Research agency Columinate recently conducted an online survey with 2 000 Internet-connected South Africans to examine their behaviours and attitudes when it comes to Internet usage. The research revealed about 30% of people who took part in the survey showed signs of Internet addiction disorder (IAD) or problematic Internet use.
According to the report, 67% of respondents said they feel an urge to use the Internet every day, while 64% said they can't go a day without using it. Another 50% said the Internet has interfered with their daily lives, and 39% log onto the Internetwhen they are stressed, anxious or depressed to make themselves feel better.
One section of the survey looked at statements that are often used to determine whether a person is an addict. Typical signs of addiction were applied to Internet usage and analysed accordingly.
The report noted half of respondents indicated the Internet has "interfered negatively" with their daily life and 34% admitted that others have told them they use the Internet "too much", while 30% have argued with their partners about "excessive Internet usage".
A further 18% said they have turned down invitations from friends to spend time online.
"These signs typically refer to a condition known as Internet addiction disorder or problematic Internet use. While not yet classified as a mental disorder by the Psychiatric Association, the scientific community is starting to sit up and take notice.
"Columinate's survey was by no means a psychiatric evaluation tool, but it is concerning that people spend so much time on the Internet. Less time online gives you more time with your family and friends, more opportunities to breathe in that crisp spring air, and lessens your chances of getting square eyes from all the screen time. If the Internet has crept in and taken over your life, we suggest you seek professional help," says Dr Henk Pretorius, CEO of Columinate.
According to Columinate, the sample was representative of the South African online population of people from all age groups, races and different professional backgrounds. Sixteen percent of respondents were between the ages of 16 and 24 years, 46% of them were in the 25 - 34 age group, while 27% were aged between 35 and 44 years and 6% were 50 years and above.
In terms of their salary bracket, 15% of respondents earned a salary of R30 000 and above, while 31% earned between R15 000 and R29 999, 32% earn between R5 000 and R14 999 and 22% earned R4 999 or less.
According to a report by the US National Institute of Health, IAD is a growing social issue that is being debated worldwide. It ruins lives by causing neurological complications, psychological disturbances, and social problems. Surveys in the US and Europe have indicated alarming prevalence rates between 1.5 and 8.2% respectively.
Meanwhile, both China and South Korea have identified Internet addiction as a significant public health threat and both countries support education, research and treatment. In the US, despite a growing body of research, and treatment for the disorder available in out-patient and in-patient settings, there has been no formal governmental response to the issue of Internet addiction, says the report.
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