Computer AddictionBy: Pamela Gayosso
What is an Addiction?
A state in which an organism engages in a compulsive behavior
Computer addiction, or more broadly computer overuse, is excessive or compulsive use of computers that interferes with daily life. It can also cause social disorders and can also cause sleep deprivation. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (the DSM) criteria for substance dependency have been used to argue that some individuals suffer from computer addiction. However, the existence of "computer addiction" is currently debated.
From Wikipedia:
Addictions youtube Facebook Myspace Online gambling World of warcraft Chat rooms second life
How big of a problem is
it?
>2 Million US subscribers to World of Warcraft alone •Many new games emerging, some targeting younger children •Players report playing 23 hours per weekon average. • 50% of players self-report being “addicted” •70% report having played 10+ hours straight •18% report playing on-line caused them financial, health, relational or work problems •Younger the player, greater self-report of addiction •On-line limits imposed by government of China
Percentage of kids and teens that are addicted
30%
addicted
kids and teens addiction free
Symptoms
You have mixed feelings of well-being and guilt while at the computer.
You lose track of time while on the computer.
You neglect friends, family and/or responsibilities in order to be online.
You find yourself lying to your boss and/or family about the amount of time spent on the computer
You feel anxious, depressed, or irritable when your computer time is shortened or interrupted.
You use the computer repeatedly as an outlet when sad or upset
When you are not on the computer, you think about it frequently and anticipate when you will use it again.
Parenting Problem?
Yes, but parents lack tools
Parents Attempts at Controlling
Child Abuses Computer
Parents removekeyboard/mouse/powe
r cord/routeror install parental control software
Child’s obtains hardware or
defeats parental control software
How to Help Computer Obsessed Friends
Be a good role model. Manage the computer use in your own life well.
Introduce them to some other people who handle their computer use sensibly.
Get them involved in some non-computer related fun.
Talk to your friends about your concerns with their computer use.
Support their desire for change if they think they have a problem.
Encourage them to seek professional counseling.
Help http://www.computeraddiction.com/ http://www.intervention.com/ http://www.techaddiction.ca/ http://computeraddiction.org/ http://www.addictioninfo.org/articles/
487/1/Computer-addiction-or-just-modern-life/Page1.html
Computer Addiction A problem for many young people
Resource Page
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addict
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_addiction
http://www.wowprivateserver.info/wowcheap.jpg
http://www.physiotherapy-clinic.org.uk/img/common/facebook-logo.png
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZzLZ56Jp-k
http://www.textually.org/tv/archives/2010/07/30/youtube-logo(2).jpeg
http://www.bendingaugust.com/images/Myspace_Logo.jpg
https://wiki-land.wikispaces.com/file/view/second_life_logo.jpg/142026781/second_life_logo.jpg
http://www.stjamesame.org/files/HeaderImages/Default/chat%20room%20logo.jpg
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/09/13/f-videogames-addiction-health.html