Essay The Addictive Nature of the Internet - 3581 Words

The Addictive Nature of the Internet The purpose of this paper is to show the many different ways that people can become addicted to the web (Internet) and to try to explain why. The various aspects of the web, such as the wide range of information, the advanced technology, and alternate ways of communication have contributed to its addictive nature. People of all ages and backgrounds have become so absorbed in using the web, either through work or play, that they have, in effect, become addicted to using it. Some common types of sites which people just cannot seem to stay away from include chat rooms, dating services, sex, pornography, shopping, and sports. The prevalence of Internet use and the growing realization that it†¦show more content†¦Kimberly Young of the University of Pittsburgh who founded the Center for Online Addiction and is conducting online addiction research. Dr. Ivan Goldberg, a moderator of the Internet Addiction Support Group mailing list, employs a list of IAD Diagnostic Criteria, which can be found at the end of this paper. Common Warning Signs of IAD (abbreviated): 1. Compulsively checking your e-mail. 2. Always anticipating your next Internet session 3. Others complaining that youre spending too much time online. 4. Others complaining that youre spending too much money online. (Results of Internet Behaviour Questionnaire) IAD, unlike alcoholism (which is a recognized medical addiction) is like pathological gambling, an out-of- control behavior that threatens to overwhelm the addicts normal life. (Results of Internet Behaviour Questionnaire) By simply being aware of the above warning signs of IAD, a person can reduce the risk of becoming addicted to using the web. The warning signs and symptoms below should be used as guidelines to determine if a true problem exists. Below are some more general and easy to understand Symptoms of Internet Addiction: 1.- Using the online services everyday without any skipping. 2.- Losing track of time after making a connection. 3.- Goes out less and less. 4.- Spending less and less time on meals at home or at work, and eats in front of the monitor. 5.-Show MoreRelatedIntroduction to Internet Addiction978 Words   |  4 PagesIntroduction to Internet Addiction Ten years ago, the only people who spent a majority of their leisure time on the computer were paid members of the technology industry. Today, however, surfing the Web has become a pastime as social and marketable as bar hopping or going to the movies. As the web has become a part of mainstream life, some mental health professionals have noted that a percentage of people using the web do so in a compulsive and out-of-control manner. In one extreme (1997)  CincinnatiRead MoreEffects Of Social Networking On College Grades1069 Words   |  5 Pagesaddicted to. 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