Assignment:
Online Addictions
Introduction
Who would have thought that the Internet could spawn its own disease? Although the jury is still out as to whether it really is a disease, for many, online addictions are very real.
This topic explores the different types of computer addictions, differing theories on whether it really is a clinical disease, and what to do if you or someone you know needs help.
Discussion
According to studies at the Center for Internet Addiction
• The number of office workers who admit to using the internet during work hours to visit social networking sites, to shop online, to read personal email, or to visit pornography, gaming or gambling sites has risen to over 70%
• Depression, anxiety-disorders, social phobias and other compulsive disorders have strong links to those with an internet addiction.
• The most common forms of internet addiction are those that involve cybersex, online affairs, and online gaming.
• Internet predators are also likely to suffer from internet addiction.
• Children with an internet addiction have a greater tendency to suffer from depression, experience both social and academic problems at school, may be at a greater risk to develop physical illnesses, obesity, or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
• Nomophobia (the fear of being without a phone) is being triggered by the tremendous growth in the availability and us of mobile phones and other portable devices such as tablets, phablets, and wearable computing devices (Young, n.d.).
Computer addiction may or may not involve the Internet. Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD), a term commonly used to describe most disorders, was first proposed by Dr. Ivan Goldberg (Beato, 2010) . However, the term "addiction" itself tends to be controversial.
One term that seems to be more accepted is "problematic internet use" or PIU. PIU is generally considered to be " an impulse control disorder or an addiction similar to those associated with substances," in other words, " ...behavior operating in both producing pleasure and reducing painful affects, causing negative health consequences, and being associated with unsuccessful attempts or stop or control this behavior" (Laconi, Tricard, & Chabrol, 2015).
The readings this week raise issues that are direct or indirect effects of the use of information technology:
a) the digital divide
b) online addictions
c) online media - fact or fiction
d) positive and negative impacts of information technology on society
Choose one of the topics to explore. Do some additional research on the topic. And cite your sources. Please do NOT make Wikipedia your primary source. You may use it, but there should be other reputable sources included first.
When you post your response, put the chosen topic in the subject line.
How serious an impact does your chosen problem have on quality of life? What could you do to lessen the impact in your life or the lives of loved ones?
https://us.humankinetics.com/blogs/excerpt/technology-can-have-positive-and-negative-impact-on-social-interactions
Readings:
Impacts of Information Technology in Society in the new Century
By Konsbruck Robert Lee
Attachment:- Digital Divide Revisited.zip