Addiction to the Internet is an emerging problem for some people, and is the focus of new study by researchers worldwide, according to Marc N. Potenza, MD, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry at Yale.
Potenza said there is scare data about empirically validated treatment methods for “Internet addiction,” but that it is an area of active study, and preliminary results show therapy can help people who spend too much time online.
Potenza made his comments in the most recent edition of the Yale News video series Expert Opinion, a program in which Yale experts provide perspective on medical-themed stories in the news.
He is certified and trained in addiction psychiatry, and has consulted to several groups, including the World Health Organization, on matters of addiction.
People’s use of the Internet has changed in the past decade, requiring everyone to reconsider how much time they sit in front of the computer, Potenza said.
One can choose to disconnect for periods of time from technology usage,” he said. “It may be difficult, but I think that being mindful of using (the Internet) in a healthy fashion is important.
Marc N. Potenza, MD, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry
He said some forms of social media, particularly Facebook, might be addictive to some people. Signs of Internet addiction include taking a device like an iPad to bed, and using it while they should be asleep, he said.
In the video, Potenza suggests people log the amount of time they spend online if they feel they are using the Internet too much.
“One can choose to disconnect for periods of time from technology usage,” he said. “It may be difficult, but I think that being mindful of using (the Internet) in a healthy fashion is important.”