Is Internet addiction a real problem?

Studies pointing out the dangers of our technology-enabled lifestyles are nothing new. Topics such the possibility of getting brain tumors from our cell phones and the danger of video game violence translating into real-world violence frequently pop up on the front pages of newspapers and web sites (including this one) around the world.

Another popular topic is addiction, specifically Internet addiction. A new study published in Perspectives in Psychiatric Care says that Internet addiction is a serious problem, manifesting itself in between 5 percent and 10 percent of all surfers.