Test for Spouses/Partners of Internet Addicts

Written by Dr. Kimberly Young

How do you know if your partner may be addicted to the Internet? Impairment to real life relationships appears to the be the number one problem caused by Internet Addiction. Internet Addicts gradually spend less time with real people in their lives in exchange for solitary time in front of a computer. Partners first rationalize the Internet-obsessed user's behavior as "a phase" in hopes that the attraction will soon dissipate. However, when addictive behavior continues, arguments about the increased volume of time and energy spent online soon ensue, but such complaints are often deflected as part of the denial exhibited by Internet Addicts. Internet Addicts become angry and resentful at others who question or try to take away their time from using the Internet. For example, "I don't have a problem," or "I am having fun, leave me alone," might be an Internet addict's response. These behaviors create distrust that over time hurt the quality of once stable relationships. The following Internet addiction test will help you determine if you may be dealing with Internet addiction in your home. Remember when answering, only consider time your partner uses the Internet for non-academic or non-job related tasks.

Please answer the following questions using this scale:

1 = Not Applicable or Rarely.
2 = Occasionally.
3 = Frequently.
4 = Often.
5 = Always.

1. How often does your partner desire or demand his or her privacy when on-line?

1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always

2. How often does your partner neglect household chores to spend more time online?

1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always

3. How often does your partner prefer to spend time online rather than with the rest of your family?

1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always

4. How often does your partner form new relationships with fellow online users?

1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always

5. How often do you complain about the amount of time your partner spends on-line?

1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always

6. How often does your partner's work or employment suffer because of the amount of time he or she spends online?

1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always