A disorder in which the individual turns to the Internet or plays computer games in an attempt to change moods, overcome anxiety, deal with depression, reduce isolation or loneliness, or distract themselves from overwhelming problems. The elderly, as well as children and adolescents, are particularly vulnerable because they may not realize the extent of their dependency. In many instances, individuals with computer addiction may seek help for another condition, such as depression, phobias or other addictions.
Computer addiction is defined as the immoderate/compulsive use of computers so much so that it interferes with daily activities. It is a disorder whereby the individual devotes oneself to activities on the internet such as checking of e-mails, going on social networking sites or plays computer games for 12 hour or more at a time. Computer addicts turn to the internet/computers to attempt to change their moods, overcome anxiety, deal with depression, reduce the feeling of isolation or loneliness, or to distract themselves from overwhelming problems that they are facing.
The groups of people that are especially susceptible are the elderly, children and teenagers. This is because they might not realise the extent of their dependency on the computer. Effects of Computer Addiction Computer addiction can have a number of negative effects on individuals physically or psychologically. Psychologically, the most critical are social. As the user spend increasing amount of time on the computer, he/she will start to drift apart from friends and family.
The Research paper on What Are the Disadvantages of Computer Addiction?
Before discussing options for computer addiction treatment, one point regarding addiction to the computer needs to be made : Computer addiction is not an official psychiatric diagnosis. Despite a growing movement to have obsessive computer and internet use included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), so far this has not happened. In relative terms when disadvantages ...
Relationship between the user and his/her family and friends will shrivel as he/she stops going for social gatherings with friends and family members to set aside more time for the computer. Ultimately, immoderate use of the computer can take an emotional toll on the user. Constant excessive computer gaming can cause the user to place more importance to the events within the game instead of events that are happening in their real lives. Also, someone whose main circle of friends are those on chat rooms might find it difficult when it comes to face to face communications.
Physically, the use of computer mouse and keyboard over long hours daily can cause repetitive stress injuries to the wrist and hands. Sitting at the computer desk for prolong hours causes back problems and late night computer sessions eats into sleep time which leads to sleep deprivation. Long-term sleep deprivation will cause drowsiness, difficulty in concentrating and decline of the immune system. Certain forms of compulsive behavior may lead to ethical problems or computer addiction. The author, in the capacity of an IT instructor, witnesses some of this behavior on a daily basis.
Students sign an agreement to abide by the institution’s acceptable use policy and regularly disregard the restrictions that the policy contains. The acceptable use policy states that students may only use the institution’s computers for academic purposes. This instructor reinforces that policy by reminding students that they should not use the computers to play online games, participate in social networking, or access file-sharing sites. This instructor also observes students involved in these activities on a daily basis.
The students who participate in these activities either do not understand the policy or do not feel an ethical obligation to comply with them (Personal observation. Research conducted by Grusser, Thalemann, and Griffiths (2007) found that “gaming has an addictive potential that is also mirrored by addiction-related cognitive components like significantly stronger positive outcome expectancies” (p. 291).
Computer Addiction People Time Internet
Have you ever thought how much time do you spend using on a computer in a day / week ? Computers are as common in numerous households around the world. People from all age groups are learning to operate computers and anyone who has worked with computers for long periods of time knows that computers can be just as addicting as drinking every night of the week. Take further, Computer addiction can ...
Positive outcome experiences are those experiences that add a reward to a particular activity. These positive outcome experiences may lead to expectations in other areas and lead the gamer to more destructive or addictive behavior.
Gambling, more specifically online gambling is another activity that leads to addiction and manifests in other compulsive behaviors. A 2008 study concluded that “the pathological gambler has clear tendencies towards alcoholism, nicotine addiction, or drug addiction” (Beteille, 2008).
Many other activities when left unchecked may lead to compulsive behavior and ethical conflicts. These activities include excessive cell-phone texting and social networking. Disadvantages of Computer Addiction A person addicted to the Computer will spend most of his time alone, locked in a room, with only his computer for company.
This kind of isolation can lead to a lack of social life, and when he does venture outside, he might find his social skills have suffered. Possibly his only regular interaction is with online people, and he might now struggle to hold conversations and feel comfortable in social or public environments. A Computer addiction can create health problems. Some health issues suffered by Computer addicts are bad eyesight, which is caused by spending too much time squinting at the screen; poor posture and constant computer use can lead to bad back and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Because a Computer addiction lowers the chance of exercise, and those with an addiction might no longer take the time to prepare healthy meals, obesity is also a risk. Some Computer addicts risk losing their jobs or failing classes, because they spend so much time online and are often late or absent. An Internet addict might also find his personal relationships suffer under the weight of so much time spent online rather than with the people he’s close to. Internet addicts can be aggressive when disturbed or interrupted while on the Internet.
The Essay on Computer Addiction Effects Computers Time
March 2, 2000 There once was a time when the only computers known to the average person were those the military possessed. Eventually, large corporations found many different uses for computers in the business world, and today, computers are as common in numerous households around the globe. People from all age groups are learning to operate computers and anyone who has worked with computers for ...
He might snap at those who try to get his attention, or grow irritated when he has his Internet habits questioned. If an Internet addict isn’t online, his withdrawals can fray his temper and make him aggressive. How to prevent Computer Addiction Place reasonable limits on computer usage. Nearly all activities are healthy in moderation. Decide what a reasonable time based upon your daily schedule. In the case of children, an hour on school days and two hours on weekends are reasonable limits. Adhere to your imposed computer usage limits.
Computer addiction starts by pushing the proverbial envelope and spending longer than originally intended on the computer. Soon enough, a few extra minutes on the computer transforms to a few extra hours. Consider why you are using the computer if your usage becomes excessive. Boredom, anxiety, and depression are common reasons to overuse the computer. Work through these emotions if this is true in your case. Seek assistance as soon as you realize that you are unable to properly control your computer usage. Early intervention can prevent a serious addiction from developing. Complete your studies.
If you are a student then do your homework and study. This is a great thing to do right away when you get home. You will feel great knowing that you did your homework early. Read books or research at the library instead of browsing Wikipedia for information. Teachers would rather have you use a real book than Wikipedia. Study lessons that you learned for the day, whether there’s a test the next day or not. Get involved with teams, clubs, sports, church, music, dancing, singing, etc. Go for a run with a friend or get exercise some other way. Go to bed on time and get a good night’s rest.
Keep up with the local events in your community. There may be talks, film screenings, concerts, local sporting events, and book signings etc. Find some, as long as it is not on the internet, and get involved. Make sure not to turn it on too many times a week. If you have a laptop, make sure to put it somewhere that you can remember but not somewhere that you see every day. Try keeping the lid closed when you are not using it; when the computer is not looking at you, you are less likely to use it. If you have a desktop PC, try not to go near it or put something over it like a sheet.
The Research paper on Effects of Prolonged Computer Usage
With today’s technology wherein multimedia equipment are already part of almost every home and where the computer has become necessary tool in today’s education, the unlimited usage of the computers has definitely affected the academic performance of PT students. The purpose of this research is to know the Effects of Internet Usage to the PT Students’ Academic Performance. Universities may take ...
