"Internet Addiction"

Summary
My third source is “Internet Addiction,” which was published in CNS Drugs by Martha Shaw and Donald W. Black. This article establishes the classification, symptoms, and effects of an Internet addiction. This article defines Internet addiction as an uncontrollable urge in relation to computer use that can cause in problematic effects. There is no medicines or official cures, but like any addiction, self-help books and therapy are proven as effective, and rehabilitation centers for Internet addiction have been created.

Reaction
I found this article very helpful when it came to understanding the true classification of an Internet addiction. This article explains how an Internet addiction can develop, and now I understand how easily one can develop an addiction. One major symptom was staying online for longer than intended. I don’t think there is one person who hasn’t experienced that. Most students take a break from homework to go on Facebook, and only realize how much time they’ve wasted when they look at the clock an hour later. The Internet is addicting; there is so many different sites and so much to do. There are so many ways to get lost in the Internet and waste your entire day on the computer. This is a major problem for students, because they neglect their school work and friends to stay online. As easy as it is to develop an Internet addiction, I think it would be pretty hard to kick it the habit. Technology is almost like a basic need in the modern way; it’s an important way to communicate with others. So if you have a past with an Internet addiction and you need to check your e-mail for a message from your boss, you’re going to be very tempted to stay on for a while.

Relation to Carr
In relation to Carr, this article explains some of Carr’s symptoms. Carr discusses some of the problems people face from being dependent on the article, while this article elaborates on the effects. For example, Carr says that he can no longer focus on longer pieces of writing. If someone has an Internet addiction, they cannot focus on anything while off the Internet. Carr may not be addicted completely to the Internet, but he is experiencing lesser symptoms. Both articles are aimed toward the common theme that the Internet may do more harm than good. People don’t look at the consequences of spending hours online. People may not think that spending 4 hours online a few days a week is bad, but if they go away for a week and have no access, they almost go through withdrawal. Poor concentration is definitely an effect of excessive Internet usage. Who wants to sit down a read an entire book when you could go online and get a summary of the book, which is a lot shorter? Most people cannot even concentrate while reading because the Internet and technology is on their mind. I often take breaks from reading a book to check my Facebook or text. And some people only plan on taking a break for five minutes, until they get lost in Facebook. Most people cannot even go a class period without texting or going on Facebook. People in my classes post statuses on Facebook about the class before it is even over.