Even though the issue of Internet addiction or overuse has been a controversy among clinicians and researchers regarding the pathological definition, it is generally defined as using the Internet for eight hours and over per week for non-education or non-employment purposes.

Research at the Community Informatics (COIN) Internet Academy (a joint-venture between the Faculty of Informatics & Communications of Central Queensland University and Rockhampton City Council) found that Internet addition or overuse does exist in communities of CQ, especially among those young adults (18-24), of which 33% tend to be Internet addictive, accounting for 13% of total population surveyed in CQ.

Even though the pathological symptoms of this addiction needs to be further examined, the research indicated Internet overuse by these young people or minors may negatively affect their overall development in terms of health (lack of sleep, weight gain due to physical inactivity), academic development (poor school results), and personal development (poor oral communication skills, poorer relationships with parents or partners).

The details of this issue will be addressed at the International Joint Conference on Informing Science and Information Technology Education (InSITE) to be held in Rockhampton in June 2004.

For further information on Internet addiction, please contact Dr Wal Taylor on 4923 2568, or Dr Grant Zhu on 4923 2614; for information on the InSITE conference, please contact Professor Stewart Marshall on 4930 6542 or Dr Wal Taylor on 4923 2568.