COM3704 Assignment 2 2021.

COM3704 Assignment 2 2021. The internet is a new media technology that provides many advantages and negative consequences to its users. Many people are becoming preoccupied with the Internet because of their failure to control their use of this technology, and are jeopardizing their employment and personal relationships. The internet has become an integral part of many people’s lives, but it is an environment open to abuse by anyone. Question 2: 2.1 Internet addiction is a mental condition categorised by excessive use of the internet, usually to the loss of the user. Addiction is generally understood to be a mental disorder involving compulsive behaviour. When someone is constantly online, they may be described as addicted to it. While it is recognized as a problem, professionals have yet to agree on whether to recognize the term as a distinct form of addiction. Internet addicts have similar problems as other types of addicts (drugs, alcohol, gambling etc) Internet addicts spends up to 18 hours a day online which leads to physical problems such as back pain and eye strain. Internet addiction is also known by numerous other terms, including internet addiction disorder, pathological internet use, internet dependency, problematic internet use, internet overuse and compulsive internet use. 2.2 Symptoms of internet addiction: • Preoccupation with the internet- Constantly thinking of the internet even when offline. • Unexplained sadness or moodiness when not online- Experiencing mood-altering side effects when the user is separated from the element he/she is addicted to. • Loss of control- User feels unwilling or unable to disconnect from computer and ends up wasting hours on the computer checking emails, surfing the web etc. This study source was downloaded by from CourseH on :18:01 GMT -06:00 This study resource was shared via CourseH P a g e | 2 • Distraction- Individuals use the internet as source to cheer one’s self up by surfing the web. • Dishonesty in regard to internet use- Addicts lie about the amount of time spend on the internet or find ways to conceal the depth of their involvement with the internet. This causes friction within relationships. • Loss of boundaries or inhibitions- This refers to romantic or sexual boundaries such as sharing sexual fantasies online or participating in cybersex, but can also be financial or social such as gambling and chat rooms that can incite users to reveal secrets or portray a fake persona. Addicted users are more likely to commit crimes while online than non-addicts. • Creation of virtual intimate relationships with other internet usersWeb-based relationships often cause those involved to spend excessive amounts of time online, with the hope of making connections and date around the Net. • Loss of a relationship due to internet use- Personal relationships are often neglected when spending too much time on the web. Types of internet addiction: • Cybersexual addiction- This is a internet addiction with a focus on the abuse of adult websites for cybersex and cyberporn. The pornography industry was one of the first to take full advantage of the internet because it gives users access to pornography in an anonymous, private environment. • Cyber-relationship addiction- This type of addiction involves conducting excessive online friendships or relationships. The cyberrelationship addict is someone who have a large number of internet acquaintances, but also values these relationships more than relationships with family and friends. This study source was downloaded by from CourseH on :18:01 GMT -06:00 This study resource was shared via CourseH P a g e | 3 • Internet gaming addiction (Net compulsions) – 70 percent of internet users are reported to play online games. 69 percent of teenagers play computer games more than two hours every day and about 18 percent of teenagers who play computer games are diagnosed as games addicts. Internet gaming is defined as a social concern due to the social and family conflicts that arise from excessive online gaming. • Internet surfing addiction- This is a compulsive disorder and is a term used to describe the mental status of the people who are simply obsessed with the idea of surfing the Internet. • Computer addiction- Computer addiction or obstructive gambling is completely different from online gaming addiction. In computer addiction there is no Internet connection involved, whereas with online gaming addiction one has to be connected to the internet. 2.3 Internet addiction is hard to cure, especially when an addict does not consider him/herself an addict. Here are some suggestions for internet users to apply when they believe they are at risk to become internet addict. • Try to recognise the pattern of overuse or computer abuse. • Identify the underlying problems or triggers which make you wish to escape online. • Develop and implement a plan to address the underlying problems, as ignoring them will only make them worse, and will certainly not make them disappear. • The addict needs to take the necessary steps to resolve the addiction. This could simply be to refrain from using the internet more than necessary and to spend more time with family, friends and other human beings. This study source was downloaded by from CourseH on :18:01 GMT -06:00 This study resource was shared via CourseH P a g e | 4 Conclusion: Compulsive use of the internet results in real problems. It is concluded that there are people who use the internet as a method of escaping their everyday problems. I concluded that the internet is not the enemy but is can be abused and then becoming dependent on it. The internet is fast, ecologically sound, convenient and informative which makes our lives a lot simpler, but it can also make our lives more complex when being abused. People should use the internet wisely and for the right reasons.