The Draw: Our Dependence on the Internet
With the evolution of Internet and advances in technology, communication has become very easy and fast. A survey conducted in Great Britain in 2014 demonstrates the positive impact of technology on relationships. With the use of the Internet and mobile devices, families and friends can stay in contact much easier than in the past. Moreover, technology has made a significant impact on people’s lives with the accessibility of information.
The Threat: Internet Addiction!
Unfortunately, the treats that the Internet offers us have some potential drawbacks. Some people spend too much time in front of their screens and may even find themselves addicted to the Internet.
But what is an addiction? Internet Addiction is defined as any online-related compulsive behaviour that interferes with people’s lives and causes stress on their environment and relations. According to the International Journal of Neuropsychiatric Medicine, one in eight Americans suffers from problematic Internet use and the rates are even higher in many Asian countries.
Is Internet Addiction a Real Disorder?
Internet addiction is a psychological disorder that has been recently proposed for inclusion in the latest edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association. DSM-V actually includes Internet addiction as a disorder that needs further study and research. It is not an official disorder and the APA requires additional research to decide to call it an official disorder. This may be because there is not enough evidence and data to determine if Internet addiction is a separate disorder or if it has another cause. Some experts refer to the Internet addiction as “Impulse Control Disorder”.
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Technology Corner
Ms. Ufuk Yagci - Educational Technology Coordinator
"Technology has made a significant impact on people's lives with the accessibility of information.”