Internet addiction disorder (IAD) is a newly recognized trait, and one which effects both the young and the old. It crosses all borders, and is not only focused on any particular social group. What are the eight signs you could be addicted to the internet?.

Cheaper technology, faster servers and more choice on an evolving web are attracting millions of internet-dependent users, every month. And like any addiction, could effect the way you work, think and co-exist with others around you.

We have all heard of the internet "widow," a wife who rarely has time to see her husband, who is too busy on the net, or the reclusive son/daughter who always seems busy in their room, even the manager who freaks out and panics, if an internet connection is down. These are symptoms of Internet addiction Disorder (IAD).

1. Your Social Life Revolves Around the Computer

In smaller towns or cities, and remoter villages, the internet may be the only real entertainment in town. But once your social life revolves around your home, and a computer- you fast on the track to becoming addicted to the internet.

2. Your Off-Line Life is "Boring"

Mona started to feel her surroundings becoming less interesting, even boring compared to her on-line life. She started becoming introverted, and stayed in, rather than socialized outside. She become restless, and impatient with her off-line surroundings, whilst always planned her life around the computer she used.

3. Dependency Syndrome

Bob's activities are dependent on the internet, irrespective of the fact he may earn a living on-line. His friends, communications, and hobbies, all are linked on-line, and Bob even chats to his closest friends using a messenger service- rather then face-to-face or on the phone.

4. Without the Internet, You Cannot Work

Mira worked outside a computer based environment, but needed the internet to work effectively. She started communicating with associates, through the internet, even if they are next to her, and felt frustrated if a task took more time then it did online. Impatience, lack of verbal communication, and irritation are signs that Mira may have IAD.

5. Browsing Ineffectively

Don needed to find out something from a browser, but end up spending hours surfing the net, chatting and browsing non-related websites. His work became less efficient, and often you find Don working late, catching up with the work he neglected during regular working hours.

6. Addiction to Multi-tasking

Sarah thought she studied hard, but by bringing her laptop to lectures, she multi-tasked. Facebook, yahoo messenger and her i-phone was constantly busy, whilst she occasionally made notes on the lecture. Sarah, once she was off-line felt depressed, and disconnected. Sarah shows classic symptoms of IAD.

7. Gaming

Rich at first found the game relaxing and inspiring after a hard day at School., but soon her grew inpatient with it. The challenge was to reach the top, and determined Rich would spent many hours getting higher, and higher scores. An innocent game started taking over Richard, his conversations with friends, and his thoughts in the classroom.

8. Socially Dependent

Lina loved Facebook, and collected friends from all over the World. After work she would walk around a Mall, adding new photos, chatting and whilst she waited for friends to go on-line, a game. Lina became oblivious to her surroundings, as she became obsessed with her on-line life.

Most experts agree anything can be addictive. The internet is great, but if you let your on-line use take over your life, then it can become as dangerous as any other addiction, and have very negative consequences.