Abstract: Pathological internet use (PIU) is a new kind of mental illness accompanying with people’s surfing on-line. Many researchers considered the main causes of PIU were the extreme use of internet or misuse of some internets functions. Based on the past researches, this paper analyzes and reviews the PIU,s definition and measurement. Finally, how to conceptualize and measure PIU is discussed with the context of Chinese culture.

Key words: internet, pathological internet use, internet addiction, internet dependence