictive Applications
• Social Support
• Sexual Fulfillment
• Creating A Persona
• Unlocked Personalities
• Recognition And Power

Discussion

References

What Makes the Internet Addictive:
Potential Explanations for Pathological Internet Use.

While many believe the term addiction should only be applied to cases involving the ingestion of a drug (e.g., Walker, 1989; Rachlin, 1990), similar criteria have been applied to a number of problem behaviors such as eating disorders (Lacey, 1993; Lesieur & Blume, 1993), pathological gambling (Mobilia, 1993; Griffiths, 1991 and 1990), computer addiction (Shotton, 1991) and video game addiction (Keepers, 1990). Today, among a small but growing body of research, the term addiction has extended into the psychiatric lexicon that identifies problematic Internet use associated with significant social, psychological, and occupational impairment (Brenner, 1996; Egger, 1996; Griffiths, 1997; Morahn-Martin, 1997; Thompson, 1996; Scherer, 1997; Young, 1996).

Young (1996) initiated telephone surveys to formally study pathological Internet use (PIU) based upon modified criteria of Pathological Gambling defined in the DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Association, 1995). Case studies showed that Dependents classified used the Internet an average of thirty-eight hours per week for non-academic or non-employment related purposes which caused detrimental effects such as poor grade performance among students, discord among couples, and reduced work performance among employees. This is compared to non-addicts in this study who used the Internet an average of eight hours per week with no significant consequences reported.

Subsequent research on PIU based upon a self report determination of addiction were conducted utilizing on-line survey methods. Brenner (1996) received 185 responses in one month to his on-line survey regarding behavior patterns associated with the Internet. His survey showed that 17% used the Internet more than 40 hours per week, 58% said that others had complained about their excessive net usage, and 46% indicated getting less than 4 hours of sleep per night due to late night log ins. Egger (1996) received 450 responses to his on-line survey. Self-professed addicts in this study often looked forward their next net session, felt nervous when off-line, lied about their on-line use, easily lost track of time, and felt the Internet caused problems in their jobs, finances, and socially. Steve Thompson (1996) developed the "McSurvey" which yielded 104 valid responses. Among respondents to his on-line survey, 72% felt addicted and 33% felt their Internet usage had a negative effect on their lives. Surveys conducted on college campuses (Morhan-Martin, 1997; Scherer, 1997) also supported that students suffered significant academic and relationships impairment due to excessive and uncontrolled Internet usage. Formal Computer/Internet addiction treatment centers have even been established at such clinical settings as Proctor Hospital in Peoria, Illinois and Harvard affiliate McLean Hospital in response to the serious impairment caused by PIU.

Despite the increased awareness that PIU is a legitimate concern, little is understood about what makes computer-mediated communication (CMC) habit forming and often times "addictive." Therefore, using case studies collected as part of Young's original 1996 study, this paper discusses the potential explanations of PIU and offers implications for future evaluation and treatment.

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