Gaming Addiction Definition
Gaming addiction*, also known as internet gaming disorder and gaming disorder, can be defined in several different ways depending on the source. However, most researchers and clinicians agree that the main components of gaming addiction include an inability to stop playing and significant relational, educational, occupational, or personal problems that arise because of the inability to stop playing.
Internet Addiction
Internet addiction*, also known as internet addiction disorder, is a term denoting someone who has difficulties controlling their use of internet activities to the point that they are having significant relational, occupational, educational, or personal problems. Some subcategories of internet addiction include internet gaming addiction, cybershopping addiction, social media addiction, pornography addiction, and online gambling addiction.
Online Pornography Addiction
The definition of online porn addiction* can vary depending on the source, but two of the main components that are commonly agreed upon are an inability to stop watching pornography and relational, occupational, educational, or personal problems that arise due to the inability to stop watching.
Smartphone Addiction
Smartphone addiction*, also known as phone addiction or cell phone addiction, can be defined in several ways depending on the source. The two most agreed upon elements is an inability to stop using a cell phone and significant relational, educational, occupational, or personal problems that arise from the inability to stop using.
Social Media Addiction
Social media addiction* is a more modern form of technology addictions that can be defined in several ways depending on the source. However, most researchers and professionals agree on two main criteria: an inability to stop using social media and significant relational, occupational, educational, or personal problems that arise due to the inability to stop using.
Technology Addiction
Technology addiction* (or disorder) is an umbrella term for problematic usage of any technology. While there are several different definitions of this concept, some common characteristics of technology addiction include an inability to control technology use and significant relational, occupational, educational, or personal problems that arise from excessive use.
YouTube Addiction
YouTube addiction*, also known as problematic YouTube use, can be defined in several ways depending on the source. The most common elements researchers and clinicians agree upon is an inability to stop watching YouTube and significant relational, occupational, educational, or personal problems emerging from the inability to stop using.
*The term “addiction” in relation to technology is controversial amongst researchers and clinicians. Although some are attempting to use terms “addiction” and “disorder” to describe problematic usage of technology to develop scales and diagnoses for clinical settings, others contend that these terms are inappropriate for several reasons (e.g., they could stigmatize people, they mislead people into thinking substance addictions are identical to technology addictions).
These terms are used on this site because it is the language that most people commonly use when seeking information and help on this topic. At the Center for Technology Wellness, we use the preferred terminology of our clients, whether it includes more diagnostic terms like “addiction” and “disorder,” or simple descriptions provided by our clients (e.g., “I feel like I’m watching Tik Tok too much”).
