Signs of Internet and Technology Addiction – Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous

ITAA is a free, mutual aid support community for anyone struggling with compulsive internet and technology use. We have daily meetings online and in cities around the world.

Internet and technology addiction is the compulsive and harmful use of the internet, digital media, and smart devices. We may develop an addiction to social media, our phones, streaming video or audio content, video games, pornography, dating apps, online research, online shopping, news, or any other digital activity that becomes compulsive and problematic. Internet addiction develops through the repeated release of dopamine, which over time can lead to changes in the brain that compromise our ability to focus, prioritize, regulate our mood, and relate to others.

Those of us who have come to identify as internet and technology addicts experienced several common symptoms. We used our devices for longer than we intended, despite attempts to control or cut back our use. Even when we were aware of the consequences and wanted to stop, we were unable to do so. When we weren’t connected to our devices, we experienced distraction, anxiety, and irritability. We were unable to enjoy and be present with our offline lives. We used the internet and technology to alter our moods and escape our problems. Our addiction jeopardized our relationships, educational pursuits, and career opportunities. We felt shame and demoralization about our use of technology.

When we first noticed these troubling experiences, we began to acknowledge that something wasn’t right. But many of us still questioned whether we really had an addiction. For those of us still wondering, the following questions may help us better identify whether there are signs of internet addiction in our own experience.

インターネット依存症アンケート：

ちょっとしたことを確認しようとネットにアクセスしたら、いつの間にか何時間も経っていた、なんてことはありますか？
私は特定のアプリやオンライン活動をやめると誓ったり、制限を設けたりしたのに、その約束を破ってしまうことがあるだろうか？
私は一日中、あるいは夜遅くまでインターネットやテクノロジーに没頭してしまうことがありますか？
私は暇な時間があると、いつもデバイスに手を伸ばしてしまうだろうか？
インターネットやテクノロジーの利用によって、私は個人の衛生管理、栄養摂取、あるいは身体の健康を疎かにしてしまうことがあるだろうか？
オンラインでないとき、孤立感、感情の麻痺、集中力の低下、不安感を感じますか？
私のインターネット利用は、人間関係における対立や回避に繋がっているだろうか？
インターネット利用の悪影響は、私の学業、経済状況、あるいはキャリアを危うくしているだろうか？
私はオンラインで過ごす時間や消費するデジタルコンテンツの種類について、隠したり嘘をついたりしているだろうか？
私はインターネットの利用に関して、罪悪感や恥ずかしさを感じますか？

インターネットやテクノロジーの利用によって、誰も苦しむべきではありません。上記の質問のいくつかに「はい」と答えた方は、サポートを受けることを検討されることをお勧めします。

オンライン／電話会議

対面での会議

What are the effects of Internet Addiction?

The first researcher to investigate internet addiction disorder (IAD) was the psychologist Dr. Kimberly S. Young, who first published diagnostic criteria for this mental health condition in 1998. Today there is still an open discussion in the scientific community regarding how to define, qualify, and study internet addiction disorder, and the American Psychiatric Association’s diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5-TR) has begun to acknowledge the severity of this addiction through its inclusion of インターネットゲーム障害。がある広範な合意研究者と臨床医の両方から、インターネット、デジタルメディア、スマートデバイスの過剰使用が問題となり、強迫的に行われるケースが過去20年間で増加しており、この行動嗜癖の蔓延は、さまざまな精神的、感情的、身体的、対人的、職業上の問題と関連していることが報告されている。

おそらく最も重要なのは、インターネットやテクノロジー中毒によって引き起こされるドーパミン放出が、脳の構造変化非常に似た変化がアルコールや薬物依存症の人々. これらの変化は、私たちの意思決定, 推論, 報酬への期待, 実行機能, 認知機能, 感情処理、そして私たちのワーキングメモリ. さまざまな研究により、テレビとビデオゲーム減少する鎮痛剤の量必要とする入院患者.

Of course, the effects of internet and technology addiction are not only reflected in the structure of our brains, but in our daily lives as well. Internet and technology addiction is strongly associated with mental illness disorders such as 衝動制御障害, 注意欠陥多動性障害（ADHD）, anxiety, 薬物使用の増加、そして depression. In addition to these co-occurring disorders, it’s associated with a higher risk of 心血管代謝疾患, sleep disturbances and lower sleep quality, 疲労感の増加、そして不眠症の症状, それらはすべて相関関係へ死亡率が高い. Perhaps most tragically of all, individuals with problematic internet use (PIU) have much higher rates of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts—平均の約3倍.

