Buzz
What constitutes excessive screen time? Photo by Nico De Pasquale Photography / Getty ImagesConstantly refreshing e-mails. Spending over 12 hours at a stretch gaming online. Prioritizing online friendships over real-life ones. Ignoring personal responsibilities, family, and even health. These are some of the signs of a rapidly growing addiction: computer addiction. In this article, we'll explore what computer addiction is, why it's a concern, and why some medical professionals debate its very existence.
Defining computer addiction can be challenging as the term encompasses a wide range of behaviors. It's rare for people to become addicted to the computer itself as a device. Instead, they become hooked on the activities they engage in through it, such as instant messaging, browsing Internet pornography, playing video games, checking e-mails, or reading news articles. These behaviors are grouped under the term Computer Mediated Communication (CMC). A specific form of computer addiction linked to Internet use is often referred to as Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD).
Different types of computer addicts have distinct motivations behind their behavior. For instance, compulsive chat room participation or constant e-mailing may serve as a way to combat feelings of isolation, while overconsumption of pornography could be linked to deeper issues like relationship struggles or past trauma. The complexity is heightened because the computer itself is a versatile tool. Unlike substances like heroin, there are numerous legitimate reasons for spending long hours on a computer.
Even when someone spends a significant amount of time on a computer for leisure, it doesn't automatically equate to addiction, just as spending hours on hobbies like building model trains, quilting, or gardening isn't considered an addiction. The definition of addiction itself has changed over the years and is still debated within the medical field. Interestingly, neither the American Medical Association nor the American Psychiatric Association currently recognizes computer addiction as an official disorder, a controversy we will explore later.
Due to the complexities involved, defining computer addiction in a clear-cut way is challenging. If computer use becomes so dominant in someone's life that it disrupts other important activities, and the individual feels unable to stop using the computer despite negative effects, this could signal a potential addiction.
Identifying Computer Addiction
Many individuals struggling with computer addiction conceal their online habits from family and friends.
Photodisc/Getty ImagesOur understanding of computer addiction is largely derived from extensive research on other forms of addiction, such as alcoholism and gambling addiction. Psychologists have pinpointed several warning signs that may indicate computer addiction. Any one of these could be a cause for concern, and the presence of several could signal a serious issue.
- Spending much more time on the computer than intended, or losing track of time while online
- Repeatedly attempting to reduce computer usage but failing to do so
- Constantly thinking about the computer when not using it, or eagerly anticipating the next chance to get online
- Keeping the extent of computer use a secret from family and friends
- Turning to the computer as a means of escaping from feelings of depression or stress
- Missing important events or neglecting responsibilities due to excessive computer time, such as poor job performance or missing family gatherings [source: Young]
- Continuing to use the computer excessively despite negative consequences, such as relationship troubles or issues at work [source: Henderson]
One of the most infamous cases of computer addiction occurred in Nevada in 2007. Michael and Iana Straw, consumed by online gaming, neglected their two young children, leading to severe malnutrition and health problems. The couple was charged with multiple counts of child abuse [source: Fox News]. A similar tragedy occurred in South Korea in 2005 when two parents left their 4-month-old baby alone at an Internet café while they played computer games. Tragically, the infant died [source: Eurogamer].
Negative Consequences of Computer Addiction
As computer addicts immerse themselves further into their online world, they tend to isolate themselves from social interactions.
Stockbyte/Getty ImagesComputer addiction can lead to numerous negative consequences, with the most immediate impact being social withdrawal. As users spend increasing amounts of time on their computer, they begin distancing themselves from friends and family. Relationships suffer as the user skips social events, cancels plans with friends, and avoids family members in favor of more screen time. Even when they do engage socially, the absence from the computer can make users irritable, further harming social connections.
Over time, the emotional effects of excessive computer use become evident. The individual retreats into an artificial online world. Prolonged gaming may cause the person to place more importance on virtual events than on real-life experiences. Viewing Internet pornography in excess can distort one's understanding of sexuality. Relying on online interactions with screen names in chat rooms may hinder the ability to communicate effectively in person.
