tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302948972024-03-13T14:14:11.364-04:00Center for Internet AddictionYour resource for treating Internet addiction since 1995.Center for Internet Addiction Recoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054948169750476850noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30294897.post-87349640626467469812015-06-10T11:37:00.000-04:002015-06-10T11:37:07.092-04:00How ISIS uses video games to recruit children<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">ISIS has been recruiting
in new and strategic ways using video games to lure in children and teenagers.
Game players in general can utilize ISIS-based games to recruit soldiers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">ISIS supporters are
distributing a sickening video game that allows users to play the role of
Islamic extremists on a mission to murder Westerners.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Supporters of the terror
group, which has brought rape and massacre to vast swathes of Syria and Iraq,
have modified the popular video game ARMA III to create characters based on
ISIS militants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Also, thanks to ISIS, the
successful video game franchise Grand Theft Auto now has an unauthorized sequel
in its series: “Grand Theft Auto: Salil al-Sawarem (Clang of Swords).” The ISIS
bootleg features the same carjacking, pistol-whipping mayhem-entertainment as
the original, but now players detonate roadside bombs and execute Iraqi police
officers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Of late, ISIS has
combined brutality with social media acumen to become one of the most feared
and reviled organizations on earth in recent months, publicly releasing videos
of beheadings of American and British hostages in addition to broadcasting
other unspeakable acts of violence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Their latest video isn’t
that horrific or extreme, but it is three and a half minutes of Grand Theft
Auto 5, cut and edited in a way to try and recruit new, young members into the
extremist organization.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The video uses clips from
Grand Theft Auto 5 to demonstrate that they “do the things you do in games, in
real life on the battlefield,” according to a loose translation of the
introductory text.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Children who play violent
video games may experience an increase in aggressive thoughts, which in turn,
could boost their aggressive behavior.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Studies have shown children
who played a lot of violent video games showed an increase in aggressive
behavior — such as hitting, shoving and pushing — meanwhile, those who
decreased the amount of time they spent playing violent video games saw a
decrease violent behavior.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Children and adolescents
who play a lot of violent games change over time, they start to see aggressive
solutions as being more reasonable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The games were created to
"raise the morale of the Mujahideen, and the training of children and
young teenagers to fight the West, and throw terror into the hearts of
opponents of the state," according to Egyptian news weekly El Fagr.<br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">According to Arabic
journalists, the concern is that these images turn into recruitment propaganda aimed
to train children and youth how to battle the West and to strike terror into
the hearts of those who oppose the Islamic State. The fear is that children are
already vulnerable to developing aggressive behaviors after excessive game play
and those who suffer from addiction are even more susceptible to developing harmful
attitudes and violence against Western cultures. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Center for Internet Addiction Recoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054948169750476850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30294897.post-67739146878674348922014-11-10T14:23:00.000-05:002014-11-10T14:23:12.477-05:00Should video games be considered a collegiate sport? I say No…<div class="MsoNormal">
Last week, I was flying home from Germany where I met with
my research colleagues at the University of Duisburg-Essen. We held an entire
symposium on Internet addiction including cybersex addiction, social media
addiction, and Internet gaming addiction – an especially potent addiction in
countries such as Korea, China, and Taiwan. Imagine my surprise when, while waiting
at the airport to catch my plane, I saw a story on CNN about Robert Morris University
in Aurora, Illinois becoming the first school to categorize playing video games
as a varsity sport, even offering scholarship funds for the
"athletes." The team meets every weekday for practice between 4 and 9
p.m., with an hour break for dinner, and competitions are every Saturday, according
to Kurt Melcher, the school's associate athletic director. <o:p></o:p></div>
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That day, I was being interviewed by ABC News for a story on
<a href="https://gma.yahoo.com/cautionary-tales-people-obsessed-candy-crush-085806334--abc-news-topstories.html">Candy
Crush Saga</a>, when I told the reporter about my deep concerns over video
games being considered an athletic sport, she followed up with a story, <b><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/video-game-athlete-college-scholarship/story?id=26757455">What
It's Like to Be a Video Game Athlete on College Scholarship</a>.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Given the research on Internet gaming, in 2013, the American
Psychiatric Association included Internet Gaming Addiction in the Diagnostic
and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a new condition for further study.
Other studies have repeatedly documented that what begins as a recreational
activity can easily turn into an addictive problem. For instance, in an effort
to curb video game addiction among youth, South Korea's Ministry of Culture,
Sports and Tourism has implemented a sort of gaming "curfew" that
will block underage users from accessing online computer games after midnight.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Studies have shown video games feed the brain’s reward
centers in a similar way that drugs or alcohol produce an appealing “high.” Further
studies have shown that gamers quickly lose themselves in these virtual worlds
and their behavior has serious consequences. This summer I met Valerie Veatch,
the producer and director of the HBO documentary “Love Child,” a film about a
South Korean couple who had let their 3-month-old daughter starve to death
while they spent up to 12 hours a day playing “Prius Online” at a local
internet cafe. At a special preview of the documentary that we both attended, she
said, “They were unable to distinguish the virtual world from the real world.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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These problems are not only seen in Korea, China was one of
the first countries in the world to label overuse of the Internet a clinical
condition and in response the Chinese government has created treatment
facilities to detox and cure teenagers of their addictions to online life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So, should American colleges view video games as an eSport? The
problem of video game addiction isn’t as simple as playing too much or really
enjoying video games. At the Center for Internet Addiction, a U.S. firm, we see
addicted gamers who are more than twice as likely to have ADD/ADHD, get into
more physical fights, and have health problems caused by long hours of game
play (e.g., hand and wrist pain, poor hygiene, irregular eating habits). Many
need treatment to improve their academic performance and return to normal
functioning.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We find treatment for video game addicts to be very
difficult because addicted gamers need to spend more time and money on video
games to feel the same “high,” skipping out on responsibilities like household
chores or homework to play games, excessive thinking about game play, trying to
play less and failing, and stealing games or money to play. In their eyes, they
don’t see this behavior as an addiction. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Although the U.S. is lagging behind countries like South
Korea, which boasts more than 100 clinics to treat video game addiction, there should
great concern about American colleges deeming video games as sport. It is
important that we first understand the impact of these games on our youth. While
video games can be fun and entertaining, I continue to hear from families who
are struggling because of a child's gaming habits. What may seem like a competitive
sport could be masking a deeper problem. <o:p></o:p></div>
Center for Internet Addiction Recoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054948169750476850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30294897.post-60288286065691926342014-03-26T11:36:00.001-04:002014-03-26T11:36:42.939-04:00Reflections on the first International Congress on Internet Addiction Disorders - Cultural and Clinical Perspectives<div class="MsoNormal">
