Internet Addiction

At lunch time I like to sit in front of the tv and watch the news.  They just interviewed someone about internet addiction.
I thought the guy talking had a really balanced view.  He highlighted how important the internet is.  For kids so much of their schoolwork is internet based and their future depends on it.  There are other activities that are reasonable.  Someone spending hours on the internet does not mean they are addicted to it.  For some it is their job, while for others or for both, it is a valid means of communication. And learning.
There are signs of addiction though.  Chief amongst them seemed to be a feeling that any other activity was an interference.  Things that might be considered legitimate like having a meal together or going out for some activity, were seen to get in the way.
I have a friend who realized his addiction and stopped.  He would play a game and get up at all hours to ensure he was not disadvantaged by sleeping.  It ruled him.
One site I looked at concerning internet addiction said someone needed to exhibit five of these behaviours. Preoccupation with the Internet, such as thinking about activities you’ll do next time you’re online; feeling the need to spend more time online to achieve the same amount of satisfaction; repeated, failed attempts to reduce Internet use; feelings of irritability, depression, and moodiness when Internet use is limited; using the Internet for longer periods of time than intended; putting a job or relationship at risk so you can use the Internet; lying about the amount of time you spend online; relying on the Internet to regulate or improve your mood.
The gentleman interviewed found that the consequences of internet addiction in children tends to become obvious after 12 months.  Their crucial finding was that people tended to have less idea of their own feelings.
Often a person does not recognise an addiction but is focused mostly on getting their next fix.  To me, like any addiction internet addiction destroys.  For example, the government was giving 10 grand to people and spruked that people were using it to cover their mortgage.  Someone else highlighted that research showed many gambled it away. Uncontrolled.
It seems to me any human activity can be an addiction.  Even attributes that are positive can be a negative.  That seems like a contradiction.  Yet if a person has a positive test for Covid-19 that is a negative.  A person may spend their life giving to others in time and finance yet if it is at the expense of their family and relationships it is a negative.
I harp on it big time but I think balance is needed.    What is lawful for me to do is ok for me to do – but is it needed?
How often does a father highlight how their time in the office away from the family paid for a kid’s education.  Yet the kid would have benefited more from time spent with dad. 
Anything that becomes a compulsion I need to examine carefully, even if, to the casual observer it is seen as a positive. Is my compulsion destroying other things that are reasonable and fair?  To me that is not good.
Getting out of an addiction is never easy.  Help and support are out there.