The term "internet addiction" appears in the early '90s. At first, this was met with a lot of skepticism and denial, however, it became evident that the more people logged on to cyberspace, the more they got hooked.  Internet addiction is a disorder that causes dependency that can be as destructive as alcoholism and drug addiction. Internet is a vital part of the modern world and an important tool in the education.

  It is almost in every school, university, home and even shopping malls. Internet is a highly entertaining and informative medium. However, these very qualities also make it an enticing escape for many users. The internet offers 24-hour access to a world of constant stimulation and alluring anonymity.

  An internet user can be anyone he or she wants to be in an online chat room or play thrilling and challenging games against other players from all corners of the globe. With the click of a mouse, one can enter a different world where the problems of the real world are no longer present and all the things one wishes are possible. Like addiction to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes or caffeine internet addiction is marked by symptoms of increasing tolerance, withdrawal, mood changes and interruption of social relationships.

    Children and adolescents who have become addicted to the internet will require increasing amounts of time online in order to feel satisfied. When they do not have access to the internet, they may have symptoms of withdrawal which include anxiety, depression, irritability, trembling hands, restlessness and obsessive thinking or fantasizing about the internet.

  While online they may feel uninhibited and experience an increased sense of intimacy. Relationships in the real world may be neglected as those in the virtual world increase in importance. Academic performance is likely to suffer.