final project- internet

8/2/2019 Final Project- Internet

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CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION


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1.1. INTRODUCTION

The communities are much interested in economic development as it can lead to

improved standard of living through job creation, higher income, better

education, healthcare, and additional social services. Of various technologies

that can assist economic development, telecommunication plays a vital role.

Excellent telecommunication services in the community will enhance the

competitiveness of local enterprises, enable them to cooperate with similar

enterprises in different locations, and attract more businesses to the community.

With the advent of the Internet, the importance of telecommunication has

become more pronounced. The Internet has made it possible to swap digitized

information with more speed, ease, and convenience. Messages sent via the

Internet Protocol (IP) primarily e-mailare increasingly replacing traditional

telephone and fax communication. High-speed Internet or broadband

technology will continue to drive the Internet to substitute for older forms of

communication. In general, broadband or high-speed Internet access is the

ability to send and receive data at volumes and speeds far greater than current

Internet access over traditional telephone lines. In addition to offering speed,

broadband access provides a continuous, "always on" connection (no need to

dial-up) and a "two-way" capability, that is, the ability to both receive

(download) and transmit (upload) data at high speeds. With the broadband

technology, many government and business activities that require exchanges of

a large amount of data, such as telemedicine and ecommerce, are feasible for all

communities. From an economic development perspective, broadbandtechnology could be a break-through for a community. However, broadband

technology is complex, and the deployment of such technology requires a huge

investment of money and time. The reason for the complexity is the large

number of technological options available in broadband. Therefore, we will


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examine various aspects of broadband technology deployment such as technical

options, key debates, and case studies to derive policy implications for

economic development practitioners. The wide variety of choices available

today makes it difficult for the economic development practitioners to make the

right decision with confidence. From their standpoint, a more quantitative

methodology is highly desirable in order to evaluate the options available. This

problem is more serious when the resources available for the implementation of

these technologies are not abundant. The capital required for investment in new

technologies for economic development is relatively small. There is also very

little room for failure when deciding on strategies for economic development.

The various technologies can be categorized into conventional wire line (DigitalSubscriber Line (DSL)), cable modem), wireless technology and other advanced

technology (fiber optics, etc.). By conventional wire line, we mean that copper

wires may be included. While by other advanced technology, we mean only

fiber optics cables are included. Each of these has unique characteristics

associated with it. This makes them feasible for some applications while

infeasible for others. Economic development practitioners have to decide on

which technology given the limitations of resources and time. An example can

be seen city of Austin, Texas, where the city officials used consultants in

deciding the best technology to deploy. A trade-off was made between

providing the latest all fiber networks and the Hybrid Fiber Co-axial (HFC)

network, which is relatively old compared to all fiber networks. The subscribers

living close to the backbone were provided all fiber solutions whereas the ones

living far off were given the HFC technology to reduce cost of installation and

deployment. Here we see a clear-cut decision making process involved in

choosing the right technology from the available technologies. These

investments are greatly affected by the policies that are prevalent in this

industry. In the above example, cable modem was used as the solution but no

reference has been made to the debates currently taking place for cable modem


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such as open access policies, which allow the subscribers using cable modem to

use the Internet Service Provider (ISP) of their choice. Also other issues of

importance are the determination of the service provider for broadband

technology and availability of funding for investment in new technology.

1.2. Objectives of Study

1.3. Research Methodology


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Chapter 2

OVERVIEW OF INTERNET-BASED

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN

RURAL COMMUNITIES


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2. OVERVIEW OF INTERNET-BASED ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT IN RURAL COMMUNITIES

R

ecently, there have been numerous attempts to develop Internet infrastructurein communities. A primary reason for such attempts is that the potential for

economic development via the Internet is quite substantial. In this section, we

will first introduce economic development via the Internet in all communities.

Then, we will examine businesses that can take advantage of the Internet for

economic development.

2.1 Economic Development via the Internet

Rural communities are often characterized by relatively long distances from

urban communities and a high degree of locational isolation. In addition, they

are often characterized by low population density and meager economic

infrastructure. These conditions, in turn, have led to a declining number of jobs

and migration to urban communities, which makes the economic development

of rural communities a major challenge to economic development practitioners

and policy makers.

However, with advances in telecommunication technology, especially with the

growth of the Internet and the introduction of broadband technology, distance is

much less a barrier for economic development in rural communities. For

example, with well-planned infrastructure for broadband service, rural

communities can be competitive in attracting businesses. In fact, with

broadband service, businesses such as telemedicine, electronic commerce and

back-office functions may find it advantageous to locate in rural communities.

Also, with broadband service, traditional industries, such as manufacturing, may

find it less compelling to locate in urban communities. Considering the number

of businesses to benefit, as well as the kinds of businesses, broadband service


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should be critical in the economic development of rural communities. On the

other hand, there are quite a few technological choices available for broadband

deployment. This makes it important and difficult to determine the optimal

choice of technology for broadband deployment. Nonetheless, economic

development practitioners and policy makers must fully consider the target

businesses to be attracted and the kinds of broadband infrastructure the target

businesses need, and make an informed decision on the optimal infrastructure

for rural community. An example of broadband deployment is the case of

Kearney, Nebraska Kearney can be viewed as an intermediate community in

the sense that it is by no means a metropolitan community, but is not a small

rural community, either. In Kearney, economic development practitionersdecided to attract new businesses to make Kearneys job base more diverse (it

had been heavily dependent on a college located in Kearney). An appropriate

broadband infrastructure was built. This enabled them to attract a telemarketing

firm that would utilize the broadband infrastructure. They also encouraged local

firms to take advantage of this new infrastructure. Furthermore, this

infrastructure enabled the local college to offer new technology oriented

courses, providing students with more opportunities in hi-tech industries. This

example illustrates the importance of coordinating activities by members of the

community for Internet-based economic development. The prerequisite for any

such coordination, however, is the knowledge on various businesses that

substantially utilize the broadband infrastructure.

2.2 Businesses via the Internet

Broadband technology provides the options for businesses to operate in rural

areas where the operating costs can be much less than those in urban areas. This

report compares operating cost for a telemarketing firm in rural and urban area.


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The figures show that there is a considerable difference in the operating cost for

the company operating in a rural area.

According to Kenyon, Jacks and Glaser, some of the changes in the way

businesses operate with the new technology are:

y Empowering individuals beyond real or imagined limitations ofhandicaps, sex, locale, etc.

y Enhancing communication between workers.y Transferring large amounts of data and images over local or wide area

networks.

y Managing funds from remote locations.y Interacting with each other regardless of distances or sovereignty.

These changes and the low cost of operation make it possible for rural areas to

be a competitive place for new businesses to operate.

For example, service industries find that, it is more profitable for them to

operate their back offices in rural areas than in urban areas. Telecommuting

(working from satellite offices or homes for one or two days a week) and

teleworking (working from home or satellite offices throughout the week) are

growing rapidly because of telecommunications capabilities. Online transaction

systems, online monitoring systems, EDI (Electronic Data Interchange), and

electronic commerce are a few more examples where rural communities can

attract businesses by providing an appropriate Internet infrastructure [8]. Back

offices provide opportunity for the residents in rural communities to become

familiar with new technologies. This will increase their relative technological

competence as compared to urban residents.


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Some of the types of businesses that broadband deployment in the rural

communities may attract are:

1. Electronic CommerceElectronic Commerce can be defined as any business transaction done over the

Internet. The thrust has been more on the business-to-business e-commerce,

which has been projected to grow even more than the normal retail e-commerce.

2. Government and education services deliveryDistance education is a way of providing students in rural areas an opportunity

to participate on a real time basis in classes far away from their homes. Thisalso provides him students in rural areas with opportunities to interact with the

outside world and opportunities to develop and maintain technological

competency.

