Scientists have created a new internet addiction spectrum to classify just how much some people rely upon -- or are addicted to -- being online.
- Casual Users -- 15%. These people go online for specific tasks and log off without lingering.
- Initial Users -- 23%. They often find themselves online longer than they initially planned -- and sometimes neglect household chores.
- Experimenters -- 22%. These users feel uneasy or anxious when not connected to the internet.
- Addicts-in-Denial -- 18%. Oh oh ... We have a problem. Addicts-in-Denial display addictive behaviors like forming new relationships online and neglecting real-world responsibilities to be online.
- Addicts -- 22%. They openly acknowledge their internet addiction and recognize its negative impact on their lives.
More findings from the study:
- Young people -- age 24 and younger -- spend an average of six hours a day online, usually on their smartphones.
- People older than 24 spend an average of 4.6 hours online every day.
- There doesn't seem to be a link between gender and internet addiction. Men and women pretty much fall on the spectrum equally.