Internet addiction is a global
thing. It is easy to think Internet addiction only affects a few or even maybe
just the United States, but research that has been conducted in South Korea
gives more statistics to a growing problem.
"After a series of 10 cardiopulmonary-related deaths in Internet cafes and a game-related murder, South Korea considers Internet addiction one of its most serious public health issues. Using data from 2006, the South Korean government estimates that approximately 210,000 South Korean children (2.1%; ages 6-19) are afflicted and require treatment. About 80% of those needing treatment may need psychotropic medications, and perhaps 20% to 24% require hospitalization" (Block, 2008).
(n.d.). Retrieved from http://susan-scheff.info/images/internet-addiction.jpg.
It's alarming to me that Internet addiction could ultimately lead to someone's death. We hear about people becoming less social, but gaming to the point of death is cause to bring up more awareness in the world. It is something that is becoming a global problem and definitely needs more attention and recognition. China has created early prevention techniques to help their use. They have created laws to prevent more than three hours of Internet usage. This brings up a question: China is known for more strict policies, but do you think the United States should fully recognize this as a disease to have the power to fully regulate the usage of the Internet?
Sources
This was an eye-opening post to read. I cannot believe this is going on in China and would hope it would never get to this point in the United States. I do not really see how, realistically speaking, the US would ever be able to control one's use of the internet. I feel like that would involve a major process that would take great time and effort in planning out. You never know though...
ReplyDeleteI would have never thought internet addiction could possibly lead to death. I feel that creating laws to regulate internet usage could possibly help some situations but in the US I feel that its a little unrealistic. People find ways to get around everything, and I can't think of how the government could successfully regulate everyones internet use.
ReplyDeleteI was unaware that internet use itself could be linked to someone's death, but wow! this article was really eye opening. I think that the idea of the government regulating internet access is an inherently bad idea though. That is a slippery slope. Many a tyrant has been born in an effort to restrict liberty for the "Good" of the people. I think that we as individuals, and friends of individuals, need to monitor ourselves and those we care about to make sure that this worst case scenario does not happen.
ReplyDeleteI remember hearing that someone died in China when the new version of WoW came out. It's crazy and sad to think that someone is so addicted they can't leave their computer to sleep or eat. It's also interesting to think that countries are setting limits on how long their citizens can stay on the internet because people can so easily become addicted. However, I don't think the United States should follow this in a way to stop Internet Addiction because it would take away our freedom even more. We need to find a different way to help tackle this issue.
ReplyDeleteI believe parents are the best options to prevent children from becoming addicted to the internet because they may set up time restrictions. For adults iris harder to prevent but easier to treat.
DeleteI have a roommate who is basically lives on his gaming system. Internet and game addiction is a growing issue. I was an RA last year and I would walk the halls and it was not uncommon to find at least 5 guys out of 48 on a floor in the same place as always surfing the internet and playing video games. The introverted internet explorerers are becoming the most common explorers of all.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't surprised but still extremely saddened by this news. I had spent extensive length of time in "internet shops" myself (internet shops are where people usually visit to play online games in China, South Korea, etc.). I had witnessed peers sleeping on the floor after days straight of playing, guys lost pounds of weight, ... It is so bad you won't believe it. In my opinion, a generation with eyes on the screen and no social interaction is in a way, already a dead generation.
ReplyDeleteTriet Pham
Well i think it is hard for the United state to regulate such a thing. However, people do not consider it as daises and will continue using it with no regulation. I believe they can increase the awareness of it harm and people have their won choice. They can avoid internet addiction as they avoid other drugs,it is based on their own choice.
ReplyDeleteThe government should intervene in appropriate ways…There should be restriction on the internet cafe opening hours, can’t stay longer than 4 hours etc. Restrictions on the game contents and rules so that they do not challenge players to keep going and general education at school and in the media, TV, radio, general public places etc to warn people about this deadly pursuits/behaviors.
ReplyDeleteI do not believe internet addiction should be considered one of the most serious public health issues, atleast not in the US. However, I do believe it is a growing problem that could get to that point if things keep heading in the direction they have been. With the power to watch, buy, lookup, and communicate through the internet, there is enough to keep a person entertained for hours on end. If people would get back to the real world more, I believe it could help this problem.
ReplyDeleteInternet addiction is a serious problem. Even if people are not dying from it they have become so dependent they don't how to function without it. The internet has become integrated into every single aspect of our lives; school assignments, online shopping, research, communication, entertainment. It seems like it's almost impossible to live without some form of access to the web. I think. This is causing a lot of problem in the younger generations, like short attention spans, hyper activity, lack of patience, there's a constant need to be entertained and they have to have it NOW or they will move onto something else. It's rare now to see someone who can do something as simple as read a book without having to stop to check Facebook or Twitter.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that internet addiction was such a problem over in the east. I'm also surprised at the lengths they feel that they have to go to solve the problem. What do you mean that 20-24% need hospitalization? Are they malnourished or something possibly worse? And psychotropic medicine strictly for being on the computer too much, or medicine for some other mental illness that causes them to stay online all the time. Very good article, just wondering if it is just as inflammatory as it seems to be, or even worse.
ReplyDeleteI am not saying that these accusations are false in any sense, but what types of health issues are comprimised? What are they being hospitalized for? Neurological?
ReplyDeleteI think The Internet is not the enemy simply since individuals come to be subject to it. It has numerous vital and essential profits. It is a quick approach to get data, more naturally sound than daily papers and magazines, advantageous, and instructive. From numerous points of view it makes our lives much less difficult.
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