3. TelemedicineThe disparity in the level of medical services available between urban and rural

areas can be overcome to a great extent by providing doctors and nurses in rural

areas with the capability to interact with physicians and resources in urban

areas. In addition, distance education using broadband technology can enhance

education, training and support for patients, doctors and nurses. Telemedicine

breaks down geographic barriers and can be cost effective by treating patients

on numerous remote sites who may not have good access to a comprehensive

hospital. We note that there have been substantial increases in interactive

telemedicine programs in the United States. We show a few examples where

broadband technology may result in substantial economic development for rural

communities. However, we note that the dependence of a particular firm on

broadband technology can vary according to how many kinds of service it

actually provides over the Internet.


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We now study two additional examples with respect to broadband technology

requirements and how broadband technology can bring about economic

development in rural communities. These examples are from the telemarketing

industry and the hi-tech manufacturing sector. The telemarketing industry

requires numerous calls each day to customers and at the same time accesses

data about customers from a central database (which could be located in some

remote location). Availability of broadband infrastructure is vital in delivering

these services. This is a job intensive industry that can attract more people to

rural areas. Since telemarketing uses hi-tech services, it will foster technology-

oriented knowledge in rural residents, which will lead to better skills for future

employment. The manufacturing industry has an advantage in relocating plantsto rural areas because of the lower operating costs. On the other hand, the

scarcity of engineers and designers in rural areas hinders any relocation attempt

by the manufacturer. Because the broadband technology can transmit images of

designed items from the urban offices to the rural manufacturing facilities

instantaneously, manufacturing can be performed on a real time basis. This also

will lead to a streamlined process of reducing inventory and manufacturing on

demand. For example, the EDI applications have helped textile producers

reduce inventories in southern US rural regions.

The difference in the magnitude of data transfer for these two industries is that

the telemarketing firm requires a large number of telephone lines for contacting

customers and retrieving data about customers through online access systems.

The manufacturer operations would require huge amounts of data transfer, that

could include CAD (computer aided design) images.

We will now look into a few technologies that can be used for these two

industries. The latest development of voice over IP allows telephone calls to be

made over the Internet and this can substantially reduce the cost of operation for

the telemarketing industry. A broadband technology that can deliver these


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services will be more suited for the telemarketing industry. Hence, if a

telemarketing business is being targeted for rural communities, then a

broadband technology that can support voice over IP would be a better choice.

Furthermore, the ability of the cable modem for supporting multiple calls on a

single modem is a plus for such industries. The Com21 cable modem, with the

new T-AIM 200, supports up to two phone lines and eight PCs, for

simultaneous phone calls and Internet access. Because of its advanced ATM

features, the Com21 modem is able to handle multiple independent

communication streams.

In the case of the manufacturing, the requirement is to transfer huge files that

may contain a few CAD images. This service can be achieved with DSL

technology. Furthermore, DSL technology has more options to offer varying

speed over distance, which can be considered for the above application.

A few more industries that can be established in rural areas are:

y Accounting servicesy Advertising agencyy Brokering servicesy Consulting servicesy Credit bureau agencies

Selecting a few of the above mentioned industries that can be attracted to rural

communities, and providing them with appropriate broadband services can help

rural communities in their economic development. A detailed analysis of the

industries, their operations, and their requirements can be helpful in making an

informed decision on optimal selection of the broadband technology. In the next

section, we discuss and compare various options in broadband technology, the

infrastructure requirements, and their advantages/disadvantages.


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Chapter 3

TECHNOLOGY


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3. TECHNOLOGY

In the past, data as well as voice were transmitted over copper wires only as

analog signals. In recent years, however, data and voice are being transmitted as

digital signals using various media such as the traditional copper wires, new

wireless technologies, and fiber optics. This has resulted in fast and accurate

transmission of various forms of information (e.g. data, voice, video, audio).

More recently, broadband technology has revolutionized the telecommunication

industry by providing high speed and large capacity transmission of data and

voice to customers. Broadband technology changed the way these services can

be provided in an integrated format.

3.1 Broadband Technology

Broadband technology is the use of a larger frequency spectrum for the

transmission of data. In the past, a small portion of the frequency spectrum was

used for transmission. Hence, less data could be transmitted at a given time.

Also, in the past, the telephone had to be engaged when the Internet was in use

via a dial-up modem, which made the simultaneous use of telephone impossible(i.e. the service is not integrated). On the other hand, fiber optic cables (which

transmit data using light) for broadband technology have meant a substantial

increase in both speed and capacity of transmission. Broadband makes new

services available to users at their homes. Some of these services are on a real

time basis. However, the term broadband has to be defined to include the

capabilities provided to the customers. The Federal Communications

Commission (FCC) defines broadband telecommunication services as the ability

to provide Internet access at a minimum speed of 200 kilobits per second in

both directions. This speed should be sufficient to provide the transmission of

the previously mentioned forms of information over the Internet. Speed

becomes far more important when the users are businesses that need advanced


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connectivity to the Internet to increase revenues. The importance of Internet

connectivity has resulted from the emphasis on automating the business process

via e-commerce (electronic commerce). Large companies have used faster ways

of connecting to the Internet by traditional means such as T1 connection and

have maintained their market share. But small companies, especially ones in

rural areas, need to have access to these technologies in an affordable manner.

The new broadband technologies can make this possible and can be a major tool

for economic development in rural areas. A traditional Internet connection uses

a dial-up modem, which allows the digital signals from the computer to be

converted to analog signals, which are transmitted over the telephone network.

The highest speed achievable through such systems is 45000 bits per second(bps), using a 56K modem. This is far less than FCCs definition of broadband

communication. Also, companies are not comfortable with a dial-up system

because they need connection without any disturbances.

Users will have their telephone connection blocked during the use of the

Internet.

Broadband technology, on the other hand, provides far greater speed and also

the ability to have a dedicated connection that does not need dialing the ISP.

This also means no phone charge for using the Internet. This is a plus for small

companies that do not use the Internet to increase their revenues, but still need

the technology.

3.2 Broadband Access Technologies

The problem of providing network solutions is mainly concentrated on the last

mile, which is the part of the network that connects the final switching office to

the home or office. This is because the backbone infrastructures, which connect

the various switching offices, are well installed all over the country. There are a


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number of technologies available to cover the last mile and each has different

characteristics. These technologies can be divided basically as:

y Conventional Wireline technologies that use copper or fiber as themedium to transmit the signals.

y Wireless technologies that use radio waves to transmit the signals.y Other advanced technologies with newer configuration such as Fiber-To-

The- Home.

It is here that a decision has to be made on the selection of the right technology.

Quite a few references are available on the technologies for delivering

broadband services. However there are very few references for a methodology

for selecting the most suitable technology.

3.2.1 Conventional Wireline Technologies

These require a physically wired connection between the service provider

and the customer. The wire is usually copper, which is now often being

upgraded to fiber (For fiber, the substantial installation cost may be a

problem in rural areas where the potential number of customers may not be sufficient to justify such a large capital investment). The two major

competing technologies using wired connection are the DSL and the

cable modem.

3.2.1.a DSL

This is a service provided since 1996 by local telephone companies. It allows

the transmission of voice and data at the same time, data being transmitted at

speed much greater than the minimum broadband speed specified by FCC.

