"Internetodependência"?!

A possível dependência da Internet não é um mito: é discutida há vários anos no meio académico, alguns casos comprovam-na e existem clínicas de tratamento, por exemplo nos Estados Unidos.

O artigo
Caught in the Web
More People Say Heavy Internet Use Is Disrupting Their Lives, and Medical Experts Are Paying Attention
By January W. Payne
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 14, 2006; Page HE01

A few months ago, it wasn't unusual for 47-year-old Carla Toebe to spend 15 hours per day online. She'd wake up early, turn on her laptop and chat on Internet dating sites and instant-messaging programs -- leaving her bed for only brief intervals. Her household bills piled up, along with the dishes and dirty laundry, but it took near-constant complaints from her four daughters before she realized she had a problem.
"I was starting to feel like my whole world was falling apart -- kind of slipping into a depression," said the Richland, Wash., resident. "I knew that if I didn't get off of the dating sites, I would just keep going," detaching herself further from the outside world.
Toebe's conclusion: She felt like she was "addicted" to the Internet. She's not alone.

in The Washington Post

Alguns sintomas
· Having a sense of well-being or euphoria while at the computer.
· Craving more and more time at the computer.
· Neglect of family and friends.
· Feeling empty, depressed or irritable when not at the computer.
· Lying to employers and family about activities.
· Inability to stop the activity.
· Problems with school or job.