I can see where one might say they are addicted to the internet, but can it really be called that. I hardly think that spending a lot of time online is really an addiction. The internet is large network with infinite things to do. It is very easy to lose track of time and spen al your time on the computer.

My girlfriend spends every second she can on the internet. Because of this she refuses to go get a job, or even go to family get together with me. She does not want to leave the house if she does not want to. Yesterday the internet was down all day for some reason and she was flipping out throwing things and cursing and just getting very upset. I believe this is definitely an addiction but I don't know what to do about it. It is hurting me because I have to look for a second job now and fill up all of my time just to pay bills because she refuses to go get a job and I don't want to throw her out because she has no where to go.

When it comes to the girlfriend issue then yes it can be called an addiction. When it interferes with your life and friendships and living in general then it is an addiction.

Hidden addictions exist and they are often hard to spot. If you notice a change in behavoir then I would be looking for a way to tell the person that they might need some help. Get them involved in other activities.

That is not really an addiction still. That is just an example of somebody over reacting and not being mature.

There isn't a chemical tolerance to the internet taht is built up in your body to make you addicted.