Am I addicted to the internet? Take the test at the private practice of online psychologist Patric Pförtner.
Psychologist Patric Pförtner

Patric Pförtner

M.Sc. Psychologist, Doctoral Researcher

Test: Internet Addiction

Perhaps you're wondering whether you suffer from internet addiction, or are at risk of it. The amount of time you spend online alone is not enough to answer that question. Some people are addicted even though they spend only 20 hours online, while others are online for more than 40 hours and still do not suffer from internet addiction.

Typical signs of internet addiction can include:

  • loss of control over online time and unsuccessful attempts to reduce it,
  • neglect of responsibilities, social contacts or hobbies,
  • withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness or irritability when you can't go online,
  • continued online behaviour despite negative consequences.

Since we all do more and more tasks online — writing letters, researching, placing orders — we also spend more and more time online. It is other factors that decide whether an internet addiction is present.

Originally written in German — read the original here: Internetsucht-Test.

Internet Addiction Test: 11 Questions

All questions refer to the last 14 days. The answer options are scaled like a grading system — the first option counts as one point, the last as five. Choose one answer per question and click Evaluate Now at the end.

1. Do you prefer to spend time online rather than with friends or family?

2. Do you often think about the internet, even when you're offline?

3. Do you find it hard to imagine life without the internet?

4. Do you often stay online longer than you intended?

5. Has the internet had a negative impact on your performance at school, work or in daily life?

6. Do you become impatient or irritated when you can't go online?

7. Do you hide from others how much time you spend online?

8. Do you skimp on sleep because you go online late or stay online too long?

9. Do important tasks go undone because you're on the internet?

10. Have you tried to reduce your time online but failed?

11. Has someone close to you said you've changed because of the internet?

This online screening is not a diagnostic tool. Only a trained medical professional — such as a doctor, psychiatrist or psychotherapist — can advise you on the next steps.

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"Most arguments aren't the argument you think you're having."
"Trust doesn't grow through words. It grows through repetition."
"A strong relationship isn't one without conflict — it's one where you find your way back."
Psychologist Patric Pförtner is a registered full member of the BDP

Quality seal for psychological counselling awarded by the Professional Association of German Psychologists (BDP).

 Registered full member of the BDP

Registered full member of the Professional Association of German Psychologists (BDP).

 Online psychological counselling quality seal

For my work, the BDP has awarded me the "Counselling by Psychologists" quality mark.