ADDICTION A BROADER PERSPECTIVE

23 FEBRUARY

COMP 381

But first, a quick virtual world video

MTV True Life:

I Live Another Life on the Web

What is Addiction? Physiological:

Chronic relapsing condition characterized by compulsive abuse and by long-lasting chemical changes in the brain.

Non-physiological: Any act that when abused becomes detrimental to other areas of life

Same irrespective of the drug

Physiological DefinitionNo research exists indicating a chemical change in the brain resulting from an addiction to technology

Core Components

Absorption Mood Modification

(Greenfield study: 29%) Tolerance Withdrawal Relapse

-Dr. Patrick Carnes

English Internet poll (2,100 people)

76% “could not live without” 45% more important than religion 45% loss more stressful than any utility 20% more attention than to partner

China among the first countries to recognize

internet addiction as a clinical disease 4 million Chinese under the age of 18 are

thought to be addicted to online gaming >= 6 hours a day

Over 200 rehab clinicsMilitaristic: physical labor coupled with harsh

punishments

Technology as an Enabler Addicted to technology …

or the activity?

GamblingShoppingSocializingGamingSex

Online Gambling

Job or Addiction

Online Shopping Buying things that user typically doesn’t

want or need Don’t feel like you’re actually spending

money One click away

Constant Emailing 59% in bed 53% in the bathroom 37% while driving 12% in church

47% more likely to check email in middle of night than get a late night snack

2007 survey

When Technology Addiction Takes Over Your Life

Effects of Pornography Unrealistic sexual expectations 40% of internet users visited an online

adult site in August 2005

-Internet Filter Review