Young people who are depressed or hostile, or who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or social phobia, are more likely to become addicted to the Internet, according to an article that appeared in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.

Between 1.4 and 17.9 percent of all adolescents are addicted to the Internet. Boys are more likely to have such addictions than girls, and the addictions are more prevalent in Eastern countries.

The latest research involved 2,293 seventh grade students from Taiwan, who were followed for more than two years by researchers from Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital.

"The study's indication that children who were hyperactive and diagnosed with ADHD are finding an outlet on the Web makes perfect sense," said Michael Gilbert, a senior fellow at the Center for the Digital Future at the University of Southern California Annenberg School for Communication. These children crave the constant stimulation of fast-paced video games and interactive social networks, he said.

Likewise, children with depression, anger issues or social problems also turn to the Internet for an outlet.

"They can take on an avatar or a different identity," Gilbert said, "and contact other kids with the same problems and social inadequacies. They don't have to function in conventional social ways."

Labels: addictions, phobias, internet, Attention_Deficit_Hyperactivity_Disorder

Posted By: Aspen/CRC