DSL has variations depending upon the speed and the symmetry of

transmission. That is, whether the speed of transmission is equal in both

directions. These technologies collectively are known as xDSL. ADSL is one of


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several types of xDSL technologies, which stands for Asymmetric DSL. It is so

named because the speed of upstream transmission (i.e. transmission of data

from the user side) is less than the speed of downstream transmission (i.e.

transmission of data to the user side). ADSL has two main standards: The

ADSL1 specifies a downstream rate of 1.5 or 2 Mbps and an upstream rate of

16 to 64 kbps; ADSL3 specifies a downstream rate of up to 6.144 Mbps and an

upstream channel of up to 640 kbps. Twisted-pair lines with no bridged taps can

support ADSL1 rate up to 18,000 feet (on a 24-gauge wire), or the ADSL3

rate up to 12,000 feet. It is claimed that ADSL can be implemented on 70 to 80

percent of the world's nearly 750 million telephone lines.

Other variations of the DSL family are the HDSL and SDSL, which stand forHigh-data-rate DSL and Symmetrical DSL respectively. HDSL modems

transmit 1.5 Mbps (megabit per seconds) in each direction. Two twisted pairs of

wires are used, with half of the traffic on each pair. A 2.0Mbps transmission

rate is also available, using three pairs of wires (one-third of the traffic on each

pair). The wire limit is 12,000 feet (on a 24-gauge wire) or 9000 feet (on a 26-

gauge wire). Symmetrical digital subscriber line (SDSL) is similar to HDSL but

requires only one pair of wires. Transmission speed ranges from n x 64 kbps

(where n is the number of channels) to 2.0 Mbps in both directions. HDSL and

SDSL are intended as lower-cost replacements for ISDN or dedicated T1 or

fractionalT1 lines or T3 lines.

T1 lines were long the standard for industrial use and are in use even today.

While a 128K ISDN line is made up of two 64k digital B channels, a T1 are

basically 23 of those same B channels bundled into one loop. So a full T1 line

is 1.5Mbps of bandwidth. It is possible for a telephone company to sell a portion

of a T1. This lowers the cost of the bandwidth charge, but not the line charge.

The equipment that the customer will need for a fractional T1 can also be

upgraded to a full T1 at a later date, giving them expandability and more life

from the equipment investment. A T3 is actually 45Mbps, which is about 30


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times the capacity of a T1. T3s can cost upwards of $20,000/month, and hence

may not suit for small businesses. A T3 connection is also usually carried on

fiber optic lines, requiring special (expensive) switching equipment.

One advantage of using DSL is that the service for business use can be

integrated with the services for residential customers, as there is no security

concerns, such as sharing, compared to cable modem. Another advantage of the

DSL option is that high-bandwidth Internet service can be provided on the

existing copper loop. The future of DSL looks quite bright. It is predicted that

DSL will be available to almost 70 percent of U.S. homes by 2004. Hence, DSL

provides a substantial opportunity to expand the broadband service via

telephone lines.There are two major disadvantages of the DSL technology.

1. It has a distance limitation for transmission. The signals attenuate as the

length of the copper loop from the central office increases. DSL cannot function

if the customer is 18000 ft. away from the Central Office (CO). This is a major

drawback for rural areas because typically less people are spread over a large

area with distances often exceeding 18000 ft.

2. DSL cannot work with devices such as loading coils and network bridges that

have been used by the rural Telephone companies for providing voice services

over long distance.

These devices were originally included in the network because the signals

dissipate over distance and they provide a way of transmitting the voice for long

distance. Since DSL cannot work with these devices there has to be a major

network up-grade, which may be very costly, if it means putting in a new

central office.

3.2.1.b Cable Modem

Cable modem is a method of providing Internet access via the cable TV

networks. This requires the use of a cable modem that separates the normal


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cable TV channels from the data channels. Usually the cable TV operators

upgrade their cable networks by providing fiber up to a certain hub from the

head end (equivalent to a central office) and further distributing the lines from

the hub using co-axial copper wires.

Cable TV Hybrid Fiber/Coax (HFC) System

This has only downstream broadcast capability and broadcasts downstream in

the 50- to 550/750-MHz band with 6-MHz channels. Cable Modems are used to

allow Internet and data transmission in the downstream direction of the HFC

system. Internet data speeds up to the 30Mbps range can be realized in a

nominal 6-MHz video channel. An existing telephone channel using VBD

(Voice Band Data) or ISDN provides the upstream signal.

Bi-directional HFC system

This newer systems (an up-graded of the HFC system) has transmission

capability in both directions. Such bi-directional cableTV systems typically

broadcast downstream in the 50- to 750-MHz bandwidth of coaxial cable withinthe 6-MHz nominal video channels. The upstream bandwidth is shared among

all the homes passed by the coaxial cable and is nominally limited to the 5- to

40-MHz frequency band. Downstream Internet data speed up to the 30-Mbps

ranges in 6-MHz channels can be realized. Upstream data is contention based

and operates at claimed speed of up to 10 Mbps. In practical multi-user

environments, however, actual throughput speeds will be significantly less as

the load on the system increases. Cable modems can either be overlaid onto the

HFC system or be an integrated part of the HFC system.


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Switched Digital Broadband (SDB) Systems

SDB is classified as a baseband digital system with nominal 50-Mbps point-to-

point downstream rates that can be apportioned as desired between digital video

and data. For data, a 1.5-Mbps nominal, contention-based, upstream databandwidth is available. Though the system is contention based, there is always a

minimum guaranteed upstream data rate availabletypically in the order of 16

kbps.

All three architectures described above have provisions for both analog and

digital video broadcast capability. Both the bi-directional HFC and SDB

systems are broadband systems that are applicable to telephony, video,

Internet/data, and PCS Wireline access. The architectures have a number of

similar characteristics and components. The bi-directional HFC system provides

fiber distribution to the fiber node. At the fiber node, signals are collected and

distributed to multiple-coax feeds that cover a given residential area. Fiber

nodes are designed to serve from 500 to 2000 homes.

SDB systems push fiber closer to the end-user. In typical systems, feeder fiber

can be optically split. Optical network units (ONUs) terminate the fiber and

provide individual coax (and twisted pair) drops to subscribers. A typical ONU

can serve from 4 to 60 homes. Thus, SDB brings fiber closer to the customer. In

many ways, HFC, SDB, and PON can be viewed as a continuum of technology

where fiber moves ever closer to the customer premises.

An advantage of the cable modem option is that high-bandwidth Internet service

can be provided on existing cable TV lines. Moreover they also can provide

speeds faster than DSL services.

Also, an upgraded cable network exhibits a high degree of reliability.

However, there are two major disadvantages of the cable systems:

1. Cable Modems have a shared architecture, which means that a number of

users are connected to the same branch. Hence the speed of the network


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decreases as more subscribers use the system at the same time. This implies that

the promised speed cannot be delivered at all time.

2. Since this a shared architecture there is always a problem of security for the

business customers.

3.2.2 Wireless Technologies

Wireless networks can be of two types. One is fixed wireless and the other is the

satellite communication. Both of these provide a solution to remote access

issues in rural areas. Most of their technologies are still new and certain

concerns (such as bi-directional communication) need to be resolved. The

architecture involves connecting the customers devices to a customer-side

antenna that communicates with a provider-side antenna. There are basically

three ways of providing wireless Internet access.

y CellularInternet access can be provided via existing cellular systems using voice

band modems. Because cellular channels may be narrowband, access

rates are limited to 9.6 kbps for advanced mobile phone service (AMPS)

and time division multiple access (TDMA) systems and to 14.4 kbps for

code division multiple access (CDMA) systems. Cellular digital packet

data (CDPD) is a technique that enables the data rate of AMPS to be

extended to 19.2 kbps. CDPD achieves the higher rate by inserting

Internet protocol (IP) packets directly into cellular channels that do not

contain voice traffic (i.e., channels that are temporarily idle).

y Terrestrial BroadcastThe multichannel multipoint distribution service (MMDS), sometimes

called wireless cable, can provide Internet-access downlinks over a

distance of about 50 km from a central-transmitter site. MMDS


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downlinks combined with telephony uplinks provide a complete Internet-

access arrangement. MMDS operates in the 2-GHz frequency band with

33 channels, each capable of supporting downlink data rates that are

currently about 10 Mbps. Technology improvements are expected to

increase data rates to 27 Mbps in the future.

