Internet addiction a factor in self-injury
![](http://askthejudge.info/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/InternetFriendly.jpg)
Experts define Internet addictions as feelings of depression, nervousness and moodiness when not online. Also, fantasizing or being pre-occupied with being online are signs of addiction.
An Australian/Chinese study published in the journal Injury Prevention, found that teenagers who are addicted to the Internet are more likely to engage in self-harm. Researchers surveyed 1618 teens from thirteen to eighteen in one Chinese province. They were surveyed about behaviors including hitting themselves, pulling their own hair and pinching or burning themselves.
![InternetFriendly](http://www.askthejudge.info/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/InternetFriendly.jpg)
Nomenklatura (Flickr)
Ten percent of the students were modestly addicted to the Internet, while less than one percent were severely addicted. Internet addiction has been classified as a mental health problem since the mid-1990’s. The addiction stands separate from other variables that contribute to self-injury including depression, family dissatisfaction and stressful life events.
For more about Internet addiction take a look at the story of Hughstan Schlicker of Arizona: http://askthejudge.info/teen-myspace-killer-gets-20-years/2562/