Mehvish Rizvi
2003-11-25 15:56:44 UTC
INTERNET ADDICTION
Use of the Internet on university campuses has increased dramatically in
recent years, leading to Internet addiction, for some students. Internet
addiction is defined as a psychological dependence on the Internet and
is characterized by an increasing investment of resources on
Internet-related activities, unpleasant feelings (e.g., anxiety,
depression, emptiness) when offline, increasing tolerance to the effects
of being online, and denial of the problematic behaviors. Individuals
exhibiting such acts often are dealing with underlying social and health
issues.
University students are particularly vulnerable to Internet use due to
several factors. These factors include: the psychological and
developmental characteristics of late adolescence/young adulthood, ready
access to the Internet, and an expectation of Internet use. The nature
of the computer medium and the sense of control experienced when engaged
in computer activities can also contribute to the potential for
problematic Internet use. The need for greater understanding of
Internet addiction and its treatment is noted.
The impact of this in society and on university campuses is growing at
an exponential rate. Although the Internet is an excellent tool for
gathering information and for interpersonal communication, dangers exist
for those who make it the central focus of their lives. Students, who
are dealing with the developmental tasks of identity formation and
establishment of intimate relationships, may be particularly susceptible
to Internet use. Over involvement with the Internet, however, can
inhibit the development of skills needed for identity and intimacy,
creating a spiral of Internet use, difficulties in real life, followed
by more Internet use as a means of avoidance and self-medication.
Mehvish Rizvi
mrizvi
20097373
Lab 22B
Use of the Internet on university campuses has increased dramatically in
recent years, leading to Internet addiction, for some students. Internet
addiction is defined as a psychological dependence on the Internet and
is characterized by an increasing investment of resources on
Internet-related activities, unpleasant feelings (e.g., anxiety,
depression, emptiness) when offline, increasing tolerance to the effects
of being online, and denial of the problematic behaviors. Individuals
exhibiting such acts often are dealing with underlying social and health
issues.
University students are particularly vulnerable to Internet use due to
several factors. These factors include: the psychological and
developmental characteristics of late adolescence/young adulthood, ready
access to the Internet, and an expectation of Internet use. The nature
of the computer medium and the sense of control experienced when engaged
in computer activities can also contribute to the potential for
problematic Internet use. The need for greater understanding of
Internet addiction and its treatment is noted.
The impact of this in society and on university campuses is growing at
an exponential rate. Although the Internet is an excellent tool for
gathering information and for interpersonal communication, dangers exist
for those who make it the central focus of their lives. Students, who
are dealing with the developmental tasks of identity formation and
establishment of intimate relationships, may be particularly susceptible
to Internet use. Over involvement with the Internet, however, can
inhibit the development of skills needed for identity and intimacy,
creating a spiral of Internet use, difficulties in real life, followed
by more Internet use as a means of avoidance and self-medication.
Mehvish Rizvi
mrizvi
20097373
Lab 22B