Problematic Internet Use: Old problems with a new twist

Abstract

The Internet is an integral part of human society and everyday life of most people, and it may be used for satisfying various human needs. The Internet has changed the way we process information, learn, talk, behave, etc. However, when something is used too much, it always brings some consequences with it, one being Problematic Internet Use, which is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of repetitive disabling behaviours, such as Internet video gaming, gambling, cyberpornography addiction, compulsive online shopping, social networking problematic use, and so on. In this paper, different views on Internet use in modern society will be considered, from ideas (over)emphasising its harmful effects on users’ health, to ideas ignoring these warnings. We will be discussing the advantages of ICT use, as well as characteristics of the Internet, which may ease a compulsive use or preoccupation with online content and activities. We will particularly focus on classification criteria for specific online behaviours into the category of problematic use or Internet addiction, and finally we will point to some of the negative effects of PIU, as well as types of such Internet-related problems.