These findings are cause for serious concern. While some might minimize the impact of internet addiction in comparison to substance abuse, the truth is that internet and technology addiction changes our brains in a manner similar to the effects produced by an addiction to alcohol, heroin, or other substance use disorders.

Who is at risk for Internet Addiction?

Internet and technology addiction is a condition that can affect people of all ages, from adolescents and young people to those later in life. Our meetings include young adults, college students, working professionals, parents, and retirees. While the risk factors are varied, internet addiction does not discriminate based on age, educational level, socio-economic status, race, or ethnicity. Its negative effects impact not only the addict themselves, but also 彼らの家族や友人. By damaging our potential, self-esteem, and quality of life, excessive internet use can impair our lives; and by contributing to depression and suicidal tendencies, our addiction can be life-threatening. Regardless of our background, if our computer use is causing us to experience distress or difficulties, there are actions we can take to improve our situation and find relief.

A Solution for Internet and Technology Addiction

インターネットやテクノロジーへの依存が注目され始めたのは近年のことだが、依存という病気自体は新しいものではない。何百万人もの人々が、アルコール依存症者の自助グループをモデルにした相互扶助グループを通して、依存行動から持続的かつ長期的な自由を得てきた。系統的レビュー conducted by Stanford public health researchers determined that participation in Alcoholics Anonymous was nearly always found to be more effective than other therapies in achieving continuous abstinence from alcoholism. The AA model has been successfully adapted to help people suffering from a variety of addictions, including narcotics, marijuana, nicotine, sex, pornography, and food, among others.

In continuation of this tradition, Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous applies the proven model of AA to help those who are suffering from an addiction to internet and technology find long-term freedom from their self-destructive behaviors. We share our experience, strength, and hope with each other through グループミーティングそして一対一の関係, 私たちは、アルコホーリクス・アノニマス（AA）の12ステップに基づいた回復プログラムを実施しています。ミーティングは無料で匿名で参加でき、サポートが必要だと感じた方はどなたでもお気軽にご参加ください。

Members Share Their Experiences Finding Recovery in ITAA

Before joining ITAA, I had spent years trying every imaginable solution and nothing worked. Because of this community, I’ve experienced continuous abstinence from all my addictive internet and technology behaviors for over three years. Today I meet my needs for pleasure, relaxation, curiosity, and connection in non-compulsive, offline ways. In the process, my life has grown unimaginably richer.

***

It turned out that I really needed ITAA—I needed to admit that I’m an internet and technology addict by calling in and saying it aloud to other understanding internet and technology addicts.

***

I feel like I am only now, almost a year abstinent and one and a half years almost-abstinent, noticing the true scope of the negative effects my usage had on me… These things will take a long time to heal, maybe even longer than the time I spent online. But I am living in real life now. And it’s better here.

***

My internet and technology use had always been somewhat unhealthy, but the pandemic took it to another level. Entire days started disappearing into the screen, and I became disconnected from my partner and children. ITAA has been a lifeline for me—not only because of the abstinence I’ve found, but also because of all of the emotional growth and resources it has provided me with.

***

Our program has helped countless people find long-term freedom from internet and technology addiction. For more personal stories, we encourage you to read and listen to the recovery stories on our website.

How to Recover From Internet Addiction

While there is no permanent or quick cure for internet addiction disorder, there are concrete actions we can take to recover from our compulsive internet use and restore our emotional and mental wellbeing. We have found the following actions to be of significant help in finding long-term, sustainable freedom from our compulsive and problematic internet use.

