Internet Addiction Online Conference Transcript

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

Dr. Kimberly Young,has been touted as the world's leading "Cyberpsychologist". She has taken her expertise in computers and human behavior to become a pioneer in the study of Internet addiction, cybersexual addictions, and deviant online behavior.

David Roberts is the HealthyPlace.com moderator.

The people in blue are audience members.

David: Good evening everyone. I'm David Roberts. I'm the moderator for tonight's conference. I want to welcome everyone to HealthyPlace.com. Our topic is "Internet Addiction". Our guest is Kimberly Young, Ph.D. (What is Internet addiction (online addiction)?)

Dr. Young is a licensed psychologist and author of the book, "Caught In The Net," which addresses internet addiction recovery. You can view and purchase the book by clicking on the link.

Dr. Young started her career working in the information systems field and then entered the field of clinical psychology. She has taken her expertise in computers and human behavior to become a pioneer in the study of Internet addiction, cybersexual addictions, and deviant on-line behavior. She is internationally known for her work and is a frequent speaker on how technology impacts human behavior. If you're wondering if you have an internet addiction, you can take the online internet addiction test.

Good evening, Dr. Young and welcome to HealthyPlace.com. We appreciate you being our guest tonight. What is it about the internet that makes it so difficult for some to break away from it?

Dr. Young: Well, it varies from person to person. The interactive features and availability online can be addictive. Then, the stock trading and ebay auctions attract people and can be addictive too.

David: Can you define internet addiction for us?

Dr. Young: Sure, it's the same criteria defined for substance abuse. You look for people that lie and become preoccupied with the internet and who jeopardize their career and other aspects of their life, despite the consequences.

David: Considering then, that it's similar to other types of addictions, like substance abuse, is the treatment of internet addiction similar?

Dr. Young: Yes, traditional recovery programs are generally used to treat Internet Addiction (IA).

David: So, are we talking about 12 step programs and that sort of thing?

Dr. Young: Yes, 12 step programs, rational recovery, cognitive behavioral techniques, etc.

David: Now, I can understand people becoming addicted to online gambling, even online stock trading and ebay auctions. What other types of things create an addictive environment over the computer?

Dr. Young: Generally such things as, chats, games and pornography.

David: Here's an audience question/comment, Dr. Young:

GreenYellow4Ever: Isn't it a little ironic to have support groups for internet addictions ONLINE?

Dr. Young: Yes, I've heard of groups like that and for some it is a comfort to know that you are not alone. In many instances, the support is used to empower people. They seem to be useful from what others have told me.

David: On your site, you use the term cyberwidows, significant others or spouses of internet addicts. How are they impacted?

Dr. Young: Well, with spouses, it is very difficult if their significant other is having an affair on the net and can often lead to separation and divorce.

David: Are their key personality traits in an individual that can lead to internet addiction and that can be used to identify them as a potential internet addict?

Dr. Young: Yes, studies show that key personality traits that make a person more vulnerable to develop an addiction are:

• shyness
• introversion
• dominance
• open-mindedness
• intellectual ability

David: So, how can one tell if they are spending too much time online?

Dr. Young: You have to look at the characteristics and symptoms. There is no time cut-off. That is like trying to define alcoholism by counting the number of drinks the person consumes. The characteristics and symptoms I previously mentioned can also reveal if you are spending too much time online.

Keatherwood: I just took the "internet addiction test" on your site and got an 87. I spend lots of time in chatrooms, both as a moderator and a member. As someone that deals with trust issues from abuse, is it necessarily bad to make most your friends online? My husband does complain, but I really think I give him enough attention:).

Dr. Young: That's a difficult question to answer. Obviously it is easier to make friends online, but it is difficult to make a diagnosis. Is it bad though for a person to make most of their friends online? I don't think it should be judged in terms of bad or good. Online friendship offers a unique opportunity. I know of some people that have met and married online and I don't think it's a bad thing.