At the early stage, Internet addicts turn to the net for emotional support. By chatting with unknown people or playing interactive online games, they can change moods, overcome anxiety, deal with depression, reduce isolation or loneliness, or distract themselves from overwhelming problems. The emotional support develops into addiction as time passes, and Internet surfers fail to limit their time on the net. They become less interested in their daily life and unwilling to be involved in the real world. Besides the mental disorder, physical symptoms may come up.
Internet addicts have poor appetites and sleep deprivation, and often feel fatigued and dizzy.
Doctors say that surfers' nerve centres are kept highly excited, which can raise blood pressure, affect digestion and weaken immunity. These physical disorders may then cause heart diseases, digestive upset, headaches, anxiety and depression. The most common problem among the net addicts is eye problems, such as weakness and declining eyesight. Anyone with access to a modem and the Internet may become addicted, according to doctor Lu Zheng. And home-based computer users are at high risk of developing the disorder.