Finally, Psychologists are now working to formally to find out how much online time is too much. The 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM)-the standard for classifying and diagnosing mental illness due out in May 2013-will include "
internet use disorder" as an area "recommended for further study."
What this only means at this point is that there will be more formal studies to be done on a topic which has always been a concern specially considering the explosion of cyber media now affecting the daily lives of millions globally. Is the internet addictive? Why do people spend so much time on the net? How much on line time is actually too much? Independent researches have already shown that the internet can act like a drug, and that the use of social networks has been linked with depression. It's about time though that all of these independent studies be thoroughly evaluated as nobody can deny at this point that this global internet phenomenon is already interfering with our work or personal life. It can happen that once the data are all in that this may or may not be classified as a diagnosable mental illness in the future but we can only know for sure backed up by findings from a formal group such as the DSM. Knowing so can help us assess how to better cope with this "disorder" which may or may not require a "cure".
Let's wait and see.....
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Tecca,
Anna Washenko
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