Types of Computer Addiction

Nowadays, computer users have started developing some bad habits regarding using computers, which have led to significant problems in their lives. The change in the types of behavior, and negative consequences from computer addiction are similar to those of many known addictive disorders that cause mental and physical disturbances. As a result, the term 'computer or Internet addiction' has come into use. It is also known as cyberspace addiction and Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD). It's not an easy task to identify which type is responsible for most addicts, as there are many different Internet-computer activities. However, there are types which are more common among computer addicts.

Online Games
These have become a craze among many people, especially children. There are thousands of online games that can be accessed and played on the Internet, which are also loaded with high-end graphics and advanced sound. Children love games, which is why they are vulnerable to excessive gaming. An online game is a multi-player game wherein many players can join in to play the same game, which is an exciting and enjoyable activity for many. This is where the player assumes a game character and plays against or in a team with other people from all around the world. Children who use the Internet or computers are surely prone to online gaming. They would not be very familiar with social networking and blogging websites though. Online gaming is a type of addiction that is found mostly in children, but today the wide variety in games attract teenagers and youngsters. Action-packed and violent games can lead children to violence which may ruin their future. Some children and youngsters are so addicted to online gaming that they spend over 12 hours every day in playing games.

Chat
This is an exciting application, if used within limits. Chat is an interface which is used by an individual to communicate with other people who are online at the same time. It is also known as live communication over the web. People use chat as a way of interacting with each other. Their motives can be different like chatting with an online friend or one whom they personally know, corporate-conference chatting, and even chatting in chat rooms with unknown people. In most cases, chat addicts are people with anti-social problems, they may be shy or may have other problems that stop them from meeting people in the real world. There are many websites that offer chat facilities under a free membership.

Email
It is similar to chat wherein the user sends an electronic message to the receiver and the receiver responds back to the sender after checking his inbox. It is a periodical communication or an offline chat. There is not much chance to get addicted to emails, but checking the emails suddenly during the night or at frequent regular intervals is a sign of the computer addiction.

Online Shopping
It is a concept wherein on the Internet, a user selects a product and purchases it from retail websites after providing them with necessary information, like mailing address and credit card details. It can surely make a big hole in one's pocket. Online shopping addicts insure no limit to their credit cards. They have many credit cards that are allocated to each online store. They subscribe to dozens of shopping catalogs, tune in to television shopping channels to get the latest deals and offers during work, and select 'yes' or 'allow' for everything on the online shopping site. Just a click of a mouse can take away a lot of money from the credit card and rack up enormous debts.

Online Gambling
This is the most dangerous type of computer addiction. There are some websites that offer gambling games online, which attract gambling addicts to play and lose all their money. Extreme debts have been incurred by gambling addicts. Some lose everything like their bank balance, house, car, and many other possessions. A gambling addict may gamble frequently or infrequently. Problems that are caused by online gambling are not just financial, but also can have a bad effect on personal life as well. The financial losses incurred due to online gambling are far more than those in online shopping.

Online Pornography
One should keep in mind that Internet porn may or may not be legal in every country. Individuals who are addicted to this type are mostly teenagers and youngsters. It can have an adverse effect on a child's attitude towards relationships. People who are addicted to online pornography spend hours watching or downloading porn.

Social Networking and Blogging
It focuses on building online communities of people who share common interests and activities, or who are interested in exploring those of others. Social networking websites are being used frequently by millions of people worldwide. Few do it for entertainment, passing time, presenting views and opinions, etc., but there are many who are addicted to social networking. A social networking and blogging addict will have more online friends that real-life ones and will also have many blogs on various networking sites.

Other Computer Addictions
There are some people who are glued to the computer without a specific reason. They spend most of the time in the day surfing and browsing, watching online or offline videos, listening to music, playing games, etc.

No one knows in the future, which technology would attract more people to become computer addicts. However, there are various organizations that specifically deal with computer addiction and have helped many thousands of people get rid of this damaging addiction. They give advice on helping to pull computer addicts' lives back together again.