Women more likely to become Internet addicts

Japan's first large-scale public survey on online habits suggests that women are more likely than men to become addicted to the Internet.

The government commissioned a University of Tokyo research team to question about 64,000 Internet users, starting last September, about the effects of their online activities.

The team concluded that 15 percent of online computer game players, 11 percent of mobile networking service users and 6 percent of mobile game players are addicts.

Women showed a higher level of addiction in all online services, particularly mobile games.
In addition, 52 percent of male and female addicts said they feel burdened by online personal relations.

The research team theorizes that women have a higher tendency to vent their emotions online, and become dependent on the Internet because they find it harder to detach themselves from their online acquaintances.