@sarahsweets

Millions or billions of people use their computers and the Internet to study in school, to conduct work, to take online courses, to join an online support group, etc. We cannot say that millions of people are addicted to the internet because their work and home lives comprise many hours per day/week on the computer/Internet. It's a new tool used to communicate, share work, share ideas, seek help, and even get online therapy. The VA has apps that are really cool to use at times for different disorders, which I think anyone can download on their smartphone.

So, yes, you're right. Internet addiction is less likely, and I most likely am not addicted to PC. Hee hee. Yay!

I do probably have issues with hypochondria and social anxiety at times, but not so much the other issues that are listed below.

Symptoms that are connected with an overuse or over-reliance on the Internet, or the Internet utilized for maladaptive or criminal behaviors, include the following that have been observed:

FOMO - fear of missing out
Hypochondria
Gambling addiction online
Cyber addictions of any kind (including cybersex addiction)
Cyber bullying
Cyber crimes
Social anxiety
Agoraphobia

There's probably more.

So the problem isn't really the Internet per se, but rather the originating symptoms regardless of whether or not the Internet existed. The Internet just makes all of the things above easier to access, but they most likely existed before the Internet existed - support groups included, including pen pals via snail mail and phone calls with supportive hotlines.