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Addiction is defined as a “compulsive need for an addictive substance.” Although we usually think of addiction as being toward an actual thing, like a drug or to alcohol, it is possible to become addicted to an activity, like gambling, for example. Or, to using the Internet.
The idea of addiction conjures up a feeling of a chaotic loss of control over one’s impulses. Yet the idea of addiction to the Internet is complicated.
The Internet is a useful tool for work, shopping and research of all kinds. It provides entertainment and a degree of social interaction through sites like Facebook. Yes, there are Facebook “widows” out there, as the site is pervasive and eats up time, leaving relationships neglected. Addiction to Facebook is one thing, however. Now let’s get real and talk about a serious Internet addiction – the addiction to pornography.
Pornography addiction wasn’t invented with the Internet; it’s been around well before anyone thought to put it online. Yet the easy availability of online porn has made it hugely tempting for people, usually men, who feel a strong pull towards porn. What was once hidden away in porno movie theaters or hidden behind curtains in neighborhood videostores is now widely disseminated online. It’s easily downloadable and much of it is free. Thus, Internet porn has become a real addiction, a marriage killer and a soul killer.
Internet addicts tend to hide their addiction, spending hours and hours online and avoiding time with a partner. The activity tends to become more and more compulsive. Some addicts take the addiction further and engage in sexual relationships with partners they find online. These activities can become incredibly damaging to relationships.
Luckily, the issue has been acknowledged socially and there is help available through therapy and twelve step groups geared especially to this type of addiction. By reaching out, some addicts have found healing and recovery. The first step is in admitting the need for help.
