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Q. What services does Internet
Behavior Consulting (IBC) provide?
A. IBC provides a multitude of professional and clinical
services related to problematic online behavior. IBC serves both
professionals and individuals who need assistance in evaluating
or stopping their problematic use of the Internet. Consultation
services assists individuals in deciding if they
should seek further help from a qualified professional, and assist
professionals with cases
and questions related to online behavior. IBC also publishes a
number of books and resource
guides for individuals and professionals.
Trainings are
offered in a number of settings, including educational, religious,
legal and forensics, and family. For specific services or questions,
feel free to contact IBC.
<Return to Top> Q. How can using the Internet become problematic?
A. The reality is, any behavior can become problematic
if it begins to interfere with social, occupational, or other
important
life areas. The Internet can cause significant consequences for
individuals to the point that they feel out of control with their
Internet use. This is how we begin to tell if the Internet has
become problematic.
<Return to Top> Q. Is problematic online behavior illegal?
A. Although this is an important question to ask,
a behavior does not need to be illegal to become problematic.
Consider
individuals who begin using alcohol excessively, or who abuse their
prescription medications. Although their behaviors are legal,
they
also can become problematic. The same is true for the Internet.
An individual's behaviors may or may not be illegal, but may still
be problematic.
<Return to Top> Q. What are some examples of problematic online behaviors?
A. Online gaming, online chatting, online gambling,
online shopping, online auctions, and online sexual behavior are
all examples of behavior that can turn problematic when used excessively
and to the detriment of the individual or their friends and family.
<Return to Top> Q. How many individuals are affected by problematic
online behavior?
A. While it is difficult to determine exactly how
many people are affected by problematic online behavior, it has
been
estimated that between 3 - 6% of the people using the Internet
have developed problems with their online use. It has been estimated
that nearly 20% of online users are at-risk of developing online
problems.
<Return to Top> Q. Does everyone who uses the Internet develop problematic
online behaviors?
A. No. In fact, research has shown that the majority
of online users do not experience any significant problems related
to their behavior. However, this does not negate those who struggle
with problematic online behaviors.
<Return to Top> Q. What are the signs that someone has a problem?
A. There is no single sign that indicates someone
has a problem with their online use; it is often a combination of
many factors over an extended period of time. It is not only "what"
people do online, but also the effect it has on their lives and
those around them. Common signs include: spending more and more
time engaged in online behaviors, feeling unable to control their
online use, continuing the online behavior even when there are significant
risks and consequences.
<Return to Top> Q. What are the unique features of the Internet that
make it so powerful?
The Internet has some unique features that make it
powerfully attractive and difficult to resist. We have called this
the Cyberhex. The features of the Cyberhex are: interactive, inexpensive,
imposing, integral, isolating, intoxicating.
<Return to Top> Q. What can someone do if they think they have a problem
with their online behavior?
A. The first step is to contact a professional who
is familiar with all forms of compulsive behavior, such as Internet
Behavior Consulting. The Internet can also be a resource for those
who think they have problems with their online use. There are a
number of useful sites available (e.g., netaddiction, NCSAC, etc.)
that have resources and contact information for professionals across
the country. After entering into counseling, the professional will
help determine if your behavior warrants further treatment. Using
books (e.g., In the Shadows of the Net, Cybersex Unhooked, etc.),
individuals can begin a process of rebuilding their lives that had
been lost to the Internet.
<Return to Top> Q. What about problematic online sexual behavior?
A. Please click here for
specific information that addresses this question. (NOTE: You will
need Adobe Acrobat to read this pdf file.)
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