Internet addiction is a global and rapidly evolving
disorder. I just returned from the first International Congress on Internet
Addiction Disorders held in Milan, Italy. While the ideas are still fresh, I
wanted to write about the new and exciting programs being started to address
this rapidly evolving problem. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Cultural Approaches<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The panel of speakers and attendees were amazing. They showed
the deeply global nature of Internet addiction with each country developing its
own methods representative of what worked best for their own circumstances. For
instance, in Korea, they are a leader in this field as they are the first to
have established a comprehensive Master Plan to prevent and treat Internet
addiction. Developed by multiple Ministries of the Korean Government, they
provide testing for risk of Internet addiction among adolescents, specialized
re-education programs for those at risk, and hundreds of specialized inpatient
treatment programs across the country. In Japan and Germany, they utilize
Internet fasting camps for children identified at risk, also backed by
government support. In China, they utilize military-style boot camps for
re-education as depicted in the new documentary, <i>Web Junkies</i>. In Italy, Milan and Rome developed the first inpatient
programs with alternative treatments in theater therapy to tap into the
emotions of an Internet addict and they explore avatar therapy (in vivo) with
peer group training and support. In France, they do not talk as much about
pathological Internet addiction but in general focus on early education on
technology use for all families. This way, they focus on what parents should do
at home when introducing technology for a child. In the U.S., unfortunately, we
are lagging behind with respect to prevention and treatment. We do no formally
recognize the disorder in the DSM, we only have a handful of specialized
treatment programs, we have some digital detox camps but nothing to the scale
of Korea, and we do not implement policies for early childhood prevention as
they do in France. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This was very enlightening to me, as the only American at
the Congress to see how other cultures were addressing what is seen as a
significant mental health issue. There
was considerable discussion on how to define Internet addiction. Is it its own
disorder? Is it always co-morbidly related to clinical syndromes such as
depression and anxiety? How do social problems influence the development of
this condition as Internet addicts are highly isolated? What is the
relationship with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome, as these disorders were seen
across cultures as a significant risk factor with Internet addiction disorders?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Age of Onset<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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There was also significant debate on the age of onset for
the disorder. How young is too young for children to be introduced to
technology? While all the countries represented recognized the benefits of
technology use and adaptation among children and adolescents for careers and
future job performance, it was asked if technology should also come with
warning signs for parents. For instance, in Japan, middle school children were
identified to be the most at risk and this launched a greater discussion on
what parents need to know at home to address potential Internet addiction
disorders.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is not a new discussion. When I was in Australia this
past summer for a Media Addiction conference at Macquarie University in Sydney,
this debate of how young is too young also was discussed (and again, to no
clear answer). In my own consulting work, throughout the U.S., I have toured
several adolescent clinics seeing a growing number of young people with an
addiction to technology and visited school systems struggling with how to
address the growing problem of students becoming addicted to the very
technology that they are required to use. <i>The
problem hits home domestically too.</i> <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Types of Internet
Addicts<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The Congress also debated if there were different types of Internet
addicts. Were there differences in terms of addicts related to how much time
they spent online or what applications they were involved with? For instance, a
child who was addicted to video games may be experiencing a developmental phase
the he will grow out of into adulthood, whereas an older adult male who suffers
from sex addiction is now hooked on online pornography and has long-standing
problems with relationships, depression, and substance abuse. Would these two
patients be classified the same or are these different types of addicts, one
being more phased developmentally and the other more chronic and pervasive? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Also, how does what someone becomes addicted to impact the
course of treatment? For instance, in Italy, they use Theater Therapy for young
people to act out their avatars for addicted gamers. This has been very
effective. But, how does this translate to an older adult who may be addicted
to online pornography? Also, how does culture impact treatment? While Korea has a comprehensive Master Plan
(and actually, it was just repurposed as the Master Plan II to address
smartphone use), would this be possible in American to implement? My view at the
Congress was “no” as our U.S. government does view Internet/technology
addiction as a problem. Again, most people did not understand why this is as
many other countries are rapidly addressing what they see as a significant
mental health concern.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The Role of
Government<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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This led to an important discussion on the role of
government involvement and policy. If the government is not supportive of
initiatives on Internet addiction prevention, education, or treatment, than it
seems that little can be done to properly address the condition. In Korea, they
had statistics that showed the effectiveness of their Master Plan in Prevention
and Treatment but they also were one of the few countries with widespread
government support for the development of their national programs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Best Practices<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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In closing, the Congress struggled with the best practices
in this emerging field. The issues involved with Internet Addiction Disorders
were complex. The issues cited were developmental, clinical, social, cultural,
and familial. Developmentally, what was the impact of technology overuse on
children? Clinically, what were the best treatment approaches to resolve
Internet addiction, especially with the reliance of mobile devices in our daily
and work lives? Socially, what were the long-term effects of an over-reliance
on technologies that seem to disconnect us more than connect us, especially
among children who are using this at younger ages? Culturally, did Internet addiction
disorders manifest themselves differently based on ethnic and cultural
backgrounds requiring various forms of treatment and prevention? From the
family perspective, how should parents learn to integrated technology for their
children and what resources were available to help them manage this at home and
at school? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Conclusions<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Overall, the Congress was an important step in the field of
Internet and technology addictions. It seems we are all doing something in our
respective countries to address an emerging problem. No matter the terms we
use, although, I agree that terminology is highly important, it is clear that
this has become a global condition and that we are all experiencing problems
with integrating technology into our lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Future initiatives based on the Congress are determining: 1]
Defining Internet addiction (be it problematic Internet use, pathological
Internet use, technology addiction, or other terms, we need to define a clear
set of standardized criteria). 2] Consider how co-morbid psychiatric syndromes
and personality traits play a role in the development of Internet addiction
disorders. 3] Consider how age of onset (and age in general with the
introduction of technology) influences childhood development and what parents
and families need to know for prevention and what resources are available to
them as well as to schools. 4] Conduct outcome studies to investigate the best
practices in treating Internet addiction disorders among adolescents and adults.
