When used properly, internet is an important technology that provides people with vital skills for the 21st century such as information access, problem solving, and self-directed learning. However, when internet is used unconsciously, it can cause anxiety or fear and negatively affect personal development. Excessive use of internet may have detrimental effects on the biological, physiological, psychological and social development of the user
However, when the internet-related activity involves teaching-learning, it has not been reported to cause an addiction. The Internet, by itself, is not addictive. It is the purpose or activity for which the Internet is used which is the causative factor for the behavioural addiction.