Computers are becoming more and more a part of everyday life, even from an early age. However, the increased and ever easier use of computers does not only have advantages, as cases of compulsive or addictive behaviour in connection with computers have increased dramatically.


For people with existing addictive or compulsive behaviour, the computer facilitates access, for example in the case of gambling or shopping addiction. In young people, addiction to computer games can become a problem. Computer addiction can lead to neglect of social contacts, work or school and thus reduce the quality of life. A person who is addicted to computers feels irritable if they do not have access to a computer. In addition to psychological problems, computer addiction can also cause physical symptoms such as migraines, headaches, eye damage, tendonitis or sleep problems.

Addiction to computer games is one of the most talked about problems. According to American researchers, up to 9% of children in the USA are at risk of addiction. Existing depression can be exacerbated by computer game addiction. However, it is important to note that only a small percentage of all computer gamers are addicted, most show no signs of addictive behaviour.

Other forms of computer addiction manifest themselves through online shopping, online pornography or online partnerships. The internet offers many addictive attractions that can be as appealing as a slot machine.

When computer addiction takes on extreme forms, it can even lead to death in individual cases. A man in South Korea died after playing "Starcraft" almost continuously for 50 hours. A Chinese man died in 2007 after three days of continuous internet gaming. However, such cases are extremely rare and require consistent neglect of natural needs during gaming.

In most cases, computer addiction does not occur as a stand-alone phenomenon, but rather goes hand in hand with pre-existing mental disorders. This is why computer addiction itself cannot be cured until the underlying original behavioural disorder has been treated. If access to computers is simply withdrawn, the person affected is more likely to look for another outlet for their disorder and relapse again at the next opportunity. <