Internet addiction and nomophobia (fear of being without your mobile) may seem like superficial issues, but in today's society they are real problems that people are seeking help for. People are describing this phenomenon as a mental illness, and many people have began seeking help for their problem.

If you spend countless hours online, constantly tell yourself it is time to get off your computer, but never do, think about being online when you aren't, you might be suffering from Internet addiction. If you feel like you might be addicted to the internet, take this test to find out if you are suffering from mild, moderate or severe internet addiction.

Most of our generation most likely suffers from some mild form of internet addiction, but some have it much worse than others. People have began to become completely oblivious to how to engage in social activities and how to create non-virtual relationships.

For instance, have you seen the movie "Her"?

While many people think that this might only happen in a movie, it is actually very real. Many people have online romantic relationships with people that they have never met and do not feel the need to ever meet. Eve worse, some of these relationships are with machines, and not even other people who also just happen to be behind a screen. Children and teens who are addicted often have no friends, and do not know how to function in society. Many kids that showed promise in their young years of elementary school often become addicted to the internet in high-school and then drop to the bottom of their class.

Internet addiction leads to depression, anxiety, attention disorders, increases stress and much more. Everyone diagnosed with severe internet addiction is sleep deprived. Sleep deprivation can lead to many other health problems, and not just mental health.

In South Korea the government has decided that this is a national health crisis. One in every 10 kids in South Korea is an addict. The government has created detox camps for children that suffer from internet addiction. They are not allowed to bring any electronic devices to this camp. For 12 days they play outdoor games and interact with other kids. They engage in all kinds of activities that do not involve smartphones, computers or gaming consoles.

Here is an interview with Kyle Won, who recently attended this 12 day detox boot camp.

Treatment is slowly starting to become more and more necessary in the U.S., although it may not be as extreme as in some other countries. The first internet addiction treatment and recovery center was recently established in Bradford, Pennsylvania. They provide individual and group therapy for all admitted patients. As with the boot camp in Korea this treatment requires a 10-day stay completely cut off from all electronics.

Internet addiction is becoming a big problem all over the world. Although we can treat this, it is easier to prevent it. Get off your device right now! Go outside, go on a run, say hi to a stranger, make a friend or even read a book!