Finally, 5] Examine the role of culture in the development of Internet
addiction disorders and how public health policies through government and
healthcare systems can enable more effective responses for providing resources,
prevention, education, and treatment. <o:p></o:p></div>
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For more information, please visit the International
Congress on Internet Addiction Disorders <a href="http://www.escteam.net/2013/07/news/1st-esc-international-congress-on-internet-addiction-disorders/">website</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Center for Internet Addiction Recoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054948169750476850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30294897.post-27072588995028431772014-01-21T08:35:00.000-05:002014-01-21T08:35:27.765-05:00#internetaddiction: Prescriptions for Maintaining a Healthy Digital Diet in 2014Internet addiction had a big year in 2013. The U.S. saw its first hospital-based inpatient clinic to treat Internet addiction open. The American Psychiatric Association who publishes the bible of American psychiatric medicine, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders included Internet Gaming Addiction under section 3 as a condition for further study. Internet addiction had been registered as a condition by the World Health Organization and now new digital detox camps have sprung up in China, Korea, Australia, the UK, and Japan to treat what has become a recognized disorder.<br />
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The media covered news of my new inpatient clinic at the Bradford Regional Medical Center. It actually trended on national and international news. Time Magazine ran a cover story on Candy Crush Saga addiction and outlets such as CNBC, ABCNEWS.com, and several other magazines ran year-end reviews asking how people in general – not addicts – can achieve a digital diet in 2014.<br />
The issue of Internet addiction hit a psychological nerve. People weren’t just talking about addicts but they were taking a deeper look at their own behavior – asking if we have all become way too dependent on our gadgets and digital devices. After each interview, it became clear to me that the lines between what is healthy technology use and what is addiction were now blurred.<br />
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<b>Prescriptions for 2014</b><br />
The debate is no longer if Internet addiction is a clinical disorder. It is. The debate is about how much technology is too much. We rely it on almost like breathing.<br />
Yes, we can accomplish great things using technology. We have an app for anything and everything! What is there not to like? We have a convenient and portable tool that performs almost any functional and practical task. Again, when does it become too much?<br />
How do we become good consumers of technology without becoming consumed by it? To help us all become a little more balanced, I developed three key prescriptions for maintaining a healthy digital diet.<br />
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<b>Prescription #1: SLOWDOWN</b><br />
New research shows that workaholics are twice as likely to develop Internet addiction. This is staggering. Think about it, we work constantly because we can. Technology allows us to work 24/7 during the evenings, weekends, and on vacations. We never have time to fully rest. Every meeting and every place I go there are people on their devices. That’s okay, but we need to slowdown and not work so hard. I know that sounds crazy, but we need to take breaks from work and when we do, we need to fully rest. Just because we can check our social media at any hour, doesn’t mean that we should. Unplug and stay committed to that for specific periods of times, especially when you are at home with your family or on vacation. Take weekends away from your smartphone and limit your overall use. Studies show that people going a few days of technology-free life enjoy their time more, feel happier, less stressed, and more focused on their primary relationships.<br />
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<b>Prescription #2: MAINTAIN FACE-TO-FACE CONTACT</b><br />
The cover story in the January 2014 issue of The Monitor, the major trade publication of the American Psychological Association was titled <i>Friends Wanted: New research by psychologists uncovers the health risks of loneliness and the benefits of strong social connections</i>. In short, the story shared new research on the impact of loneliness and how a lack of social support will cause physical and psychological problems. Sadly, loneliness is a problem I often hear about from Internet addicts. I have repeatedly found that lonely people are more likely to become addicted to the Internet only to become more socially isolated. It is a vicious cycle. Even if they spend all their time on social media, they are still physically alone. This behavior is compounded by those with social difficulties or phobias who turn to the Internet as a safe way to communicate without face-to-face contact – yet they never learn how to overcome their fears of dealing with people.<br />
If all your needs are fulfilled online, there is little chance that you will explore beyond it. Some people fell disconnected or left out because they don’t know how to approach or contact others socially. Many fear being rejected so they don’t attempt to make friends or develop relationships. They would rather ‘talk’ with people online. This isn’t really talking as it is typing, minus Skype or webcams, we type.<br />
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This is a time to talk instead of type and make more face-to-face contact. In 2014, take time to develop personal interests that you may not have had time to before. Get involved in activities you enjoy and that will put you in a position to meet, work, and socialize with others. Get involved with campus activities, volunteering, or working for a cause that you believe in. This will help you to meet people with similar interests and values. Join a gym and exercise to increase your energy and help you to feel better about yourself. The bottom line is the less time you are tied to your gadgets, the more time you will have to develop face-to-face relationships with others.<br />
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<b>Prescription #3: LESS SELFIES, MORE MEMORIES</b><br />
Normally, I don’t get too fussy over selfies. I wish I took more at times because selfies always look like the person is having fun. But, I am writing about technology addiction so I am limiting my focus to the growing narcissism among Internet users who constantly post selfies. Interestingly, Oxford Dictionary’s word of the year for 2013 was “selfie”—a recently invented word for self-photography from smartphones. Sharing too much of oneself, and getting constant feedback for it, is likely to give a person a heightened focus on themselves, leading to negative introspection, low self-esteem, and a host of other issues.<br />
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Studies show that those seeking reassurance and approval through selfies consistently take themselves out of social interaction. The concern lies when people are using selfies to create a persona that will be approved of, i.e., how many Facebook or social media clicks, ‘likes,’ and approvals they get. Facebook and other types of social media create a feedback loop, and some people take more pictures to feed their self-esteem, which can become more important than simply documenting the experience.<br />
<br />
Taking selfies is fine but keep it in perspective. Don’t post away your entire life, keep some things private. Instead of taking selfies, enjoy the moment. One new study showed that selfies are making our memories worse. The study conducted by Fairfeld University in Connecticut showed that people are losing their memories due to all this digital picture taking and sharing. Researchers hypothesized that “we are less likely to remember information if we think we can retrieve it later.” It seems that we are counting on our technology to keep our memories and we collect photos almost as if they’re trophies, or evidence, but that’s not the same thing as trying to capture the experience.<br />
As we grow more dependent on technology, it is important to keep a check on reality and remember that there is a world outside of ours gadgets. While instant communication is rewarding in many ways, we must not forget the downsides to this phenomenon, and strive to keep a balanced outlook on life. Read more at <a href="http://netaddiction.com/" target="_blank">http://netaddiction.com</a>Center for Internet Addiction Recoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054948169750476850noreply@blogger.com1Bradford Regional Medical Center, 116 Interstate Parkway, Bradford, PA 16701, USA41.9614369 -78.65937610000003141.959960900000006 -78.661897600000032 41.9629129 -78.656854600000031tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30294897.post-78554774585187073052013-12-02T20:06:00.002-05:002013-12-02T20:06:54.066-05:00How to assess Internet Addiction in the New Inpatient Treatment Center<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">We opened the first inpatient treatment center for Internet Addiction in September, 2013 at the Bradford Regional Medical Center in Bradford, Pa (<a href="http://www.brmc.com/internetaddiction">http://www.brmc.com/internetaddiction</a>). Diagnosis
of Internet addiction is often complex.