Local multipoint distribution service (LMDS) is similar to MMDS in that

it will use microwave transmission to provide Internet-access downlinks

and wireline telephony to provide uplink access. LMDS will use

transmitters operating in the 28-GHz frequency band with each

transmitter covering a distance of about 5 km. The relatively close

transmitter spacing, coupled with the fact that LMDS will have about fourtimes the bandwidth of MMDS, should enable LMDS to serve a much

higher density of Internet users than MMDS.

y Satellite BroadcastSeveral approaches have been proposed for using satellites to provide

Internet-access downlinks. Some proposals are based on using a single

fixed-position satellite, whereas others would use clusters of satellites.

Proposed data rates vary from low-speed, single user channels to shared

channels with rates greater than one Mbps. The first widely available

system operates in the 12-GHz band and uses a data rate of 400 kbps.

Equipment at the end-user location consists of a dish antenna,

approximately 52 cm in diameter, a microwave receiver, and a digital

decoder card that plugs directly into a PC computer bus. Satellite systems

also use telephone circuits for uplink access.

One technology that was investigated is the very small aperture terminal

(VSAT) technology. It is distance independent, can be installed quickly,

and is reliable. They are also relatively cheaper, with deployment cost per

line ranging from $1,500 to $3,500 depending on total number of lines.


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Advantages of using it are:

1. Easy and fast set up,

2. High Speeds,

3. Large Distances, and

4. Ability to provide services as and when a customer signs in, unlike the

DSL or cable modem, where the entire plant has to be installed first.

Hence there is less start-up cost.

Disadvantages involve:

1. Requirement for a direct line of sight of the antenna and

2. Bi-directional traffic is not possible in most cases. Even though the

capability of this option is improving, this upstream data transmission problem may affect negatively certain economic development activities

such as telemedicine and teleconferencing.

However, now there are both ways satellite services available. For

example, the service offered by MSN for anyone with a direct line of

sight of the southern sky.

Finally, we note that both DSL and cable modem options are relatively

dominant over the Wireless/Satellite option with 1.1 million homes in the

United States connected by DSL and 2 million homes connected by cable

modems. Furthermore, by 2002, it is expected that there will be over 6

million U.S. homes with DSL and 4 million homes with Cable Modems.


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CHAPTER 4

PSYCHOLOGY OF THE

INTERNET


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4.1. The internet and the society

People use the Internet for a variety of reasons. It serves as a vessel in whichpeople can find a wealth of knowledge about the most obscure subjects. Web

sites, newsgroups, and lists are all very powerful resources for people to find

information and help they might need. The Internet also serves as a source of

communication for many of its users.

4.2. The Psychology of Cyberspace

The Internet is labelled a psychological space because it is considered an area

people 'travel' through. On-line areas may be referred to as "worlds," "domains,"

and "rooms." People must deal with Internet 'traffic' to get from one site to the

next, or even deal with "lag" when trying to communicate with someone else.

By simply referring to the Internet as "Cyberspace," we are giving it a tangible

space, one that people can visit and associate meanings and experiences. The

Internet can also become a fantasy world where people conjure up their ownimages of people they meet or places they visit.

In ideal situations, we use the Internet as a source of knowledge and

understanding. We can meet people like ourselves and explore our own

personality as well as those of others. People may abuse the Internet by

indulging in their fantasies, acting upon their desires, or venting frustrations.

When viewing the Internet as a psychological space, nine main psychological

components exist differentiating it from places in the 'real world.'

Nine Psychological Components of the Internet:

1. Equalization of Status


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No one person on the Internet is any better than anyone else. Everyone

enters the Internet on the same level, despite how wealthy they are, their

ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or fame. There is some discrepancy

with this idea because one needs a relatively expensive computer and an

Internet connection to become part of the Internet community.

Age and computer knowledge may also enter into this equation. For

example, a 4-year-old child with no computer experience probably won't

be typing dialogue on the Internet unless a parent is there to help.

Ultimately, however, when anyone logs on to the Internet, an equalizing

effect occurs. The determining factors in how well one gets along in

Cyberspace may be how well they write their thoughts and ideas, or evenhow fast their computer might run.

2. Crossing Geographical BoundariesIf you are in the United States and someone else in a chat room is from

Russia, you can communicate with them as fast as you would if they were

on a computer next door. The Internet has the unique ability to make

geographic boundaries irrelevant. This has both good and bad

consequences.

People, who would otherwise never meet, due to geographic barriers,

now have a chance to communicate. If a person has an extremely rare

disease or medical disorder, he or she may be able to find a support group

or Web site listing thousands of people worldwide that share the same

illness, and unearth all kinds of valuable information on research and

treatment pertinent to their condition. On the flip side, someone who

might have disturbing anti-social obsessions or behaviours may be able to

find others on the Internet with the same interests. This connection could

be used as a supportive means to overcome the behaviour, or as a means

of reinforcement for the negative behaviour.


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3. The Physical SensesCyberspace is limited in every sensory experience humans have. One

cannot smell or touch another user on the Internet. The Internet does

provide the means by which you can see and hear another user; however,

the technology is not advanced enough to make these sensory experiences

as stimulating as in real life. Relationships become more intellectual and

descriptive when two individuals communicating via the Internet cannot

pick up the nuances of body language, inflections, or tone of voice.

4. The Disclosure of Identity & AnonymityOn the Internet, people can pass themselves off as almost anything or can

just sit back and observe, becoming completely invisible. With the

limited sensory experience the Internet provides, people have much more

control over how they present themselves to other users. Some people

may choose to alter their name, appearance, or even gender -- without the

other users knowing the difference. Other people may go on-line and be

themselves; however, they also have the option of withholding

information about themselves that may not want to share. The

information they want to hide may be something that would stand out if

they had a face-to-face communication. Examples include a particular

behaviour, physical appearance, or even age. Users have the option to

remain anonymous. This has both positive and negative consequences.

People may use anonymity to act out negative behaviour, since their

identity is dissociated from what they do. An example of this would be

someone who harasses other users in a chat room for fun, with the

knowledge that their identity is kept secret. Other people may use this as

a means to get through a problem without other people knowing who they

are. An example of this may be a homosexual who needs to uses the Net


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as a way to talk about his or her concerns with others, without fully

revealing his or her identity.

5. Effects of TimeTwo types of Internet communication are synchronous and asynchronous.

Synchronous communication occurs when two people are communicating

with each other at the same time. This occurs in chat rooms, Internet

phoning, or video conferencing. Asynchronous communication occurs

when a longer stretch of time exists between messages. Examples of

asynchronous communication include e-mail and newsgroups. With both

kinds of communication (excluding Internet phoning and video

conferencing), a stretch of time exists when users can think about their

response, instead of being put on the spot to reply immediately. This

"zone" time is different, depending on the form of communication. When

using e-mail and newsgroups, responses can take hours or days. Chat

rooms give you a period of several seconds up to several minutes to

respond. When looking at this big picture, Internet communication allows

more time for people to gather their thoughts and think about what they

are saying. This may be why some people enjoy the interactive aspect of

the Internet. People are more likely to think about what they say before

they write back.

