Problem Statement on Internet Addiction:
The impact of internet addiction on undergraduate students
Nisaa S. Kirtman
Northcentral University
PSY 7102
Week 7 Assignment
August 28, 2016
The internet (or world wide web) has proven to be one of the most revolutionary means of communication, collaboration, interaction, research, and information sharing. Originally, the internet was mainly viewed as a tool for information dissemination, broad communication, and basic research. Today, most can agree that developed nations are experiencing an information-technology-overload crisis. Smartphones, computers and laptops, tablets, and various other information-technology devices have proven to be useful and invaluable …show more content…
There are several terms for internet overuse: a) internet addiction disorder (IAD), b) problematic internet use (PIU), and c) compulsive internet use (CIU) (Wikipedia, 2016). Sharma (2016) offered a more thorough definition of internet addiction, which states, ?Internet addiction is characterized by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges or behaviors regarding computer use and internet access that lead to impairment or distress? (pg. 2). The internet serves as a ?global connection? and allows students to communicate not only locally but abroad in a matter of seconds. As colleges and universities become more diverse and international, the use of this global connection becomes more prevalent. As a result, however, the excessive use by students may in fact have a negative impact on students? academic performance and academic obligations. Given the amount of information and communication that can occur at such a rapid rate, it is not surprising that this may cause undergraduate students to lose focus. Easy access to information can be a disadvantage to students, especially if the information accessed can fuel other addictions such as addictions to online gambling, pornography, Facebook, instant messaging (IM-ing) during class, or even academic short cuts or cheating. Frangos and Frangos (2009) detailed some of the many positive attributes of internet use and …show more content…
It is worth noting that while some students are better able to cope with this constant and easily accessible ?connection,? some students may not have the emotional stability to cope with such distractions. According to Johanna, Melinda, Lawrence & Jeanne (2014), undergraduate students may also suffer physiological disadvantages to excessive internet use, such as insomnia, eye sight problems, and body aches. In addition to emotional and physiological consequences of internet overuse, students may exhibit psychological and sociological repercussions. Tsai and Lin (2000) claimed that because undergraduate students are not yet psychologically mature and are still adapting to being independent, they are at higher risk of suffering from internet addiction. While research has shown patterns of how internet addiction manifests itself among undergraduate students, this phenomenon seems to affect students around the globe slightly
The impact of internet addiction on undergraduate students
Nisaa S. Kirtman
Northcentral University
PSY 7102
Week 7 Assignment
August 28, 2016
The internet (or world wide web) has proven to be one of the most revolutionary means of communication, collaboration, interaction, research, and information sharing. Originally, the internet was mainly viewed as a tool for information dissemination, broad communication, and basic research. Today, most can agree that developed nations are experiencing an information-technology-overload crisis. Smartphones, computers and laptops, tablets, and various other information-technology devices have proven to be useful and invaluable …show more content…
There are several terms for internet overuse: a) internet addiction disorder (IAD), b) problematic internet use (PIU), and c) compulsive internet use (CIU) (Wikipedia, 2016). Sharma (2016) offered a more thorough definition of internet addiction, which states, ?Internet addiction is characterized by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges or behaviors regarding computer use and internet access that lead to impairment or distress? (pg. 2). The internet serves as a ?global connection? and allows students to communicate not only locally but abroad in a matter of seconds. As colleges and universities become more diverse and international, the use of this global connection becomes more prevalent. As a result, however, the excessive use by students may in fact have a negative impact on students? academic performance and academic obligations. Given the amount of information and communication that can occur at such a rapid rate, it is not surprising that this may cause undergraduate students to lose focus. Easy access to information can be a disadvantage to students, especially if the information accessed can fuel other addictions such as addictions to online gambling, pornography, Facebook, instant messaging (IM-ing) during class, or even academic short cuts or cheating. Frangos and Frangos (2009) detailed some of the many positive attributes of internet use and …show more content…
It is worth noting that while some students are better able to cope with this constant and easily accessible ?connection,? some students may not have the emotional stability to cope with such distractions. According to Johanna, Melinda, Lawrence & Jeanne (2014), undergraduate students may also suffer physiological disadvantages to excessive internet use, such as insomnia, eye sight problems, and body aches. In addition to emotional and physiological consequences of internet overuse, students may exhibit psychological and sociological repercussions. Tsai and Lin (2000) claimed that because undergraduate students are not yet psychologically mature and are still adapting to being independent, they are at higher risk of suffering from internet addiction. While research has shown patterns of how internet addiction manifests itself among undergraduate students, this phenomenon seems to affect students around the globe slightly