Internet Addiction ( Pathological Internet Use ) Essay -- Essays Paper

Internet Addiction ( Pathological Internet Use ) The Internet has become one of the most universal methods for communication with everywhere 100 million users worldwide. From e-mail to the possibly billions of weathervane pages, there is an infinite amount of information flowing. And an antithetic enticing aspect of the Internet, is the opportunity to interact with other people. Chat Rooms and MUD (Multi-User Dimensional) games offer the person the ability to talk and mingle with others online. But with this newfound freedom, likewise comes the possibility of abuse and addiction. Internet addiction, too known as Pathological Internet use, has emerged as a very destructive force in todays society. David Greenfield believes an estimated 6 percent of the web users 100 million people are thought to be online addicts, and that number is growing everyday. But what causes Internet Addiction? There are many different causes, but one of the most essential, is thought to b e a personality disorder. Carol Potera, an author in Psychology Today says, The lone, bored, depress, introverted, lacking self-esteem, or set out a history of addictions are most vulnerable. This group of people seems to be the most susceptible to all mental disorders, psychologically or physical. These people necessity to fill the void that has been created by not having any real life relationships, so they turn to the Internet, just as if someone would turn to drugs. Greenfield thinks people obtain closer, quicker to the people they communicated with online than in real life time passes freely, and people like the anonymity. (Greenfield)A study conducted by the Stanford Institute for the Quantitative Study of decree and InterSurvey (headed by Norman H Nie and Lutz Erbing) had some interesting findings. Twenty-five percent of the surveyed participants (4,113 in 2,689 households) say that web time has reduced their time spent with friends and family and combat-ready in e vents outside the home. They also found that nearly 60% of the surveyed cut back on television viewing also, in which Erbing added that the Internet could be the last isolating technology that further reduces our participation in communities, even more than TV did before. (Erbing)This is a relatively new disorder, and there hasnt been much perusal or research of it. So how does one know if he or she is a patholo... ...es. Another treatment is Motivational Enhancement Treatment (MET). MET is less familiar. Its commence is to help patients acknowledge that they have a problem and need to change their behavior. The stages of change are contemplation, determination, action, maintenance, and contemplation again after a relapse. Therapists also mensurate the computer the use of patients in great detail and reaffirm their acknowledgment of the need for help. Therapy groups are the most advised way for treatment. When you can relate to others with others who also have the same problem. The Internet has opened the door of the information age to many people. Actually, the information age was created due to the Internet. Yet, the negatives will never out after part all the positives that the Internet has done for the world probably, and the Internet is almost assuredly here to stay. So people must be able to use it, without abuse. This isnt the first time that something has been reared a society-destructive force, and it probably wont be the last. It is just another way that people can escape the real world, and engrave their own sort of utopia. Whether drug-induced or via e-mail, its all the same.