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The Powers Of The Internet: Addiction On The Rise
By Steve Dinnebeck
One of the most significant technologies in the world is the most powerful tool for students. Students can study anything using this near limitless tool. They can keep in contact with friends and family anywhere in the world. The Internet can also be an immense temptation, putting students at risk.
According to a survey conducted by Colorado State University’s counseling center, 9 percent of CSU students showed signs of Internet addiction. In a study entitled "Internet Addiction: Personality Traits Associated with Its Development" written by Dr. Kimberly S. Young and Robert C. Rodgers from the University of Pittsburgh, many develop Internet addiction while in college. Seth Bovari, a UNC student, spends an average of six hours a day using the Internet.
"He seems to always be on the Internet doing something," said Andy Freas, Bovari's roommate. "Even while watching TV he's doing something on the Internet."
Freas explained he himself plays World of Warcraft, an online massive multiple player game. He said he plays the game an average of two hours a day and usually spends another hour a day looking at email or facebook.
"With work every day and trying to keep up with my social life, I don't have much time to spend playing," Freas said.
According to the Young/Rodgers study, many addicted users mask their excessive use with logical reasoning. The two most common reasons for excessive use of the Internet revolve around work or school. Their findings showed those who are susceptible to Internet Addiction are those with higher levels of social anxiety, loneliness and boredom.
"I use the Internet a lot, but I do a lot of different stuff," Bovari said.
He explained he uses the Internet to study, read and send e-mail, surf facebook and play several online games. Bovari also stated with his limited amount of income he uses the Internet more than he would if he had more expendable income. But, Freas explained when Bovari is offered to have his expenses covered he will often stay home.
"I know it seems odd not going out when someone else is willing to pay, but I would only want to spend my own money," Bovari replied.
Young and Rodgers' study explained many Internet users could be compared to CB radio operators. Both use false names and often use a persona unrestricted by their life outside of the radio waves and Internet.
"The biggest reason Internet addiction has not been defined as an official diagnosis is because the debate on how to classify it has yet to be determined," said Chris Leck, a counselor at CSU.
Leck explained the debate is whether to treat Internet addiction as a substance addiction or an obsession derived from another symptom such as obsessive-compulsive disorder. According to the CSU survey, 13.1 percent of students felt their grades were affected negatively by the use of the Internet.
"The best way for someone to realize they may have a problem is when something, such as the Internet, is cutting into time they would rather be spending it on something else," Leck said.
He explained once someone is able to recognize a problem he or she will be able to begin seeking help and treatment. All students should attempt to limit their use by setting matching the amount of time spent online with people offline. An assessment of depression or anxiety could be an underlining cause could be a cause if someone is unable to do the previous suggestion.
The Internet is one of the most powerful tools at any student's disposal. Students use this tool on a daily basis. With all of the benefits, students must be aware of the risk of dependency on the Internet that may develop from its use.
Symptoms of Internet Addiction
Sleep Disturbance - a loss of or inability to fall asleep because of the Internet.
• Depression - feel depressed without the Internet
• Cravings - want to be on the Internet or use it while doing something else
• Loss of time - The Internet is taking time from other activities
• Comfort - The Internet is soothing or comforting
Those Who May be At Risk
• Students with huge blocks of unstructured time
• Students with newly experienced freedom from parents
• Students who feel social intimidation and alienation
• Students who feel loneliness
For Help
• Center for Internet Addiction Recovery
Sources: Chris Leck and an informational handout created by Chris Leck and Drew Trainor called "Time to Unplug?"
Steve Dinnebeck