6. A New Way to Meet People

Logging onto the Internet allows users to have contact with a wideassortment of personality types. Within these hundreds of thousands of

people are users who share strange and unusual interests, and the Internet

allows them to find each other much more easily.

Another interesting finding with users of the Internet is that they often


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will literally 'pick and choose' people that they wish to connect with -- as

friends, enemies, or lovers. This selection process is amplified due to the

thousands of people with very different personalities, interests, and

quirks. Choices are made either consciously or unconsciously and may

even reflect one's own needs and feelings. Since Internet relationships

lack sensory inputs, fantasy is typically involved. One user may project

his or her own dreams, hopes, fears, and desires upon another user. This

projection of emotions and feelings is known as transference.

7. Permanent RecordsThe Internet has one unique aspect about its communication style that is

very different from face-to-face discussion; it is recorded. The Internet

user is able to keep records of what has been discussed, how it was said,

and to whom it was said. In essence, the relationships users have with

other users are historic documents about that relationship.

A positive component to permanent records is that people can look back

on written letters and reflect on sentimental words to rekindle special

feelings. On the flip side, if users act impulsively or inappropriately when

chatting, their words are permanent and documented. Their actions,

however spontaneous, become a permanent record people look back on,

to have a different kind of 'rekindled' emotions. People will react

differently to the same document read twice. In face-to-face conversation,

this is not possible. When people communicate, they may misinterpret

phrases due to their state of mind or mood. With recorded documents,

people can re-read what has been said and get an entirely different

meaning.


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8. Altered States of ConsciousnessCyberspace is a 'place' different from any other place in the 'real world.'

Internet users are sitting and typing on a keyboard expressing thoughts,

feelings and ideas. Looking at Internet use subjectively, some people

might argue that this is an altered state of consciousness. When a user is

talking to someone in a chat room, they may feel as if the person were

right next door. They also may feel as if they are not really sitting at a

desk typing, but somewhere else having a legitimate conversation with

the other person or people. In some ways, the Internet is an escape from

the real world. Everything is different and the possibilities are seemingly

endless for encounters and new experiences. The possibility of a fantasy

world that is very different from 'real life' may be one reason why the

Internet is so attractive. This is also one reason why people may become

addicted to the Internet.

9. The Language of CyberspaceThe final unique aspect of the Internet is its language. Just as there are

different languages for different cultures, people use a different kind of

language when sending and communicating in Text Talk.

One reason for this language difference is the lack of sensory expressions

that can be sent and received over the Net. People are used to picking up

sarcasm by the inflection in another person's voice. One may find it

difficult to pick up sarcasm in written text, unless the writer makes a clear

point that they are being sarcastic. The language of Cyberspace needs to

be different, in order to make up for the lack of sensory experience.

Messages will have more meaning if followed by specific language

markers. Senders can also get their point across more clearly if they are


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knowledgeable about the many markers available to convey a message

that is more than just written text.

4.3. Importance of Internet for People

y Identity"Identity" is how people perceive themselves in terms of age, history,

personality, physical experience, and gender. It is a very complex aspect

of human nature that is still not completely understood. The Internet

allows users to alter their identity. When people enter a chat room or

discussions, they do not have to present every aspect of themselves to

other users. An individual can take part in various different groups

without divulging information about other, maybe uncommon or unusual

interests. They can develop various aspects of their personality without

the risk of judgment or bias. Multiple aspects of an individual's identity

may be either dissociated or enhanced on-line.

y AnonymityAnonymity allows people to eliminate parts of their identity that they

might not want to share with others. They can be themselves and literally

present themselves the way they want to be seen. Disassociating one's

various identities (for instance your passion for the Republican Party as

well as your immense interests in collecting Beanie Babies) can be a great

way to manage separate interests. Anonymity also tends to disinhibit

people. With their true identities hidden, people may say or do things they

normally wouldn't do in real life. People might become more honest,

open, generous, or helpful. At the same time, they may also act out

negative hidden desires. Anonymity means people are less accountable

for their actions. Anonymity has positive and negative consequences, just

as with other aspects of the Internet. Looking at the positive, people can


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work through the negative aspects of their identity on the Internet, while

expressing and growing from their positive identities. A woman who is

suffering from depression may go on-line to seek help and talk to people.

The same woman who has a love and talent for gardening may go on-line

to develop her skills in this area as well. Conversely, negative behaviours,

such as viewing pornography on the Internet, may be strengthened by

meeting others interested in the same thing. This may turn into illegal acts

if the individual's interests possibly spread to; say, child pornography or

they act out in anti-social ways. While on the Internet, a person's hidden

wishes and desires may surface in their on-line identities. They can

express feelings or emotions that they otherwise might not feelcomfortable doing. The way people express themselves on the Internet

also depends greatly on their personality.

y Personality and BehaviourPersonality and behaviour on the Internet are interesting topics to cover,

since there are so many personalities "types" found in Cyberspace.

Specific areas of research currently observe how different personality

types behave on-line. Many of the personality types that are currently

under intensive study are: psychopathic, narcissistic, schizoid, paranoid,

impulsive, self-defeating, obsessive and compulsive, hysterical, and

dissociative. To learn more about this particular topic, refer to Nancy

McWilliams's Psychoanalytic Diagnosis (Guilford Press, 1994).

McWilliams' book looks at various psychoanalytic concepts for thesepersonality types. When looking at the Internet, most people tend to ask,

"What personality types tend to be addicted to the Internet?"


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y Gender DifferencesGender differences and Internet use can be seen statistically on the

Demographics. Clear differences between how men and women use the

Internet are apparent, despite demographics showing almost equal usage

by both genders. Both men and women used the Internet for many of the

same things including research, knowledge, games, etc. The genders

differed in cyber relationships and video games. Men seem to enjoy

interactive on-line games more than women. The games many men play

for extended periods involved the ranking of characters and a dominance

hierarchy. The longer the game is played, the more strength, status, and

power the character has over others playing the game. Women are more

likely than men to subscribe to support groups and virtual communities.

Women can be judged by other attributes such as their ideas, writing

ability, values, and intellect.

y The Roles People PlayThe roles people play on-line are similar to the roles people play in day-

to-day life. An Internet user can play the role of counsellor, parent,

listener, friend, sex-slave, etc. The difference between the Internet and

real life is that Internet users can play different roles and switch roles

much faster than in real life. They also have the option of being

something they cannot be in real life by changing their age or gender.

People can play hundreds of roles on the Internet, and many of them

involve some form of transference or expression of a hidden desire.


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y Learning to Integrate On-Line and Off-Line LivingLearning to integrate on-line and off-line living is something that all

Internet users need to do. Some are far better at this than others.

Integration is one of the most important principles in psychology;

therefore, it must be done for Internet users as well. In a worst-case

scenario, not being able to do this may result in repression, dissociation,

or even splitting of one's personality. Being able to integrate on-line and

off-line living will ultimately help an Internet user live comfortably both

on- and off-line. The reason why this is so important is because people

tend to separate their on-line and off-line lives. A person's friends and

relationships on the Internet may be completely different than those face-

to-face relationships. Secondly, on the Internet, someone can belong to

several different groups, each of which is a particular interest to them.

These groups and friends all compartmentalize their varied interests,

whereas in the 'real world' many of their interests overlap with people and

places. Your friends might know all your interests, whereas people you

talk to on the Net may only know one or two things about you. On a

positive note, this gives someone a chance to develop a particular aspect

of their personality and focus on that aspect. No one should, however,

separate their interests or identities to a point where bringing it all

together seems almost impossible. Everyone should be aware that Internet

addiction -- or any other kind of addiction -- is a disorder where people

isolate and guard a compulsive activity against all other aspects of their

life. Overcoming the addiction means overcoming anxieties that have

been intertwined into habit.