In the long run, computer addiction can result in physical harm. Prolonged use of a mouse and keyboard can lead to repetitive strain injuries. Many users experience back pain from sitting at computer desks for hours at a time. Late-night computer sessions cut into crucial sleep hours, and sleep deprivation over time results in fatigue, poor focus, and weakened immune system function. Additionally, the lack of physical activity can lead to deteriorating health and even obesity.
Ultimately, the consequences of computer addiction can spill over into various aspects of the user's life. Late-night sessions or use during work hours may negatively impact job performance, possibly leading to job loss. As the addiction takes a toll on personal relationships, it can even result in marriage breakdowns [source: Young].
Online gaming addiction appears to be on the rise in several Asian countries. In both China and South Korea, there have been reports of individuals dying after playing games non-stop for days, sometimes up to two days or more. In 2007, a man in China died after a three-day gaming marathon at an Internet café (a common spot for online gaming in Asia) [source: CNN]. These countries have established specialized counseling centers to address gaming addictions, and China has introduced strict laws to regulate Internet café access.
The Debate Around Computer Addiction
There is ongoing debate in the medical field about whether computer addiction should be recognized as a legitimate disorder. It's clear that some individuals excessively use their computers, indulge in Internet pornography, play online games for hours, or spend too much time chatting online. Some even let these activities dominate their entire lives. However, many psychologists argue that what is called 'computer addiction' might simply be a compulsive behavior stemming from an underlying issue, rather than a true addiction. Critics argue that these individuals are merely unable to control their impulses [source: Surratt]. They believe that some people label themselves as having Internet Addiction Disorder as a result of social pressures or fear tactics, like parents worrying about their children's gaming habits. Others claim that those obsessed with gaming are no different from people who watch excessive TV. In other words, these people may just be lazy.
In 2007, the American Medical Association determined that video-game addiction (a possible component of computer addiction) should not be considered an official disease without more research. Similarly, the American Psychiatric Association opposed including video-game addiction as a mental health disorder in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [source: ExtremeTech].
There are no precise statistics on the prevalence of computer addiction, as it is not formally recognized as a specific disorder with diagnostic criteria. Dr. Kimberly S. Young, a psychology professor and a strong advocate for the idea that computer addiction is a genuine issue, conducted an informal survey among Internet users to gauge how many self-identified as Internet addicts. Her findings revealed that 80 percent of respondents considered themselves Internet addicts. While it's impossible to extrapolate that data into a reliable statistic, Dr. Young views this result as indicative of a potential epidemic [source: Young].
Seeking Help for Computer Addiction
If online gaming is taking control of your life, there are many resources available to assist you.
Photodisc/Getty ImagesRegardless of how one classifies it, excessive use of a computer is a problem for some individuals. If you see computer addiction as a legitimate addiction, similar to alcoholism, the best approach might be following a 12-step program inspired by Alcoholics Anonymous. Your doctor, local mental health professionals, or an AA chapter near you can connect you with the right support groups. While online support groups exist, the effectiveness can vary—some argue they are like hosting Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in a bar, where temptation is ever-present.
If you're aiming to reduce your computer usage, here are some practical suggestions to help you control it:
- Set clear time limits. Use an alarm to signal when an hour has passed, and stop using the computer when it rings.
- Designate parts of your day as "computer-free" zones. If you tend to use your computer late at night, complete all tasks earlier in the day, and refrain from using it after dinner.
- Install software to block access to websites you compulsively visit. Ask a trusted friend to hold onto the passwords so you can't bypass it.
- Make a list of activities you could be doing instead of wasting time online, and keep it visible near your computer screen.
- Get family members involved to encourage you to limit screen time. Trying to tackle this on your own can be challenging.
- Place your computer in a busy area of the house. With others watching, you’ll be less likely to overuse it. This strategy works particularly well for parents concerned about their children's excessive computer use.
In 1989, Kevin Mitnick was apprehended for multiple computer hacking crimes. His defense team proposed a groundbreaking argument: he was addicted to computers, and therefore not accountable for his actions. The defense succeeded (though Mitnick's rehabilitation didn't, as he was later arrested again for hacking). This case was pivotal in introducing the concept of computer addiction. The term was first academically noted in the 1989 book "Computer Addiction" by Margaret Shotton [source: Surratt].
