Like in alcoholism or drug addiction the quantity and frequency of the substance consumed is less important compared to the impact the use causes in someone's functioning in various areas including family, work/school, relationships, legal issues, financial issues, etc. The Diagnostic and Statistics Manual (DSM-V) defines addiction as an issue if it negatively starts impacting a person's functioning in the areas mentioned above. It is a continuum with social use on one end and dependency at the other end. If one does not want to use an instrument related solely to Internet addiction one could always look at the instruments available in substance use disorder literature and modify them to suit your situation. Some common instruments used in substance abuse/dependence are MAST/DAST, SASSI, ASSIST, AUDIT, ASI, etc.)
Like in alcoholism or drug addiction the quantity and frequency of the substance consumed is less important compared to the impact the use causes in someone's functioning in various areas including family, work/school, relationships, legal issues, financial issues, etc. The Diagnostic and Statistics Manual (DSM-V) defines addiction as an issue if it negatively starts impacting a person's functioning in the areas mentioned above. It is a continuum with social use on one end and dependency at the other end. If one does not want to use an instrument related solely to Internet addiction one could always look at the instruments available in substance use disorder literature and modify them to suit your situation. Some common instruments used in substance abuse/dependence are MAST/DAST, SASSI, ASSIST, AUDIT, ASI, etc.)