The scope of relationship problems caused by Internet addiction has been undermined by its
current popularity and advanced utility. Young (1996) found that serious relationship problems
were reported by fifty-three percent of Internet addicts surveyed. Marriages, dating relationships,
parent-child relationships, and close friendships have been noted to be seriously disrupted by
"net binges." Patients will gradually spend less time with people in their lives in exchange for
solitary time in front of a computer.