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Internet Addiction

Kristy and Gayang

4/15/12     

The Internet is around everyone daily, from working at school, to business, and for pleasure, it is a huge part of the daily lives of American citizens, and it is likely to only get bigger. There are many positives to the internet; it is indispensible for work, communication and education. However, there are some negatives to using the internet constantly, and that is internet addiction which is an impulse control disorder.  "When you feel more comfortable with your online friends that your real ones or you can't stop yourself from play games, gambling, or compulsively surfing, even when it is has negative consequences in your life, and then you may be using the Internet too much." This can happen to many people, it can start with a networking site, or games online.

What is online addiction? It is computer addiction disorder (IAD), which includes a variety of impulse-control problems. This includes cybersex addiction, cyber-relationship addiction, net compulsions, information overload, and computer addiction. Cybersex addition is the compulsive use of internet pornography; this can negatively impact real-life relationships because all you know is online. Cyber-Relationship Addiction is addiction to social networking, constantly chatting with people online, which can negatively impact your social life because you are unaware of how to strike up a casual conversation face-to-face. Net compulsions are gambling on line like auction sites, which can only result in financial problems in the future. Information Overload is compulsive web surfing to find out more and more and more information, and it causes less social contact. Computer Addiction is an obsessive like playing of off-line computer games, or computer programming. 

Where is it that we draw the line? There is unhealthy and healthy use of the internet, kind of like use and abuse, there is a fine line. Everyone is different when it comes to this, but mainly spending too much time, where your whole life is online in obsessive like habits. But what pushes someone to this point? Some do it to manage loneliness, depression, stress, and anxiety. And the internet is the perfect escape; you can basically create yourself a new identity, so this attracts several people. But there are more correct ways of dealing with these things such as exercising, and relaxation. The problem is the internet seems an easier access than going and exercising and trying to relax, those things are easier said than done.

So how do you know you are suffering from internet addiction? There are many signs/symptoms that go along with this addiction. Those who suffer from IAD lose track of time online very easily, feel a sense of relief while using the internet, feel guilty about internet use, isolate from one's family or friends, and may have trouble completing tasks.  There are also some physical symptoms such as, carpal tunnel, pronounced weight gain, sleep disturbances, back aches, and dry eyes or strained vision.

Finally, what can be done for people who are affected by this? Of course the first step is defining that there truly is a problem, this requires the use of a Certified Addictions Counselor, in which an assessment will be preformed. There are several places including online, and hotlines. Lastly, prevention cannot be determined since it depends heavily on psychological conditions of the person.

Specific treatment approaches. (2006, April 10). Retrieved fromhttp://www.health.am

Saisan, J., Smith, M., Robinson, L., & Segal, J. (2012, January). Help guide. Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/internet_cybersex_addiction.htm

In order to complete this project, the use of texting, and web based e-mail were used constantly. Through there we shared our ideas, and put the paper together and created a blog. 

Twitter vs. Tagged

Twitter is my favorite networking site, everything from the customization, the limited amount of characters that you are allowed to tweet, and the way in which communication is is the easiest. When visiting the Tagged website, and signing up to see what the networking site was all about I found that you must be 18 to join this site, which is a plus in my eyes, and that the customization was very limited. There are things such as Luv and Winks on this website, but I am not a fan of them. This website is also not very well known, so I can't keep in contact with my friends. There is also a limited amount of pictures that can be uploaded unlike Twitter. With Twitter all of your basic information isn't shared right on your homepage, which is enjoyable and seems more safe. Moreover, Tagged reminded me of MySpace, and I am just going to stick to Twitter =)