Unlike chemical dependency, the Internet offers several direct benefits
as a technological advancement in our society and not a device to be criticized
as addictive. Individuals can conduct
research, perform business transactions, access libraries, communicate, and
make vacation plans. Books have been written outlining the psychological as
well as functional benefits of the Internet in our lives. By comparison, alcohol or drugs are not an
integral or necessary part of our personal and professional lives nor do they
offer any direct benefit. With so many
practical uses of the Internet signs of addiction can easily be masked or
justified. Further, clinical assessments
are often very comprehensive and cover relevant disorders for psychiatric
conditions and addictive disorders. However, given its newness, symptoms of
Internet addiction may not always be revealed in an initial clinical interview.
While self-referrals for Internet addiction are becoming more common, often the
client does not present with complaints of Internet or mobile addiction. People may initially present with signs of
clinical depression, bi-polar disorder, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive
tendencies, and hide signs of Internet addiction on clinical interview. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">When we assess clients for admissions to the inpatient unit, we follow a clear assessment tool as , diagnosing
Internet addiction can be challenging. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Given the dependence we have on technology, detecting and diagnosing Internet
addiction is difficult as its legitimate business and personal use often mask
addictive behavior.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">The best method to
clinically detect compulsive use of the Internet is to compare it against
criteria for other established addictions.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Early studies likened Internet addiction to addictive syndromes similar
to impulse-control disorders on the Axis I Scale in the DSM (APA, 1994)</span><span style="color: red; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">and utilized various forms of DSM-IV based criteria
to define the disorder. Of the all the references in the DSM, Pathological
Gambling was viewed as most akin to this phenomenon. In my work trying to
classify the problem, I develop the Internet Addiction Diagnostic Questionnaire
(IADQ) as a screen tool (Young, 1998a). The questionnaire quickly gained
significant popularity. It is now widely cited in the academic literature and
used in a multitude of studies and clinics as a screening tool. The IADQ
assesses clients with the following questions:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Do you feel preoccupied with the
Internet (think about previous online activity or anticipate next online
session)?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Do you feel the need to use the
Internet with increasing amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Have you repeatedly made unsuccessful
efforts to control, cut back, or stop Internet use?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Do you feel restless, moody,
depressed, or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop Internet use? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Do you stay online longer than
originally intended?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Have you jeopardized or risked the
loss of significant relationship, job, educational or career opportunity
because of the Internet?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Have you lied to family members,
therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with the Internet?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">8.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Do you use the Internet as a way of
escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood (e.g., feelings of
helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression)? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Answers should evaluate non-essential
Internet usage such as for non-business or academically related use. Endorsing five or more of the questions over
a six-month period is considered addictive or dependent Internet use, although more
recent studies that empirically tested the IADQ found that using 3 or 4
criteria where just as robust in diagnosing Internet addiction as using 5 or
more and suggested that the cutoff score of 5 criteria might be overly
stringent (Dowling & Quirk, 2009). I err on the side of caution and stick
to the 5 criteria that I had originally developed. Associated features of the
disorder may be present such as ordinarily excessive Internet use, neglect of
routine duties or life responsibilities, social isolation, and being secretive
about online activities or a sudden demand for privacy when online. While the
IADQ provides a means to screen for Internet addiction, these warning signs can
often be masked by cultural norms that encourage and reinforce technology
use. Even if a client meets all of the criteria,
signs of abuse can be rationalized as, “I need this for my job” “I need this
for school”. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Using the IADQ (see http://www.netaddiction.com for details on the development of the test), we screen patients for Internet addiction. We are able to properly assess the presence of the disorder, and combined with a thorough psychiatric exam and medical history, we determine the basis for admissions criteria. If you are looking for more information on the inpatient unit or further details on how to apply to the program, please visit <a href="http://www.brmc.com/internetaddiction">http://www.brmc.com/internetaddiction</a> or <a href="http://netaddiction.com/">http://netaddiction.com</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
Center for Internet Addiction Recoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054948169750476850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30294897.post-81654421753418798332013-10-03T19:44:00.000-04:002013-10-03T19:44:28.846-04:00Inpatient Care for Internet Addiction: Is it Necessary? <div class="Default" style="line-height: 12.05pt; margin-top: 13.0pt;">
<span class="A1"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Is
Internet Addiction real? That is the question I am often asked. Of course it
is, I reply, but I can see how many people still question if we can truly
become addicted to technology. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 12.05pt; margin-top: 13.0pt;">
<span class="A1"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">It
is not technology itself that causes the problem but it is in how we have come
to use technology in our lives. Look around any airport, school yard, or mall -
everyone is staring at their screens. We
have become socially removed. What is the impact of this technology when it
does become excessive or compulsive?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 12.05pt; margin-top: 13.0pt;">
<span class="A1"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">In
my 20 years of researching Internet Addiction, I have become the world’s
leading expert. I say this because it is humbling and not in any arrogant way.
