Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of online dating addiction, like all other addictions, can sometimes be hard to catch if you’re not paying attention. A lot of the symptoms are how you’re feeling yourself, so it can be hard for other people to try to guess what you’re feeling. 

Some signs and symptoms of the addiction that are felt internally by you are listed on the Internet Addiction Center website. One of the questions they ask is “Do you feel preoccupied with the internet? (Think about previous online activity/chats or anticipate the next online session?) This meaning is this online chat room or dating site the only thing you can think about. Another symptom is seeking a new relationship while still in a relationship, this is a key factor because you can’t stay with just one person. Listed below is a continued list of feelings/internal symptoms you can catch yourself to diagnose the problem:

1. Do you feel the need to use the internet for long periods of time in order to feel accomplished?

2. Do you get restless and moody when you try to stop using the internet?

3. Do you struggle to maintain the romance intensity of your relationships?

4. Do you feel desperate/alone when not in a relationship?

5. Do you lie to your family/friends about being online and being in these relationships?

These were the symptoms you can feel yourself, the symptoms that other people can look out for, like friends and family are more general. If you notice someone you know has tried to control their behaviour with the internet and continuously fails to, they may be addicted. If someone is neglecting their friends and family, or more importantly their health by neglecting the fact that they need to eat or sleep can be a big factor in finding the problem. If you notice someone you know looks very tired, hasn’t eaten and is constantly online they may have a problem. Other symptoms to watch out for in friends and family are:

• If someone you know is continuously lying to their friends/family about what they’re doing or who they’re seeing
•           Weight gain/loss, body aches, and carpal tunnel syndrome is a key factor
•            If someone is withdrawing from activities they once found pleasurable to make more time to be online this is the start of a serious problem
• If someone relies on romantic intensity to relieve stress

All of these symptoms can also be symptoms of other addictions or problems, getting someone you know help is the first step in their recovery! Any questions, comments, or concerns can be directed to www.netaddiction.com.

Citations:
1. Facts About Internet Addiction. (2015). Retrieved February 22, 2016, from http://www.livestrong.com/article/121871-internet-addiction/
2. Center for Internet Addiction - Education and Treatment. (n.d.). Retrieved February 22, 2016, from http://netaddiction.com/