I work in a psychology department so my professional interests (technology, education) are a little out of the mainstream for my colleagues. Like all of us with diverse interests that bring us into contact with diverse groups of people, every once in a while, there is an intersection of interest areas that offers a unique perspective typically not noted by those totally focused on a specific area. (Now with this build up, I hope you find the following post to be interesting.)
I have been reading a review paper written by a graduate student (Brent King) focused on the topic of Internet Addiction. His paper considers various theoretical perspectives on Internet Addition before attempting to argue for a behavioral model of addiction. I was aware of a couple of studies in this area (e.g., Kraut, et al – Internet paradox: A social technology that reduces social involvement and well being, American Psychologist, 53, 1017-1031), but I had no idea that this “problem” was receiving the amount of attention that it has.
One study that caught my eye (Kandell – Internet addition on campus: The vulnerability of college students. Cyberpsychologgy and Behavior, 1, 11-17) argues that college students are particularly vulnerable to Internet Addiction. This vulnerability is a combination of:
a) Characteristics of the Internet — active, controllable
b) Developmental sensitivities of typical college students – engaged in identify formation, desire for meaningful, intimate relationships — alternate online identities may be perceived as safe
c) Characteristics of the environment — free time, easy access to the net, expectation that students use Internet as a productivity tool
What strikes me about this list is that I would consider all of these to be positive opportunities — including the fact that college itself is an environment that encourages the exploration of alternate values, vocational possibilities, belief systems (at least as I read the psycho-socio developmental literature). I suppose there is a problem when one becomes so infatuated with the “Internet world” that it replaces reality. I sometimes wonder the same thing about those of us who have spent our lives in college settings — certain properties of this “life” offer an alternative to what some would argue is reality. I think I have found a new addiction — perpetual student — the addiction to college life.
Internet addiction? Sitting here in my office, by myself, typing away to a faceless and perhaps fabricated audience, I am starting to become concerned. Time to go home and watch television.