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How Do You Help Prevent Unhealthy Living Both On-Line and Off-

Line? Integrate them Share the different parts of your personality witheveryone on- and off-line.

4.4. Group Dynamics and the Internet

y Therapy and Support GroupsTherapy and support groups help people with similar concerns find each

other in a relatively easy manner. People find comfort in meeting others

with similar issues. There is a common thread that exists in each one of

us to help others going through hard times. On-line groups spangeographic space and allow people to meet each other, when they

otherwise would not have.

y Chat RoomsChat rooms are an interesting place to observe group dynamics. In many

cases, this is an area of the Internet that becomes addictive.


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CHAPTER 5

IMPACT OF INTERNET IN

VARIOUS SECTOR OF

ECONOMY


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CHAPTER 6

NEGATIVE BEHAVIOUR OF

INTERNET


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6. Negative Behaviour of internet

"Positive Reinforcement for Negative Behaviour focuses on information that

can easily be obtained on the World Wide Web. This information contains

negative messages and can encourage unacceptable behaviour. These sites and

information appear as "normal" because of "official-looking" newsgroups, and

many people are devoted to this negative behaviour. These sites only add

positive reinforcement for negative behaviour.

6.1. Positive Reinforcement for Negative Behaviour

The Internet today is a rapidly expanding media for a diverse and unique

population. The Internet is a tool unlike any other, allowing people to express

themselves on a world-wide public forum. Never in the history of mankind has

such power been given to the individual to access the world and to allow their

voice to be heard across foreign lands. Of all the great, positive aspects of such

a worldly tool, the Internet can house and create negative ideas and behaviour.

Ever since this new form of media has occurred, the issue of freedom of speech

has arisen. With a newspaper, the issue of libel and slander has arisen. In the

media of the telephone, again the First Amendment issue rose up. The same

occurred with the radio and the television. Today, the Internet is the media,

which has raised the question of freedom of speech. The United States

government has deemed restrictions on certain kinds of speech, such as any

incitements to crime or any "innocuous forms of utterance" (Rick Decker). Yet

the U.S. government cannot make policy for a media that is worldwide.

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is, according to John Barry

Barlow, a "local ordinance." How can nations control and enforce media that is


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coming in from all corners of the globe? The Internet is the quintessential

example of a public forum. Anyone can create their own Web site, which allows

anyone to express their own views. Because the Internet is so vast, with

approximately one billion Web pages and 20 million Web sites, how is a

government going to enforce such restrictions? Many sites, focused on hatred,

violence, and incitements to crime, slip through the fingers of the government.

The best site that has a link to most every hate site on the Internet is at The Hate

Directory. These are sites that focus on hate, but still remain on the Internet.

Other sites have been found and brought to court, such as the "Nuremberg

Files" Web site, which will be discussed later on.

The afore mentioned sites, as well as other sites that focus on negative

behaviour, only add to the problems of creating a positive environment in

today's society. The public forum of the Internet is hazardous, providing a

positive environment for acting upon negative behaviour.

6.2. Three Main Links to Positive Reinforcement for

Negative Behaviour

Positive reinforcement for negative behaviour has three main links into Internet

addiction:

6.2.1.Downloading

The first relates to the addiction of downloading computer software from the

Internet. Just about anything computer related can be found within the vast

world of the Internet: movies, audio files, video games, mp3's, photos, and all

the necessary hardware used to run programs. Not only can one download these

programs and software from their home computer, but most of the computer

software can be downloaded for free.


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The word 'free' stirs up a lot of attention in people. One prime example is a user

from New Zealand named Hitman. When he isn't DJ'ing at a local club, Hitman

is on the Internet constantly searching for every mp3 program, as well as

publishing, financing, and designing applications. Moreover, Hitman started

downloading software for both Macintosh and Windows, as he puts it, "In case I

want to buy a PC. Downloading software for Hitman has become a compulsive

disorder. Downloading has become a huge part of surfing the Internet.

Obviously, the downloading of software has become a huge function of the

Internet. "Free" software on the Internet, however, does not mean that the

software is legal.

6.2.2. Bootlegged Software

Bootlegged Softwarehas also become a huge part of the Internet, even though

the activity is illegal. The game of Doom is one example. People who offer the

game for free on the Internet have bootlegged the software and are pirating the

game. Anyone who has downloaded free software from the Internet may have

downloaded that software illegally, without even knowing it. If you have

downloaded any program from the Internet, and the program was bootlegged,that means that you have already been involved in a negative behaviour on the

Internet. Offering tons of links and deals for "free" software only incites people

to go back to the Internet for more downloads.

6.2.3. Gaming and Expanding

The second relationship between Internet addiction and the positive

reinforcement for negative behaviour is closely related to the first. The free

downloads of bootlegged games, such as Doom, Quake, and other violent

games, offers the possibility for addiction to gaming and expanding. These two

terms refer to the involvement of acquiring new 'games' and playing them, while

'expanding' upon the capabilities of a particular game. The Internet is a place for


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surfers to find passwords, cheat codes, and instructions on certain games which

mesmerize the videogame player. Repeat visits to gaming sites become

addictive to the surfer in downloading new wad files, which expand the

capabilities of the game, and in turn, add new levels or options to the game.

6.2.4. Video Game Addiction

Video games are known to be addicting Video Game Culture: Leisure and Play

Preferences of Teens . Because the games are addicting, the connection between

video games and the Internet is the cause for the third relationship between

addiction and the positive reinforcement for negative behaviour.

From personal experience, the very nature of video games is addicting. Arcades,

which explicitly endorse video games, are businesses that make a significant

amount of money, through the addicting nature of the games. Kids keep on

putting quarters in the machine in the hopes of that lucky chance of winning the

next game. Arcades, have only been around for the last 15 years, since the

growth of the invention of the first video game, Pong, in the late 1970's.

Because video games are addicting, related to the Internet, and some are even

realistically violent, positive reinforcement for negative behaviour stands a

correlation for Internet addiction.

6.2.5. Addiction in the Workplace

The behaviour of addiction and downloading continues into the work place.

Although the positive aspects of the Internet can increase productivity of the

workplace, there can be problems of over-zealous use of the Internet byemployees. More specific examples of the workplace and the Internet's

hindrance can be found under Economy.

Addicted employees waste company time and money. Again, addiction is a

negative behaviour sponsored by the positive reinforcement of the Internet.


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6.3. Anti-Social Behaviour

Computer networks are quickly proliferating in the United States as a primary

form of communication, while making dramatic impact in popular culture.

Activities include e-mail, newsgroups, list serves, file transfer protocol sites,

and internet relay chat known as IM. People are using the Internet as a form of

social behaviour, replacing older methods of postal mail and even the telephone.

Yet, what has become a 'revolutionary' tool in Computer-Mediated

Communications (CMC) is now being looked at as also a tool of socially

destructive behaviour. This form of behaviour better known as, anti-social

behaviour is a psychological disorder.

Anti-social personality disorder is characterized as a gross disparity between

behaviour and the prevailing social norms. The character symptoms are a lack

of safety for one's self, incapacity to feel guilt or shame, irresponsibility of

social norms, disregard for rules, and a lack of concern for the feelings of

others. The reason for anti-social behaviour is the same reasons people become

addicted to the Internet. Internet addiction and anti-social personality disorders

are both psychological disorders, negative behaviours, and both.

Connection to the Internet

Anti-social behaviour, like Internet addiction, is a disorder influenced today by

the ever-growing World Wide Web. The Internet has made it possible for

people to run errands and go to work while staying in the comfort of their own

home. People can shop for clothes, groceries, and just about every item possible

on-line. Moreover, relationships can develop online, making it unnecessary for

people to leave home to meet a new mate. However, all of the time remaining at

home on the Internet has led people to develop disorders such as Internet

addiction and the disorder being discussed now, anti-social behaviour.