I see how my research and academic studies have been applied by researchers all
over the globe. I have consulted with hundreds of clinics about Internet
addiction recovery and given many workshops to therapists. I say with that
authority, Internet addiction is a real problem. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 12.05pt; margin-top: 13.0pt;">
<span class="A1"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">We
debate this in America while other countries such as China and Korea have
established treatment centers to deal with the problem for years. We lag behind
other countries who have established clinics and university-wide studies in an
effort to combat a distressing new problem in our culture. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 12.05pt; margin-top: 13.0pt;">
<span class="A1"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Internet
Addiction is real. Treatment is often necessary. It does not stand alone, most
often those who suffer from Internet addiction also suffer from other clinical
problems such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or social anxiety or
phobia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 12.05pt; margin-top: 13.0pt;">
<span class="A1"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">In
September of 2013, I opened the nation’s first inpatient treatment center at
the Bradford Regional Medical Center in Bradford, Pa. It is part of Behavioral
Health Services Dual Diagnosis Program and we have received calls from all over
the world. It says to me how widespread the problem is and how many people are
hiding their addiction to technology. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 12.05pt; margin-top: 13.0pt;">
<span class="A1"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Based
on the calls alone, it seems people have such a serious problem with their
online use that they have struggled for years in outpatient counseling being
seen by therapists who either dismissed the behavior as normal or weren’t sure
how to address. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 12.05pt; margin-top: 13.0pt;">
<span class="A1"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Inpatient
counseling is intended for the serious cases of Internet addiction. Treatment
focuses on daily individual therapy and 72-hour medically-supervised digital
detox is required. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 12.05pt; margin-top: 13.0pt;">
<span class="A1"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">“Do
I believe that inpatient care is necessary for Internet addiction?” “Yes,” I
exclaim. “Inpatient care is necessary!” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 12.05pt; margin-top: 13.0pt;">
<span class="A1"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Addiction
is addiction. Americans have lagged behind other countries in treating people
who may suffer from this problem. We are BRMC are proud to be the first inpatient
program in the U.S. to offer such help. While the DSM-5 has only just included
Internet Gaming Addiction in Section 3 for conditions that need further
research in this last revision, my prediction is that in the years to come,
more research will happen, and future DSM revisions will then include Internet
Addiction as real condition. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Center for Internet Addiction Recoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054948169750476850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30294897.post-81100181699229246042013-09-25T09:03:00.000-04:002013-09-25T09:03:03.370-04:00FAQs Answered on the New Inpatient Internet Addiction Recovery Program at BRMC<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 7.5pt 0in 22.5pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have received several calls from people looking for referrals to the new inpatient program on Internet Addictioin recovery at the Bradford Regional Medical Center. Here are some answers:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 7.5pt 0in 22.5pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What are your recovery principles?<br />
</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At BRMC, we
offer unique and specialized treatment methods for Internet addiction recovery.
We view the Internet as a productive tool and unlike other addiction rehab that
use traditional abstinence models, we focus on healthy choices that you can
make about your own Internet use. We teach you how to go on a digital diet so
that you can learn to use technology in responsible ways that add to your life.
Family support and involvement is also strongly encouraged. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
<b>How can someone get help?</b><br />
The first step is to determine if there is a problem. A licensed psychologist
or social worker trained in identification and treatment of Internet addiction
can effectively perform an assessment to determine what level of care is most
appropriate. Please call 1-800-446-2583 to speak to a professional. <br />
<br />
<b>Who can refer someone to the program?<br />
</b>We welcome referrals from psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers,
case managers, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), insurance companies,
managed care organizations, MH/MRs, children & youth, probation, friends,
family members, self-referrals, and clergy. Referrals are confidential and can
be made by anyone. BRMC does not discriminate in accepting patients based on
ethnic or national origin, race, religion, disability, age or gender. If you
would like further information, please call 1-800-446-2583.<br />
<br />
<b>Will my insurance company pay for services?<br />
</b>Unfortunately, Internet addiction is not a recognized disorder covered by
insurance. We do provide additional Payment Information on our program and
details on methods of payment.<br />
</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /><b>Who
has to know about my hospitalization?</b></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Only the people you authorize will
know about your hospitalization and these people will receive only the
information that is necessary for them to continue your care or to give you
support once you are discharged.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 7.5pt 0in 22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>How long will I stay?<br />
</b>Your time in the hospital depends on what your individual needs are. This
is a 10-day program but additional time can be accommodated depending on your
therapeutic need. Your individualized treatment plan focuses on what can be
accomplished in the shortest periods of time. With this as a foundation for
progress, you can continue treatment in an outpatient setting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 7.5pt 0in 22.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Call 24
Hours a Day – 1-800-446-2583<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Center for Internet Addiction Recoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054948169750476850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30294897.post-87462777144997886252013-09-07T09:59:00.000-04:002013-09-25T09:02:49.535-04:00New Internet Addiction Inpatient Treatment and Recovery Program at BRMCBy now the news has been released that we have opened the new Internet Addiction Treatment and Recovery Program at the Bradford Regional Medical Center in Bradford, PA. We are excited to be part of this historic event, as the first program of its kind in the U.S. It is heart-felt for me to see my life's work become a reality and to hopefully build a program that will help many in need.<br />
<br />
<strong>Internet Addiction</strong><br />
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Contact us<span class="skype_pnh_container" dir="ltr" skype_menu_props="{'numberToCall':'+18004462583' , 'isFreecall':false, 'isMobile':false, 'isRtl':false}" tabindex="-1"> </span><span class="skype_pnh_container" dir="ltr" skype_menu_props="{'numberToCall':'+18004462583' , 'isFreecall':false, 'isMobile':false, 'isRtl':false}" tabindex="-1"><span class="skype_pnh_highlighting_inactive_common" dir="ltr"><img class="skype_pnh_logo_img" src="skype-ie-addon-data://res/numbers_button_skype_logo.png" /><span class="skype_pnh_text_span">1-800-446-2583</span></span></span></h5>
<h5 style="text-align: center;">
116 Interstate Parkway<br />Bradford, PA 16701</h5>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=116+Interstate+Parkway+%0ABradford,+PA+16701&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=116+Interstate+Pkwy,+Bradford,+PA+16701&gl=us&daddr=116+Interstate+Pkwy,+Bradford,+PA+16701&t=h&z=16" target="_blank">Get Directions</a></div>
