Internet Addiction: Government Policy or Personal Responsibility?

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Internet Addiction: An issue of government policy or a personal responsibility?

BIS 421/CSS 411 - Spring 2010

“Why is it drug addicts and computer aficionados are both called users?” – Clifford Stoll

Introduction

There is no doubt the presence of the internet is increasing at a rapid pace. A Pew Internet and American Life Project study finds two thirds of all Americans use the internet to frequently participate in internet related activities (Fellows, 2008). Another study shows that 55% of all Americans have high speed internet in their homes and even higher among college or academic arenas. (Saville et al, 2010). Needless to say, the possibility of becoming addicted to the internet is now easier than ever. The average American is presented with internet opportunities everywhere he/she turns; daily activity is analogous to running a digital gamut. Reading the newspaper or a book, watching TV, saying hello to an old friend, purchasing you Mother’s day flowers all can be done on the internet. Is all of this digital connectivity a good thing or are we taking it too far. The following paper will attempt to define internet addiction; present pending disorders correlated to the increased use of the internet; solutions implemented abroad and then propose a U.S. public policy to combat the battle.

Digital/internet addiction is a growing problem, which is inclusive but not exclusive to adolescents; college students and middle aged Americans. Other nations have addressed this problem by implementing government mandated policies such as; age restrictions for internet café’s; black-out periods; videogame restricting software; and other measures. However, the U.S. has yet to properly address this growing but silent disease. The ...

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...ed May 18, 2010, from Newsweek Online: http://www.newsweek.com/id/216911

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Young, K. (2010). A Growing Epedemic; Signs of Internet Addiction. Retrieved May 18, 2010, from Net Addiction: http://www.netaddiction.com/

Zhen, L. (2009, July 14). China bans electro-shock therapy for Internet addicts. Retrieved May 18, 2010, from Reuters : http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE56D1P320090714

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