(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
