Different internet technologies are developing very fast these days and so is cyber community. These days it is not only a way to transmit information - cyber community is more like world - you can meet people there, learn different things online and buy everything you need without leaving your home. But there is a problem involved in all this progress - cyber community brings a new disorder. So-called Internet addiction is becoming more often in cyber community.

Such a problem as Internet Addiction Disorders looks not that serious at first but it starts with longer time spent on the internet. But then things get more serious every day. Internet addict needs more and more time online. Internet becomes a sort of drug for that person. And than different problems with private and social life follow. People with

Internet Addiction Disorder starts neglecting work and socializing activities does not interest them any more. All their thoughts are directed into the net. In more serious cases internet addicts start neglecting family and personal relationships. That is a very serious and dramatic psycho-physiological disorder that can easily ruin the entire life. In some cases internet addiction disorder is even harder and more devastating problem than alcohol or drug addiction (in fact, all the withdrawn symptoms of internet addiction are pretty similar to drug addiction symptoms).

So, are there ways to determine the development of internet addiction disorder? Yes, there are such ways and there are also methods to stop the development of disorder. On the internet, at web sites dedicated to that problem (or web sites about additions in general) it is possible to find special tests that will clearly show if the person has a problem with internet surfing. The major parameter here is probably the time a person spends to be online (or thinking about being online).

So, if test shows overuse of internet it is a reason to get worried because such a simple symptom can easily outgrow into internet addiction disorder. And the main step to stop the development of the disorder is to admit that you have a problem and change your attitude about internet and surfing. Internet can be only a hobby and online addicts need to understand that clearly.

Of course there are pathological cases when people cannot simply think of nothing but the internet and being a part of cyber community. In those cases professional help is needed.

Symptoms of internet addiction disorder are pretty similar to those of pathological gambling so most of the treatment procedures are taken from that area. But of course internet addiction disorder has its own specifics so there are special centers where this problem is being treated. But in many cases these centers have a big problem because they are online centers. Such situation, of course, can make things worse. But with the right approach these centers for treatment of internet addiction disorders are very helpful. Different support groups for internet addicts are also getting popular these days in cyber community.