Virtual Addiction Test

If you are using the Internet as a means to feel good or to gratify what you might otherwise not enjoy, then you may be prone to, or even addicted to, finding pleasure online instead of in the satisfaction of ‘real-time’ living. This short, 11 question Virtual Addiction Test is designed to measure the level of your dependence on the Internet in your daily life.

1. Do you feel a loss of control and/or feelings of timelessness when using the Internet or Smartphone?

 
 

2. When not on the Internet/Smartphone, you are preoccupied with the Internet or Smartphone, (e.g., thinking about or reliving past experiences, planning your next time to use it, or thinking of when you’ll next have access to the Internet or Smartphone.

 
 

3. Do you find that you spend greater amounts of time on the Internet or Smartphone to achieve satisfaction similar to your previous use?

 
 

4. Do you find yourself seeking more stimulating/interesting (e.g., exciting) material or content on the Internet or Smartphone?

 
 

5. Have you had repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, limit, or cut back your Internet or Smartphone use?

 
 

6. Do you find yourself restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop using the Internet or Smartphone?

 
 

7. Are you using the Internet/Smartphone as a way of escaping from problems or relieving a bad mood, (e.g., boredom, frustration, anxiety or depression)?

 
 

8. After spending what you consider an excessive amount of time on the Internet or Smartphone, and vowing not to do so the next day, do you find yourself using it as much the next day or soon after?

 
 

9. Do you find yourself lying to family members, therapists or others to conceal the extent of your involvement with the Internet or Smartphone?

 
 

10. Do you find yourself committing illegal acts related to your use of the Internet or Smartphone?

 
 

11. Have you jeopardized, impacted, or lost a relationship, job, or educational opportunity because of your use of the Internet or Smartphone?

 
 

 

 

© 2013, 2017 Dr. David Greenfield | The Center for Internet and Technology Addiction. All Rights Reserved.

 

Disclaimer: It should be noted that no medical or psychiatric diagnosis can be made solely by a written test or screening instrument alone; this survey is intended for educational and informational purposes only. If you score is on the higher side it would be reasonable to examine whether your use or over-use is creating any problems in work-life balance. If you are concerned about your Smartphone use, you may wish to consult with a mental health/addiction professional with expertise in Internet and Technology Addiction (Process/Behavioral Addictions).