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6.3.1. Internet Addiction

Internet addiction plays a key role in developing Internet-related anti-social

behaviour. It takes an addiction of spending monstrous amounts of time alone

on one's computer to develop the psychological parameters of an Internet-

related, anti-social behaviour disorder. Anti-social behaviour can be caused

through isolation and other variables that can cause a person to exert the

symptoms of an anti-social personality disorder. It is now known that the

Internet can be a cause for anti-social behaviour. Here are a few of the many

variables for the Internet cause of anti-social behaviour.

6.3.2. Video Game Addiction

There are a few reasons why the Internet, a tool of communication, has caused

anti-social behaviour. The first is video gaming. As discussed above, video

games have an addictive nature. Knowing the addictive nature of video games,

we can go one step further. Time spent on video games results in time lost

socializing.

The more time a player spends alone on video games, the more that player is becoming isolated from the rest of the world. Basic social functions are

forgotten, or have not been fine-tuned with experience. The video game player

does not know how to handle social behaviour. One cause of the anti-social

disorder is even more time spent in front of video games. Another cause is

isolation, aggressiveness, and disregard for rules and regulations. The initial

addiction of video games has now become a psychological anti-social

personality disorder.

Internet sites have even been established linking both video games and Internet

addiction. The game links provide a large repertoire of game downloads, game

cheats and other related information about gaming and expanding.


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6.3.3. Downloading

Because downloading has become a huge use of the Internet, through the

availability of "free" software, MP3 files, applications, programs, and other

related downloads, the process and time spent can result in developing anti-

social behaviour. Well, people will spend hours upon hours searching for and

then downloading programs off the Internet. In downloading, the same

standards apply as they did for anti-social behaviour deriving from video games.

A person who spends excessive amounts of time on the Internet downloading

might eventually become anti-social.


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CHAPTER 7

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS

OF INTERNET ADDICTION


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7. Physical Symptoms of Internet Addiction

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you also may suffer from on-

line addiction:

-- Dry eyes

-- Migraine headaches

-- Back aches

-- Eating irregularities, such as skipping meals

-- Failure to attend to personal hygiene

-- Sleep disturbances, change in sleep pattern

It is important to note that "Internet addiction" is not the disease itself. If you

suffer from what you have defined as Internet addiction, by either the quiz

above, or some other method, you most likely are suffering from not wanting to

deal with other problems in your life.

The heart of the problem may be a mental disorder, such as depression, anxiety

or other similar mental problems, a problem in a relationship, or a serious health

problem or disability. The Internet becomes a place where you can escape from

reality, and as a result, whatever problem you are dealing with. Internet

addiction may also be viewed as an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).Thoughts, images, ideas, or impulses that are persistent, and are intrusive and

cause distress. Compulsions are "repetitive behaviours or mental acts that the

individual feels he or she must perform to erase his or her obsessions".

Biological theories suggest that OCD is a neurological disorder. The circuit that


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is thought to be involved starts in the orbital region of the frontal cortex, where

the impulses arise. The impulses are then sent to a part of the brain called the

caudate nucleus, which filters the impulses, and lets only the strongest ones get

sent to the thalamus. Once in the thalamus, the person is motivated to think

about, and possibly act on the impulses. Once the behaviours are acted on, the

impulse is eliminated for the time being. For people with OCD, however, the

impulses may not be tuned off and the behaviour is consistently repeated. PET

scans show increased activity in the areas of this circuit in people with OCD.

Sometimes drugs help to provide relief to better regulate the neurotransmitter

serotonin, because serotonin plays an important role in this circuit.

Cognitive-behavioural theories suggest that people with OCD cannot turn offnegative intrusive thoughts, causing them to repeatedly engage in compulsive

behaviours. People who develop OCD may already be depressed or anxious in

general, so even minor events will trigger negative thoughts. They feel they

should be able to have control over these thoughts, but cannot. Their behaviour

is the only way they feel they can exert control.

7.1. Treating Internet AddictionSince Internet addiction usually stems from a larger issue, many psychologists

will be readily available to help you deal not only with your addiction to the

Internet, but also with what may be causing this dependency. You may ask

yourself when it is time to get help from someone else.

Here are some guidelines that may make you realize that professional help is

needed:

-- When you feel like you can't do it alone.

-- When you feel trapped, like there's nowhere to turn.

-- When you worry all the time, and never seem to find the answers.


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-- When the way you feel is affecting your sleep, youres eating habits, your

job, your relationships, or your everyday life.

-- When it's not getting any better.

Psychologists study human behaviour and apply it in a professional setting.

They will help you to identify your problem, find ways to cope with the

problem, and find ways to change behaviours or habits associated with the

problem. Therapy requires teamwork between you and your therapist. You and

your psychologist will set goals about what you want to accomplish, how you

think you can reach your goal, and what you will consider making progress.

7.2. Treatment Options

There are many different theories that therapists will use in their treatment.

7.2.1. Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy

The Cognitive-Behavioural Therapies for OCD -- or addictive behaviours

-- focus on repeatedly exposing the person to the focus of the obsession

and preventing the compulsive response. The repetitive exposure to the

content of the obsession is supposed to habituate the person to the

obsession so that it does not cause as much anxiety as it did in the past.

By preventing the person from engaging in compulsive behaviour, the

person will also learn, in time, that nothing terrible will happen.

The repeated exposure, response, and hopeful prevention will take place

in a therapists office. First, the therapist may model the behaviour he

wants his client to practice. Next, the therapist will again model the

behaviour, and encourage the client to also model the behaviour. As the

client's anxiety grows, the therapist may use relaxation techniques to calm

the client down and control the anxiety.


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Homework may also be assigned. For example, the client may be

assigned to check his e-mail only five times a day, whereas he would

normally check it 20 times. Later, more complicated tasks may be

assigned, such as doing other work on the computer but refraining from

checking e-mail.

7.2.2. Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic Therapies may also be effective. These therapies focus

on "relieving the unconscious conflicts driving psychological symptoms

by helping people gain insight into their conflicts, and then find ways of

resolving these conflicts within the constraints of reality". Freeassociation techniques are used to do this since it is difficult to uncover

unconscious conflicts.

The Freudian method of free association is where the person is taught to

talk about whatever comes to his or her mind without censoring any

thoughts. By doing so, the client may find himself speaking about

subjects he did not realize were on his mind. The therapist makes note of

recurring themes and how one thought leads to another. The subjects that

the client seems most hesitant to speak about are the most important ones,

because the most threatening conflicts are the subjects that the mind tries

to repress. The therapist tries to fit the pieces of the puzzle together and

interpret the conflict. Psychodynamic therapies require frequent therapy

sessions over an extended period of time.

7.2.3. Humanist Existential Psychotherapy

Humanist Existential Psychotherapies help the person to realize the

potential that he or she has, to make the client realize his place in the

world, and to accomplish self-actualization through self-exploration.


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7.2.4. Client-Centered Therapy

The most common form of humanist existential psychotherapy is Client-

Centered Therapy. There are three steps to client-centered therapy. First,

the therapist projects genuine interest in the role as a helper, making sure

the client knows that his therapist is not an authority figure, but is a real,

living, behaving person. Next, the therapist shows a positive regard for

the client, regardless of how unattractive, disturbed or difficult the client

may be. Lastly, the therapist shows empathy and understanding of the

client. The therapist makes sure that the client knows that he not only

understands, but also accepts the feelings of the client. Sometimes

"encounter groups" are organized to help large numbers of people better

understand themselves. The main belief in these groups is that it takes a

listening, caring person to aid in self-help and exploration. Many people

in the group will share a common problem, in this case, addiction to the

Internet.

