Computer Addiction

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Technology today is progressing at an exponential rate with new devices being released practically daily. With each new invention comes new and exciting possibilities as well as ever growing temptations and danger. One such pitfall many have fallen victim to is that of computer addiction. Computer addiction can be defined as the obsessive use of computers that interferes with daily life. This addiction has been shown through many activities over computers such as video gaming, chat rooms, and net surfing to just name a few. In order to truly understand what computer addiction is one must understand the symptoms and motivations that lead one to become addicted.

Computer addictions have been found in every race, gender, and socio-economical class in America, and yet many still view it as pure laziness. While it is still widely disputed many psychologist recognize it as a valid mental disorder. Like many addictions the origins of computer addictions cannot be accurately identified as there are always many causes of such addictions. Some psychologists speculate that the origins lay in our increased reliance on computers. The majority of people are required to use computers in their professional lives and throughout their educations. This reliance coupled with increased time restraints may lead to individuals to spending longer periods of time on the computer. A recent study was conducted by Robert Kraut at Carnegie Mellon University in which one hundred and sixty nine individuals from ninety three diverse households in the Pittsburg area were monitored during their first two years of internet use. By using monitoring software and surveys Dr. Kraut was able to establish a direct correlation between the amounts of internet use to a...

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...lcoholics Anonymous. Regardless of the treatment sought, professional help is needed in order for addicts to overcome the dependency on computer time.

As technology progresses more and more people are drawn to computers for their professions and education. If caution and restraint is not maintained some will become addicted, and this will have a tremendous impact on their personal and professional lives. Many have fallen prey to computer addictions and some have paid with their lives.

Works Cited

James Fearing, Ph.D. Computer / Internet Addiction - Self Diagnosis. n.d. 25 April 2009. .

Spaith, Judith. "Sony Online Entertainment: EverQuestor EverCrack?" Journal of Business Ethics 58 (n.d.): 3–6.

Williams, Ian. Vnunet. 01 March 2007. 25 April 2009. .

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