(n.d.). Retrieved from http://i.i.cbsi.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim/2011/05/04/Internet-fail_244x183.jpg
As the whole world is growing more obsessed with the
Internet and everywhere you go you are bound to see something related to the
World Wide Web, addictive use of the Internet doesn't come as much of a
surprise. Internet Addiction Disorder
(IAD) was identified two years ago by Dr. Ivan Goldberg. IAD can be defined as an out-of-control
behavior that threatens to overwhelm the addict’s normal life.
Many people suffer from the consequences of obsession with
the online world and are unable to control their use. People frequently don’t believe the reality
of this condition, but Internet addiction is real, just like alcoholism, drug
addiction, or compulsive gambling. It
can have devastating effects on the lives of the addicts, including, but not
limited to, job loss, failure in school, decrease in productivity at work, and
divorce. The number of “netaholics” in
the United States has already reached epidemic proportions, and the number
continues to rise.
A new brain scan study shows that not only can a person be
truly addicted to the Internet, but also that Internet addiction may also cause
the same brain changes that are seen in alcoholics and drug addicts. A recent study took 17 women and men who were
diagnosed with Internet Addiction Disorder and compared their brain scans to
those of 16 people who weren't addicted to the web. What they found was that the Internet
addicted participants had more patterns of “abnormal white matter” on their
brain scans than those of non-addicts.
The changes in the white matter areas showed evidence of disrupting
pathways related to emotions, decision-making, and self-control.
(n.d.). Retrieved from http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/57832000/jpg/_57832478_p3320456-white_matter_fibres,_dti_scans-spl.jpg
These similar changes of white matter have also been seen in
brain scans of people addicted to cocaine, alcohol, marijuana, meth, heroin, and
ketamine. These results suggest that IAD
may share psychological and neural mechanisms with other types of substance
addiction and impulse control disorders.
This study also leads the researchers to believe that the brain scans of
video game addicts are quite similar to that of the scans of Internet addicts,
thus linking the changes in the neuronal connections between brain areas, as
well as changes in brain function in people who are frequently using the
Internet or video games.
An estimated 5-10% of Internet users are unable to control
their usage and are considered addicts.
The act of surfing the Internet becomes a way of life for some kids,
young adults, and even adults. This
alienates them from their peers and replaces their real-life interactions with
virtual ones they get in return from the Internet. This addiction to the Internet allows for
kids and young adults in particular to spend more of their free time surfing
the Web instead of outside running around and interacting with their peers. Though many don’t realize the severity of
this condition, it is a reality for an increasing percent of our population.
Source
Jaslow, R. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57357895-10391704/internet-addiction-changes-brain-similar-to-cocaine-study/
Justyna, P. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.ehow.com/info_8115765_negative-effects-internet-usage.html
I think this is really prevalent in today's society and is getting even worse. I have a nephew that is 4 years old, and he seems to constantly have a phone/ipad/kindle in his face. In the beginning, it was a way to just get him to be quiet at the dinner table, but now it has turned into a serious addiction. He wakes up in the morning and the first thing he asks for is someone's cell phone. I see so many parents using these internet devices as babysitters. Are we raising an entire generation of internet addicts?
ReplyDeleteThere are so many ways to access the internet nowadays, and it has become difficult to separate using it for necessary reasons and simply using it for recreational reasons. It can be difficult to even realize the number of times we check our Facebook or email account every day because its now a habit. We are certainly raising a generation that is familiar with the internet, but there are ways to stop there before we reach the point of addiction. We need to think about the habits we are showing children and teenagers, because they may mimic them and exploit them in a negative way.
DeleteRecovering from an Internet or computer addiction often means facing the underlying problems that led to your addiction in the first place. That may be depression, an inability to manage stress or overwhelming emotions, or another issue. It's important to know how to cope with life’s problems in ways that are constructive rather than destructive to yourself and others.
ReplyDeleteI think it is very interesting that internet addictions actually do effect the brain. This is a sad reality and one that should be faced and handled before it grows into an even bigger problem. I think it is harder for young adults to stay away from the internet today because so much of what we do for highschool or college involves the internet. We constantly have homework, projects, and papers to do that involve the computer and internet. Because of this, it is easy to find yourself going onto other sites and doing other things on the internet.
ReplyDelete