Although not enough research has been done, many psychologists are beginning to identify this uncontrollable urge to “log on” for extended hours as “Problematic Internet Use” (PIU) or as Dr. Ivan Goldberg called it, “Internet Addiction Disorder (AID)”. The latest edition (the 4th) of the Dia

8. Do you uses the Internet as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression)?

1. Do you feel preoccupied with the Internet (think about previous on-line activity or anticipate next on-line session)?

Based on the research I did, I think I can come to a clear conclusion about internet addiction and its affects in the workplace as well as the privacy rights of employees. Although “internet addiction” is not officially classified as a disease in the DSM-IV, there is growing concern among psychologists and other specialists about the effects of prolonged internet use and people’s predispositions to Internet Addiction Disorder. Internet Addiction Disorder is said to affect everything form your everyday family life, work, and even your health. (Kennedy-Souza)

Finally, although the legality of employee electronic monitoring in the workplace is still very much undecided, organizations seem to be winning in the courts. For example, in the case of Bourke v. Nissan Corp and former Nissan employee sued for wrongful termination when a personal, sexual e-mail message she sent to another employee was intercepted and caused her termination. She felt it was an invasion of her privacy, but the courts saw it differently. She had already signed a form consenting to her monitoring of her e-mail messages and even if she hadn’t, her knowing of electronic monitoring by her supervisors would have been enough for her termination for inappropriate use of the company e-mail system. This is not too different from John’s situation because although prior to getting warned he did not know he was being monitored, his manager warned him that he would be under further surveillance and to stop his inappropriate use of the internet while at work before he was forced to take disciplinary action. Therefore it is doubtful that John would have any legal recourse for being fired.

4. Do you feel restless, moody, depressed, or irritable when attempting to cut down or

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