7.2.5. Behavioural Therapies

Whereas psychotherapies focus more on events that happened in the past,

behaviour therapies focus on challenging the behaviour in the present

day. The techniques can be put into two categories: those that get rid of

unwanted behaviours, and those that teach new, desired behaviours.

7.2.5.a.Systematic Desensitization Therapy

A gradual method for extinguishing anxiety responses to stimuli

and the maladaptive behaviour that often accompanies this anxiety.

The first step is developing a hierarchy of feared stimuli, ranging

from things that would cause mild anxiety, all the way to stimuli

that would cause high anxiety or even panic. The client is


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instructed to imagine the feared stimulus. The therapist would then

help the client work through the hierarchy using relaxation

techniques to control the anxiety. When the most feared stimulus

can be imagined without feelings of anxiety, then the next stimulus

on the list is tackled. By the end of the systematic desensitization

therapy, a person will be able to walk past a computer without the

urge to check his e-mail and become overly anxious. He will see

that it is not the worst thing in the world to miss a message every

so often. A reward system is usually used to help develop a new set

of behaviours. A reward may be given for exhibiting the behaviour

desired, and rewards are withheld when the client illustratesundesirable behaviours.

7.2.5.b. Cognitive Therapy

The main focus of cognitive therapy is to challenge maladaptive

interpretations of events or ways of thinking and replacing them

with more adaptive ways of thinking. There are three basic

techniques in cognitive therapy. The first technique deals with

helping the client to identify their irrational thoughts. Often times,

people do not recognize these negative thoughts that are in their

heads. Therapists encourage clients to pay attention to the thoughts

that are associated with their moods or with unwanted behaviours,

to write these thoughts down, and to bring these thoughts to the

therapy session.

In the second technique, challenging the irrational thoughts is the

main idea. The therapist may ask the client to answer questions

such as the following: "What is the evidence for your perspective

or interpretation of this situation?"


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7.2.5.c. Behavioural Assignments

Behavioural Assignments are used to help the client gather

evidence concerning his or her beliefs, to test other views, and to

try new methods of coping with tough situations. These

assignments are presented to the client as ways of testing

hypotheses and gathering information that will be useful regardless

of the outcome of the therapy. Those who undergo this type of

therapy may still have the same negative thoughts, but learn not to

believe that these thoughts are true and can then question their

beliefs and thoughts to consider alternative ones.

7.2.6. On-Line Self-Help Therapy

On the surface, this may seem to make the problem of on-line addiction

worse. After all, it would seem that all On-Line Self-Help Therapy would

do is promoting the use of the Internet even more. Self-help does,

however, have some very positive effects, and using the Internet in an

effective way may, in fact, help the problem rather than cause more of

one. Here is some information about self-help, and also the pros and cons

of on-line self-help therapy.

Alcoholics Anonymous has been used as a model for many other self-

help groups. It is the oldest and largest self-help group in existence. The

group works by having a group of members with a common problem and

goal. They seek to solve this problem by sharing experiences, hopes and

ways of accomplishing their common goal. These basic principles of AA

can be applied to nearly any self-help group, whether the group is on-line

or not.


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A self-help group is not just to help one's "self," as the name may imply.

It is a way for people to collectively help one another. Like

psychotherapy, teamwork is involved. The difference is, however, that, in

self-help groups, there is not one person giving the help and the other

person is receiving the help. There is a give and take between all

members. Each person is both providing help to others, and receiving

help from others, all at the same time. Humphries points out, in his book

that, "One of the empowering features of self-help groups is that

members experience autonomy, control of the group, and a sense that

they are experts on their problem."

One of the most attractive aspects of on-line self-help groups is

accessibility at any time. For example, by providing therapy on an e-mail

discussion list, people have the ability to schedule their participation at a

time that is best for them.

On-line self-help therapy may also be attractive for one or

more of the following reasons:

-- If you have economic barriers to traditional psychotherapy, for

example, if you cannot afford it.

-- If you initially want a little distance in any sort of therapeutic

relationship.

-- If you live in a remote area where therapists are not readily accessible.

-- If you have a physical disability which makes getting to traditional

therapy too difficult.

-- If you are thinking about entering traditional therapy, but first want to

get a sense if what it might be like


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-- The embarrassment factor is significantly decreased because no one

"really" knows who you are.

There are reasons that on-line self-help therapy may not be

desirable:

-- Honesty is a problem. The on-line therapists acting as mediators in

self-help groups. In one study, they searched the Web and found that

many counsellors who were offering on-line services did not identify

their professional credentials, nor did they specify their subject area of

their degree

-- Misinterpretation of information. Because there are no vocal or visual

cues, information that is important to one person may not be thought to be

as important by someone else. On the other hand, a joke may be taken

seriously because the intent cannot be seen or heard.


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CHAPTER 8

CONCLUSION


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8. Conclusion

For children to the workplace, there are many forms of positive reinforcement

for negative behaviour. The topics of cults, hate, violence, video games, and

downloading are related to the central theme. The positive reinforcement for

negative behaviour definitely plays a role in Internet addiction, and can become

an influential effect. The Internet is here, and it is here to stay. We must educate

our future generations to use the Internet wisely and responsibly. The Internet is

a vast tool of knowledge and communication. Do not let the Internet overwhelm

its influence of positive reinforcement for negative behaviour upon you.

The Internet has provided a means for people to communicate, while also

providing a means for isolation and anti-social behaviour. New technology has

introduced both positives and negatives for our society. We must learn how to

cope and solve the negative aspects of this new technology, the Internet, and

develop new ways to control psychological disorders.

Thus, internet plays a vital role in an economy.


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Findings

1. The Internet accounts for 3.4 percent of overall GDP in the 13 nationsstudied. More than half of that impact arises from private consumption,

primarily online purchases and advertising. An additional 29 percent

flows from investments by private-sector companies in servers, software,

and communications equipment. The Internet economy, now larger than

that of Spain, surpasses global industry sectors such as agriculture and

energy.

2. The Internet is a critical element of economic progress, pushing asignificant portion of economic growth. Both our macroeconomic

approach and our statistical approach show that in the mature countries

we studied, the Internet accounted for 10 percent of GDP over the 15-

year period from 1995 to 2009, and its influence is expanding. Over the

last five years of that period, its contribution to GDP growth in these

countries doubled, to 21 percent. If we look at the 13 countries in our

scope, the Internet contributed 7 percent of growth from 1995 to 2009

and 11 percent from 2004 to 2009 (exhibit). In the global Nets growing

ecosystem of suppliers, US companies play leading roles in key sectors.

China and India rank among the fast-growing players in the Internets

global supply chain.

3 Most of the economic value the Internet creates falls outside of thetechnology sector: companies in more traditional industries capture 75

percent of the benefits. The Internet is also a catalyst for generating jobs.

Among 4,800 small and midsize enterprises surveyed, it created 2.6 ofthem for each lost to technology-related efficiencies.

These findings suggest that corporate leaders will need to sharpen their focus on

the opportunities the Internet offers for new products and expanded customer

reach. Public-sector leaders ought to promote broad access to the Net, since


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Internet usage, quality of infrastructures, and Internet expenditure are correlated

with higher growth in GDP per capita. Companies should also pay attention to

how quickly Internet technologies can disrupt business models by radically

changing markets and driving efficiencies. For governments, investments in

infrastructure, human capital, financial capital, and business-environment

conditions will help strengthen their Internet supply ecosystems.


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BIBLIOGRAPHY

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