Are you a net junkie?

If you answer 'yes' to five or more of these questions, you may have an internet addiction.

· Do you feel preoccupied with the internet? (Think about your online activity or anticipate your next online session.)

· Do you need increasing amounts of time on the net in order to achieve satisfaction?

· Have you repeatedly made unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop internet use?

· Do you feel restless, moody, depressed, or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop internet use?

· Do you stay online longer than originally intended?

· Have you jeopardised or risked the loss of a significant relationship, job, educational or career opportunity because of the internet?

· Have you lied to family members, a therapist or others to conceal the extent of your involvement with the internet?

· Do you use it to escape from problems (eg, feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression)?

Source: Centre for Internet Addiction Recovery netaddiction.com

· Excessive use, often associated with a loss of sense of time or a neglect of basic drives;

· Withdrawal, including feelings of anger, tension and/or depression when the computer is inaccessible;

· The need for better computers, more software, or more hours of use;

· Negative repercussions, including arguments, lying, poor achievement, social isolation and fatigue.

A primary case study is South Korea, which has the greatest use of broadband in the world. Block points out that 10 people died from blood clots from remaining seated for long periods in internet cafes and another was murdered because of an online game. Their country now 'considers internet addiction one of its most serious public health issues'. The government estimates that around 210,000 South Korean children are affected and in need of treatment, of whom 80 per cent might need drugs targeting the brain and nearly a quarter could need to go to hospital. Since the average high school pupil there spends about 23 hours per week gaming, Block notes, another 1.2 million are believed to be at risk of addiction and require basic counselling. There has been alarm over a rising number of addicts dropping out of school or quitting their jobs to spend more time on computers. In China it has been reported that 13.7 per cent of adolescent internet users, about 10 million, could be considered addicts.