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Computer addiction, or more broadly computer overuse, is excessive or compulsive use of computers that interferes with daily life. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (the DSM) criteria for substance dependency have been used to argue that some individuals suffer from computer addiction.^{[citation needed]} However, the existence of "computer addiction" is currently debated.

[edit] Origin of the term

British e-Learning academic Nicholas Rushby suggested in his 1979 book, An Introduction to Educational Computing, that people can be addicted to computers and suffer withdrawal symptoms. The term was also used by M. Shotton in 1989 in her book Computer Addiction.

[edit] History

There are examples of computer overuse dating back to the earliest computer games. Many NetNews users were considered obsessive^[who?] in the 1980's.^{[citation needed]} With the widespread use of computers in the 21st century, it may be difficult to distinguish users who are "highly engaged" in their computer use from those who might be considered "addicted".

Press reports have noted that some Finnish Defence Forces conscripts were not mature enough to meet the demands of military life, and were required to interrupt or postpone military service for a year. One reported source of the lack of needed social skills is overuse of computer games or the Internet. Forbes termed this overuse "Web fixations", and stated that they were responsible for 12 such interruptions or deferrals over the 5 years from 2000-2005.^{[1] [2]}

[edit] See also

• Soft addiction
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Game addiction
• Hyperreality
• Shawn Woolley
• Online Gamers Anonymous

[edit] References

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