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The Internet Addiction Program is a part of the Behavioral Health Services Dual Diagnosis Unit at Bradford Regional Medical Center in Bradford, PA. The Internet Addiction Treatment and Recovery Program offers counseling and treatment for adults 18 years of age and older, the program is for those who have been unsuccessful overcoming the excessive use of the internet and electronic gaming on their own. The program involves a voluntary ten-day stay within a secure and dedicated patient unit. Internet addiction is any online-related, compulsive behavior which interferes with normal living and causes severe stress on family, friends, loved ones, and one’s work environment. Internet Addiction has been called internet dependency and internet compulsiveness. By any name, it is a compulsive behavior that completely dominates the addicts’ life. Internet addicts make the internet a priority more important than family, friends, and work. The internet becomes the organizing principle of addicts’ lives. They are willing to sacrifice what they cherish most in order to preserve and continue their behavior.</div>
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<em><strong>We are committed to helping patients develop a healthier lifestyle free from addiction and abuse of electronic media.</strong></em></h4>
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The service is the first hospital based recovery program in the United States, and offers the first ever Digital Device Treatment Program in the nation.Our expert clinicians understand technology related behavioral addictions. They work with individuals, couples, and families to help them better understand and recover from an internet, video gaming or technology related behavioral addiction.</div>
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This inpatient program provides individual, group and family therapy through a unique, individualized treatment plan, of which aftercare planning, family and referral involvement are key components. Patients will be treated by a multidisciplinary team including psychiatrists, licensed psychologists, certified addiction counselors, psychiatric nurses, social workers, mental health therapists, case managers and support staff.</div>
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For seeking admissions to the program, please call the number above to receive our application. </div>
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Center for Internet Addiction Recoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054948169750476850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30294897.post-43621116194491349412013-08-04T21:50:00.000-04:002013-08-04T21:51:30.813-04:00History of my research on Internet Addiction since 1994Here is an article from the <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/management/click-till-youre-sick-the-growing-problem-of-internet-addiction/article13536810/">Globe and Mail in Canada on how the Center for Internet Addiction Recovery</a> started. It was a wild time for me. Personally, I was a young graduate fresh from graduate school and I had no idea what I was getting myself into and wow, did the publicity on my work really set a tone. I couldn't believe by age 30 I was doing so many interviews and I can't really say I knew what I was doing.<br />
<br />
Professionally, I launched an entire field. I still look back in disbelief. I remember after my friend called me to tell me her and her husband had separated over his addiction to the Internet, I posted a small survey online. At the time (again, think 1994), I received maybe two email per month. The next morning, I awoke to over 40 emails responding to my survey. Most told me woes of how much they had lost because of the amount of time they spent on the Internet. People told me how they lost their jobs because they were online instead of working. People told me how they got separated or divorced because of their addiction to the Internet. Students across the country told me how they were addicted to the very tool that their universities were encouraging them to use. I quickly realized that I had hit a psychological nerve. This was a bigger issue than anyone had thought. I expanded my survey with more detailed questions. I wanted to know what it was like to be inside the mind of an Internet Addict.<br />
<br />
I was drawn by the constant stories that followed. Some were amazing, simply amazing! I mean, I couldn't believe that people had lost a spouse or a loved one over the computer but it was true. At first, people told me how much they were addicted to chat rooms and pornography. Again, keep in mind this was 1994 before Facebook, Twitter, or eBay. The Internet was being touted as a revolutionary tool. And that it is. I don't take away any of the vast benefits of this technology. I did become the single voice that showed that there was also a dark side.<br />
<br />
The Internet is not a benign tool. It has a life of its own. I was glad that I stuck to this earlier research. I remember that I was finishing up a fellowship at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. I had posted signs at all the colleges and libraries looking for people to participate in my research. I worked alone from my one bedroom apartment. I can't tell you why I kept going. The more I talked to others, the more I realized there was a problem with how much people consumed the Internet. It was the wild west of its day. I did not want to take away from any of the great potential that the Internet had to offer. Still, I knew there was this dark side, as people told me stories upon stories of how it damaged their lives.<br />
<br />
I remember people crying on the phone with me or emailing me for help. I started the Center for Internet Addiction shortly thereafter. I knew I needed to a place to support my research and to offer counseling. It was often why people called. I started the center without a game plan. I had no idea what it would become.<br />
<br />
I remember collecting all these case studies, still unsure what I was going to do with them. One day, walking through a K-mart in Rochester, I was struck by the idea of writing a book. I went to the local Borders (when they still existed) and bought several addiction recovery books. I am sure the clerk thought I had a problem. I studied each book looking at how it was set up, the ways the writer integrated theories with case studies, and I tried to teach myself how to write a book. The only thing I had ever written before that was my doctoral dissertation.<br />
<br />
I completed my first draft in 1997 and went about trying to find an agent. Fifty rejections later -- an agent finally agreed to take me on. Another fifty editors rejected the book proposal until finally John Wiley and Sons agreed to take on the project. It was a thrilling time. My editor was a wonderful teacher. While my first draft needed considerable revision, she taught me and I learned. Eventually, my first book, Caught in the Net was published in 1998. It was met with criticism. I almost stopped studying Internet Addiction. It was hurtful and painful at the time. I was young and all I wanted to help others.<br />
<br />
As I traveled across the country, I met people whose lives were changed because of my book. They would come up to me after my lectures thanking me for my work and for validating a problem that at that time no one else believed that they suffered from. I realized I was giving a voice to others who had nowhere else to turn.<br />
<br />
I am glad that I stuck it out. Studying Internet Addiction changed my life forever. I am grateful that God gave me the courage and wisdom to do this -- and to hopefully help many who otherwise didn't have a voice.Center for Internet Addiction Recoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054948169750476850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30294897.post-47751595368524101172013-07-21T18:03:00.000-04:002013-07-21T18:04:06.827-04:00New Internet Addiction Inpatient Treatment and Recovery Center Opening Soon! <div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 2px;">
It has been a while since I have had a chance to post on my blog. I apologize. Things have been hectic and crazy. I have been working with the Bradford Regional Medical Center to open the first inpatient hospital-based program on Internet Addiction Treatment and Recovery. I am very excited. The clinic is set to open September 1st, 2013. There is much to do to prepare. I will give you details as soon as I have them, for now, I can say it is the first inpatient treatment center for IA in the United States. We are excited to offer a program like this and I will serve as the Medical Director. I can hardly believe it.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 2px;">
As a refresher, I have been looking at several blog posts on Internet Addiction being included in the DSM-5. I think that there is much discussion still on what are the types of Internet addiction, what is healthy versus unhealthy signs of Internet use, what are the risk factors, and what are symptoms.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 2px;">
