METHODS FOR DIAGNOSING INTERNET ADDICTION IN YOUNG PEOPLE
Keywords:
Internet addiction, diagnosis, youth, behavioral assessment, psychological tools, digital dependency.Abstract
Internet addiction has emerged as a growing psychological and behavioral concern among young people in the digital era. With the widespread use of smartphones, social media, and online gaming, many adolescents and young adults are experiencing patterns of compulsive internet use that interfere with their academic performance, social life, and emotional well-being. This article provides an in-depth review of the most widely recognized methods used to diagnose internet addiction in young people. It explores both clinical and psychometric approaches, including self-report questionnaires, behavioral assessment tools, and structured interviews. The article also highlights the challenges of diagnostic accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and the overlap of internet addiction with other psychological disorders.
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