Internet addiction

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Internet and Video Game Addiction

Internet addiction is a worldwide disorder that is oblivious to the technological age we live in. Since its inception in 1991 (Livingstone), the World Wide Web has only improved our quality of life. People don’t perceive online technology as a problem but as a solution to make our lives cheaper and efficient. As a working college student, my whole life is run on the internet. I use Facebook religiously to keep in-touch with my friends, I play Xbox Live to compete with amateur Call of Duty players, I read online newspapers to get current events, and I use every internet resource available to write research papers like this one. I classify my use of these devices as a learnt behavior—not an addiction—I developed over time because of the long relationships I have with these device.

NetAddiction.com, a center for online addiction, classifies internet addiction disorder as “a compulsive behavior in which the Internet becomes the organizing principle of addicts' lives.” Having an addiction and engaging in compulsive behavior are two entirely different concepts. Internet addiction often arises from a low self-esteem or depression. Moreover, people with ADHD are more prone to the addiction because of boredom and the constant stimulation of the technology. Psychologists suggest that Internet addiction can be a symptom of a more recognized problem such as social isolation (Stewart) (Zed).

Netaddiction.com also states that “the most common type of internet addiction is online pornography, but online gambling, auction sites and multiplayer role-playing game are on the rise.” Multiplayer role-playing games tend to be the most common type of addiction among individuals ages 10-18. The source of many intern...

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...rent to teach their kids about the benefits of the internet. Video game companies that were on this list saw their profits increase dramatically.

Licensed internet addiction camps that generate profit but are still controlled by the Chinese Government, is the primary method businesses are addressing the internet addiction problem. Since the online gaming market in China is one of the largest in the world, it makes it an easy playground for internet addiction. Gaming industries have been targeting this saturated Chinese market for decades; the company that captures the most gamers in China rules the industry. We learned that the government is placing more regulations on video games, creating a roadblock for online gaming companies trying to acquire market share. Most businesses doing business in China are there to make profit off internet addicts: Simple as that.

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