Since I have the new inpatient treatment center opening, I thought I would post a refresher that answers these frequent questions. Again, I will be sure to update you once the center is open!!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 2px;">
The first question, what are the type of Internet Addiction? </div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 2px;">
Internet Addiction covers a variety of impulse-control problems, including: </div>
<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; list-style-type: square; margin: 0.05em 1em 1em 1.7em; padding: 0px;">
<li style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 2px 0px;"><strong>Cybersex Addiction</strong> – compulsive use of Internet pornography, adult chat rooms, or adult fantasy role-play sites impacting negatively on real-life intimate relationships.</li>
<li style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 2px 0px;"><strong>Cyber-Relationship Addiction</strong> – addiction to social networking, chat rooms, and messaging to the point where virtual, online friends become more important than real-life relationships with family and friends.</li>
<li style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 2px 0px;"><strong>Net Compulsions</strong> – such as compulsive online gaming, gambling, stock trading, or compulsive use of online auction sites such as eBay, often resulting in financial and job-related problems. </li>
<li style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 2px 0px;"><strong>Information Overload</strong> – compulsive web surfing or database searching, leading to lower work productivity and less social interaction with family and friends.</li>
<li style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 2px 0px;"><strong>Computer Addiction</strong> – obsessive playing of off-line computer games, such as Solitaire or Minesweeper, or obsessive computer programming.</li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 2px;">
The most common of these Internet addictions are Internet gaming and Internet sex addiction.</div>
<h3 style="background-color: #eeeeee; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin: 1em 0px 0.4em; padding: 3px 3px 4px;">
Healthy vs. unhealthy Internet use</h3>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 2px;">
The Internet provides a constant, ever-changing source of information and entertainment, and can be accessed from most smart phones as well as tablets, laptops, and computers. Email, blogs, social networks, and message boards allow for both public and anonymous communication about any topic. But how much is too much Internet usage?</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 2px;">
Each person’s Internet use is different. You might need to use the Internet extensively for your work, for example, or you might rely heavily on social networking sites to keep in touch with faraway family and friends. Spending a lot of time online only becomes a problem when it absorbs too much of your time, causing you to neglect your relationships, your work, school, or other important things in your life. If you keep repeating compulsive Internet behavior despite the negative consequences in your offline life, then it’s time to strike a new balance.</div>
<h2 style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(235, 215, 207); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; clear: both; color: #ad5836; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.385em; margin: 7px 0px 5px; padding: 0px 26px 0px 0px;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=30294897" id="how" name="how"></a></h2>
<h3 style="background-color: #eeeeee; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin: 1em 0px 0.4em; padding: 3px 3px 4px;">
To relieve unpleasant and overwhelming feelings</h3>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 2px;">
Many people turn to the Internet in order to manage unpleasant feelings such as stress, loneliness, depression, and anxiety. When you have a bad day and are looking for a way to escape your problems or to quickly relieve stress or self-soothe, the Internet can be an easily accessible outlet. Losing yourself online can temporarily make feelings such as loneliness, stress, anxiety, depression, and boredom evaporate into thin air. As much comfort as the Internet can provide, though, it’s important to remember that there are healthier (and more effective) ways to keep difficult feelings in check. These may include exercising, meditating, using sensory relaxation strategies, and practicing simple breathing exercises.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 2px;">
For many people, an important aspect of overcoming Internet and computer addiction is to find alternate ways to handle these difficult feelings. Even when your Internet use is back to healthy levels, the painful and unpleasant feelings that may have prompted you to engage in unhealthy Internet use in the past will remain. So, it’s worth spending some time thinking about the different ways you intend to deal with stressful situations and the daily irritations that would normally have you logging on.</div>
<h3 style="background-color: #eeeeee; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin: 1em 0px 0.4em; padding: 3px 3px 4px;">
Risk factors for Internet addiction and computer addiction</h3>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 2px;">
You are at greater risk of Internet addiction if:</div>
<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; list-style-type: square; margin: 0.05em 1em 1em 1.7em; padding: 0px;">
<li style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 2px 0px;"><strong>You suffer from anxiety</strong>. You may use the Internet to distract yourself from your worries and fears. An anxiety disorder like obsessive-compulsive disorder may also contribute to excessive email checking and compulsive Internet use.</li>
<li style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 2px 0px;"><strong>You are depressed.</strong> The Internet can be an escape from feelings of depression, but too much time online can make things worse. Internet addiction further contributes to stress, isolation and loneliness.</li>
<li style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 2px 0px;"><strong>You have any other addictions</strong>. Many Internet addicts suffer from other addictions, such as drugs, alcohol, gambling, and sex.</li>
<li style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 2px 0px;"><strong>You lack social support. </strong>Internet addicts often use social networking sites, instant messaging, or online gaming as a safe way of establishing new relationships and more confidently relating to others.</li>
<li style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 2px 0px;"><strong>You’re an unhappy teenager. </strong>You might be wondering where you fit in and the Internet could feel more comfortable than real-life friends.</li>
<li style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 2px 0px;"><strong>You are less mobile or socially active than you once were</strong>. For example, you may be coping with a new disability that limits your ability to drive. Or you may be parenting very young children, which can make it hard to leave the house or connect with old friends.</li>
<li style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 2px 0px;"><strong>You are stressed</strong>. While some people use the Internet to relieve stress, it can have a counterproductive effect. The longer you spend online, the higher your stress levels will be.</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Signs and symptoms of Internet addiction vary from person to person. For example, there are no set hours per day or number of messages sent that indicate Internet addiction. But here are some general warning signs that your Internet use may have become a problem:</span><span style="color: #ad5836; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=30294897" name="internet_computer_addiction_signs_symptoms"></a></span></h2>
<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; list-style-type: square; margin: 0.05em 1em 1em 1.7em; padding: 0px;" type="disc">
<li style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 2px 0px;"><strong>Losing track of time online.</strong> Do you frequently find yourself on the Internet longer than you intended? Does a few minutes turn in to a few hours? Do you get irritated or cranky if your online time is interrupted?</li>
<li style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 2px 0px;"><strong>Having trouble completing tasks at work or home.</strong> Do you find laundry piling up and little food in the house for dinner because you’ve been busy online? Perhaps you find yourself working late more often because you can’t complete your work on time — then staying even longer when everyone else has gone home so you can use the Internet freely.</li>
<li style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 2px 0px;"><strong>Isolation from family and friends.</strong> Is your social life suffering because of all the time you spend online? Are you neglecting your family and friends? Do you feel like no one in your “real” life — even your spouse — understands you like your online friends?</li>
