How to Recognize Computer Addiction in a Child?

Defining a computer addiction problem can be difficult, as there is currently no consensus among researchers in the field of internet and gaming addiction on this issue. The lack of a single definition is due to the fact that borderline addictive use addictive use is difficult to distinguish from normal behavior.

What is Computer Addiction

Some American researchers believe that any addiction, including behavioral, must have certain characteristics, such as lack of control, mood changes, stress relief from contact with the object of addiction, increased tolerance, and withdrawal.

However, American and European classifications differ in their understanding of problems associated with computer gaming and Internet use. This is due to the relative novelty of research in this area and the lack of data.

Nevertheless, the World Health Organization has included behavioral addiction to computer games in its classification. However, Internet addiction is not yet included in a separate category. Perhaps in future revisions of the classification there will be new definitions and criteria to include Internet addiction.

When we talk about computer addiction, it is important to understand that we imply addiction to the Internet, and online or offline gaming. The criteria for the definition can vary depending on this. For example, child psychiatrists are more likely to encounter problematic Internet use than gaming addiction.

Researchers suggest that this kind of addiction can be identified if, for example, a child is preoccupied with using gadgets and the Internet and has a strong urge to use them even when it is not appropriate, such as during classes, at a doctor's appointment, or on a visit to friends or family when the situation does not imply such activities.

Criteria for Problematic Internet Use

Decreased mood when there is no Internet and stress from not having access to a gadget for a short time.
Increased tolerance and susceptibility, i.e. condition when a person needs to use the Internet or gaming more and more to get the same level of enjoyment.
Ignoring harmful consequences, such as when Internet or gaming use begins to affect school performance, takes up a lot of time, or affects health, but the person finds oneself unable to stop.
Maximal involvement in one sphere of interest to the detriment of all others and reducing adaptability. An unhealthy fascination with computer games or Internet use distracts from other important responsibilities and activities in life. This can lead to reduced adaptability and ability to effectively function in society.
Almost complete cessation of offline communication. Computer addiction can lead to a lack of interest in offline communication with family, friends and acquaintances in real life. People with computer addiction often choose to spend most of their time interacting virtually with a computer or the Internet, rather than interacting face-to-face.
Relief of mental state when accessing the internet. People with a computer addiction may experience relief or fulfilment of their emotional or psychological needs when using a computer or accessing the Internet. They may use the computer or Internet as a way of coping with negative emotions or stress.
Concealing use from family members. People with addiction may conceal their computer or Internet use from their loved ones. They may try to hide their gadgets or buy new devices to use in secret from others.
Sleep deprivation for the sake of using gadgets. Depriving yourself of sleep or cutting back on sleep in order to have more time to use the computer or Internet can have a negative impact on physical and mental health.
Anticipation and excitement before being able to play or go online again. Showing intense impatience and excitement at the prospect of being able to turn on the computer/phone again or access the Internet. The person may focus solely on this thought and experience discomfort or anxiety at not being able to use the computer or Internet.

The DSM-5 classification for determining the presence of addiction suggests noting five of the nine signs listed above and observing them for at least 12 months.

The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition) is a classification system developed by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) for diagnosing mental disorders. The DSM-5 provides criteria and descriptions of various mental illnesses to help psychiatrists and other mental health professionals diagnose and classify these illnesses.

Conclusion

It is important to note that the definition of computer addiction and its symptoms is still being researched, and future investigation may lead to new definitions and criteria.

If you have noticed any of the signs described in this article in your child, please contact a specialist - a psychiatrist or psychotherapist.