毎日の会議に出席する. 増加する数に加えて対面での会議世界中で、ITAAは毎日のオンライン会議私たちのグローバルな仲間たちが集まり、経験、力、希望を分かち合う場です。ITAAが私たちにとって有益かどうかを判断するために、短期間に6回の会合に参加してみることをお勧めします。
毎日、連絡を取るための電話をかけましょう。 Our internet dependence drew us into isolation and self-reliance. As we begin to recover, we learn that we can trust others and be vulnerable. 他のメンバーに電話をかける会議以外の場で交流することで、私たちは繋がりを保ち、支え合い、そして断酒を続けることができます。また、会議中よりも詳細に情報を共有する機会にもなります。
控える. 回復中の他のメンバーの助けを借りて、識別して控える私たちは、生活の中で最も大きな困難を引き起こしている特定の依存行動から脱却することを目指しています。これは時間をかけて進むプロセスであることを認識しており、ITAAで利用できるサポートを活用して、一日一日を大切にしながら断酒を続けています。
回復プロセスについて詳しくはこちらをご覧ください. 当社のウェブサイトには多くのリソース私たちの依存症の本質と、私たちがどのように最善を尽くせるかについて回復への道のりを描き出そう, 離脱症状に対処する、そして欲求に応える. In addition, there’s a rich body of literature from other 12-Step programs that we can lean on to better inform our healing process and to learn more about the time-tested methods which have helped millions of other addicts find sobriety.
スポンサーを見つけて、手順に取り組みましょう。 私たちは、共感できる人に頼むことで恩恵を受けてきました。スポンサーになってくださいそして働く 12ステップ together with them, which is the vital and transformative basis of our long-term recovery from our addiction. A great way to connect with potential sponsors is to make outreach calls with other members who are sober and working the Steps.
外部の支援を活用しましょう。 Many members supplement their recovery with a variety of resources beyond ITAA, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, group therapy, psychiatry, inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment centers, other 12 Step fellowships, spiritual counsel, or other mental health wellness resources. While we do not endorse any one treatment option or intervention in particular, we encourage all members to avail themselves of any outside resources that can support them in their recovery journey. A healthcare or mental health professional may be able to give advice tailored to your situation.

What Does Internet Addiction Sobriety Look Like?

ITAAにおける禁酒は、私たち一人ひとりにとって異なる発見のプロセスです。このプロセスの一環として、私たちは識別して控える from the specific behaviors which trigger our addiction. We have also found it beneficial to establish a positive vision for our internet and technology use. For example, we may practice using technology purposefully, minimally, or only as necessary for work, education, finances, health, recovery, and sober connection with loved ones. We respect each member’s dignity to discover their own path to recovery, and we work with other experienced members to help define what sobriety means for each of us as individuals. As part of this process, we lean on meetings and phone calls to help maintain our sobriety commitments. Rather than using technology for distraction or to numb our emotions, we seek to use technology as a tool for meeting our goals, living in alignment with our values, and developing flourishing lives.

インターネット依存症の種類

While we all suffer from a common disease, it expresses itself in different ways for each of us. The following are some common compulsive internet and technology behaviors. It’s important to keep in mind that this list is neither comprehensive nor prescriptive—it is essential to identify our own personal compulsive or unnecessary internet and technology behaviors with the help of experienced, sober members.

ソーシャルメディア中毒 ソーシャルメディアプラットフォーム、ソーシャルネットワーキングサイト、メッセージングアプリ、ニュースフィード、ディスカッションフォーラム、チャットルーム、オンラインコミュニティの依存的な使用を指します。ソーシャルメディアの依存的な使用には、以下が含まれます。 Facebook, インスタグラム, ツイッター, TikTok、Snapchat、Discord、 Reddit, Pinterest, その他。
ストリーミング中毒 is the compulsive and addictive use of any streaming platforms or content. This includes online videos, movies, television, podcasts, and platforms such as YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Twitch、または TikTok.
スマホ中毒 is the compulsive and self-destructive use of smartphone devices, apps, and screens and in contrast to a computer addiction entails the dysfunctional and unhealthy use of any mobile smart devices, such as watches or tablets. This may involve excessive cell phone use or compulsive notification checking, especially at inappropriate times such as late at night or while studying, working, or driving.
ビデオゲーム中毒 refers to obsessive, unhealthy, or excessive use of video games, as well as any other digital or online games. This includes computer games, console games, VR games, phone games, and social media games. This can also include online gambling addiction or other compulsive and irresponsible spending behaviors during gameplay.
ポルノ中毒 is the addictive consumption of digital erotic content and can also entail other unhealthy digital sexual behaviors. This can include pornographic videos, images, or writing, sexually arousing imagery, cybersex addiction, AI-generated pornography, anonymous chat rooms, and dating apps.
情報中毒 is an addictive and unhealthy relationship to researching and consuming information. This can include an addiction to the news, scrolling social media feeds, online shopping, online encyclopedias, AI chatbots, and compulsive online research such as product or health research.

ITAAについて

Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous is a Twelve-Step fellowship based on the principles pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous. Our organization is entirely volunteer-based and self-supporting, and the only requirement for participation is a desire to stop using internet and technology compulsively.

We have no opinions on outside issues, and we neither condemn nor condone any particular technology. We are not affiliated with any political agenda, religious movement, or outside interests. Our single purpose is to abstain from compulsive internet and technology use and to help others find freedom from this addiction. We are a US 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt nonprofit incorporated in the state of Colorado.