- Scientists analyzed the internet use of 796 people to create the spectrum
- ‘Casual users’ log in for specific tasks, while ‘addicts’ acknowledge their problem
Do you feel lost without your smartphone in your hand and a strong WiFi signal?
Scientists have developed a new internet addiction spectrum that shows how dependent you are on having a connection.
At the lower end of the scale are ‘casual users’, who go online only for specific tasks and log out without hesitation.
‘Addicts’, on the other hand, openly acknowledge their internet addiction and acknowledge its negative impact on their lives.
So, where do you fall on the internet addiction scale?
Scientists have developed a new internet addiction spectrum that shows how dependent you are on a strong connection
To create the internet addiction spectrum, researchers at the University of Surrey analyzed the internet use of 796 participants.
This showed that young people (24 years and younger) spend an average of six hours per day online, mainly via their smartphones.
Meanwhile, older people (over 24 years old) spend an average of 4.6 hours online every day.
The team found no link between gender and internet addiction.
Using the data, the researchers categorized internet users into five different categories.
About fifteen percent of users were classified as ‘Casual Users’, who go online mainly for specific tasks and log out without hesitation.
Casual users show no signs of internet addiction and tend to be older, with an average age of 33.4, the researchers said.
Subsequently, 22.86 percent were classified as ‘Initial users’, who often spend longer online than they initially planned.
With an average age of 26.1 years, initial users are somewhat negligent in household chores, but do not consider themselves addicted.
‘Experimenters’ make up 21.98 percent of internet users and feel uncomfortable or anxious when they are not connected to the internet.
Their average age is between 22.8 and 24.3 years.
Scientists have developed a new internet addiction spectrum that shows how dependent you are on a strong connection (stock image)
Taking this a step further, 17.96 percent are “addicts in denial,” who engage in addictive behaviors such as forming new relationships online and neglecting real-world responsibilities to be online.
However, Addicts-in-Denial, who are on average 24 years old, will not admit to feeling uncomfortable when disconnected.
Finally, 22.36 percent are classified as ‘addicts’ and openly acknowledge their internet addiction and acknowledge its negative impact on their lives.
Addicts are on average 24 years old and spend 1.6 times more time online than regular users.
Dr. Brigitte Stangl, the study’s lead author, said: ‘Our main goal was to clarify the difference between using the Internet problematically and being addicted to it.
“We found that the younger you are, the more likely you are to become addicted to the Internet, and this tendency decreases with age.”
Since 2019, children and young adults in Britain who are seriously addicted to the internet or computer games have been able to seek help through the NHS.
Simon Stevens, CEO of the NHS, said in 2019: ‘Healthcare needs are constantly changing and that’s why the NHS must never stand still – this new service is in response to an emerging problem, part of the increasing pressures that children and young people are exposed to to this day.’
However, based on the findings, the researchers call for more tailored interventions.
Dr. Stangl added: ‘Our study underlines the need for tailored interventions and support for individuals at different stages of internet addiction.’