Abstract

NAVARRO-MANCILLA, Álvaro Andrés  and  RUEDA-JAIMES, Germán Eduardo. Internet Addiction: A Critical Review of the Literature. rev.colomb.psiquiatr. [online]. 2007, vol.36, n.4, pp.691-700. ISSN 0034-7450.

Introduction: Internet Addiction (IA) is a psychological dependence. Symptoms of IA often include increased preoccupation with online activities, symptoms of withdrawal when not online, tolerance and denial of IA. Objective: The objective of this paper is to make a critical, in depth and update review of the scientifi c literature about IA. Results- conclusion: IAs importance in public health lies in the ongoing increase of its prevalence around the world especially in adolescents, with serious consequences on their mental health such as family problems, impaired social relations and academic achievement, alcohol, cigarette and other substance abuse and the presence of mental disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD (Attention Defi cit Hyperactivity Disorder) and suicidal behavior. Even though Colombian society and the media have shed a light upon its presence and consequences, there are not any studies about the prevalence of Internet Addiction in Colombia and its associated risk factors, explained in part by the absence of a psychometrically developed assessment instrument.

Keywords : Internet addiction; prevalence; mental health; pathological Internet use.

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