<li style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 2px 0px;"><strong>Feeling guilty or defensive about your Internet use.</strong> Are you sick of your spouse nagging you to get off the computer and spend time together? Do you hide your Internet use or lie to your boss and family about the amount of time you spend on the computer and what you do while you're online?</li>
<li style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 2px 0px;"><strong>Feeling a sense of euphoria while involved in Internet activities</strong>. Do you use the Internet as an outlet when stressed, sad, or for sexual gratification or excitement? Have you tried to limit your Internet time but failed?</li>
</ul>
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Physical symptoms of Internet addiction</h3>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 2px;">
Internet or computer addiction can also cause physical discomfort such as:</div>
<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; list-style-type: square; margin: 0.05em 1em 1em 1.7em; padding: 0px;">
<li style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 2px 0px;">Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (pain and numbness in hands and wrists)</li>
<li style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 2px 0px;">Dry eyes or strained vision</li>
<li style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 2px 0px;">Back aches and neck aches; severe headaches</li>
<li style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 2px 0px;">Sleep disturbances</li>
<li style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; padding: 2px 0px;">Pronounced weight gain or weight loss</li>
</ul>
Center for Internet Addiction Recoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054948169750476850noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30294897.post-85897596819195353552012-12-18T13:27:00.000-05:002012-12-18T13:27:49.587-05:00The Role of Asperger’s Syndrome and Violet Videogames in Sandy Hook School Shootings<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I am writing as I watch the news coverage on the school
shootings. It is terribly sad. It is hard to imagine anyone who could hurt
innocent children and innocent teachers trying hard to be good educators. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">As I learn more about Adam Lanza, I understand that the shooter
suffered from Asperger's syndrome and also played violent video games. My
research on Internet addiction shows these two variables can lead to aggressive
and violent behavior. I have seen how Asperger's syndrome is a significant risk
factor in developing online gaming addiction and work with parents on prevention.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Asperger’s syndrome does not cause violent behavior, although,
much has been discussed in the media about its role in the tragic school
shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary. It
is common that Asperger’s children have a loss of impulse-control, making them
unpredictable, and they have trouble processing and expressing feelings. This
can make them volatile and angry, as Adam Lanza is described.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Asperger’s children tend to be highly intelligent children
who suffer significant difficulties in social interaction. My research has
found that these same children are attracted to the Internet because it
equalizes their social difficulties in real life by communicating through the
computer. Plus, they often become addicted to online games for the mental and
intellectual stimulation that they offer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">If the game is a violent game, like the ones that Adam
played, this may create violent behavior. Games play is active whereas watching
TV is passive. People learn better when they are actively involved. Players of
violent video games are more likely to identify with a violent character. Asperger's
children as well as children in general are more likely to behave aggressively
themselves when they identify with a violent character. Asperger's children
lack a clear identity in the real world but online they gain a sense of
identity through their gaming characters (earning status and power) which makes
these games very addictive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Violent games directly reward violent behavior, such as by
awarding points or by allowing players to advance to the next game level. In
some games, players are rewarded through verbal praise, such as hearing the
words "Nice shot!" after killing an enemy. It is well known that
rewarding behavior increases its frequency. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We should not underestimate the role of violent games in the
events of the Sandy Hook school shootings. These games allow players to
practice killing and to get into the mindset to shoot and to kill. Given that
Asperger’s children have difficulties expressing emotion – these games can feed
into feeling of underlying rage or aggression. These games dehumanize people.
To Adam Lanza, he may have harbored so much rage and anger that he killed
children without thinking of them as human beings. Unfortunately, none of these
children had another game life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Center for Internet Addiction Recoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054948169750476850noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30294897.post-27424561085892504582012-07-26T13:14:00.000-04:002012-07-26T13:14:26.060-04:00When a Psychologist Writes a Novel...<div class="entry-content">
As a psychologist, I have counseled men and women struggling with
extramarital attractions and understand the emotional conflicts those
endure who deeply value fidelity but still feel the pull of falling in
love with another, even when one party or the other appears to be
happily married. These experiences led me to write my first novel, <a href="http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Products/SKU-000465687/the-eighth-wonder.aspx" target="_blank"><em>The Eighth Wonder</em>.</a><span> </span><br />
<br />
<span>The writing of the book took place while I was recovering from
retina detachment surgery. I was housebound for 4 to 5 months. During
this time, I was able to use my computer in large print. Like my main
character, Nicole Benson, I had always wanted to write a novel. I
finally had the time to do it. It started out semi-autobiographical
about my own move to Bradford after getting my Ph.D., but then turned
into a love story about two people struggling with grief and loss. While
writing the novel, as I mentioned, I was <span>housebound</span>. I
needed a place for the characters to meet. I was not familiar with the
region. I looked up landmarks – and that is when I discovered The Kin</span>zua
Bridge. I had not heard of it nor had I seen it before (or during)
writing the novel. The title for the book came to me in a flash that day
I wrote the entire story of the bridge and its description based upon
web sites I found on it. The first place that I went to after being
released from medical rest was to see the bridge in person.<br />
<br />
The novel begins as on how I first moved to Bradford to be near my
father who lived in Buffalo, New York, and he was dying from pancreatic
cancer. Nicole’s personality and the general story of her mother leaving
her and being career-driven woman who does not have children is exactly
my personal story. Also, like Nicole, I had been emotionally distant
from my sister, who was married with children quite young (and also not
college-educated like Nicole’s sister). Also, my father’s death is
described exactly how it happened that night.<br />
<br />
<span>Like <em>The Bridges of Madison County</em>, the “bones” of a story portray the complexities of falling in love when one has been married for a long-period of time. It <span>isn’t</span>
always easy to stay married and difficult choices must often be made to
keep a marriage together. Sometimes, it means even leaving someone that
you love in order to keep a family together. The novel also questions
the role of commitment-phobic women who fear abandonment, a trend seen
more visibly in women today. Like women portrayed in the Sex in the City
series, how do they resolve their feelings of wanting to settle down
and be taken care of by a man, yet place a protective emotional wall to
keep men at a distance.</span><br />
<br />
Instead of an Iowa farm wife (as in BRIDGES), The Eighth Wonder tells
Nicole’s story, who graduates from NYU with her Ph.D. in Political
Science. Nicole has sacrificed marriage and children for her career with
ambitions of teaching at an Ivy-League school when her life is thrust
into chaos. She learns her father has terminal cancer. She leaves New
York City to live in rural Bradford, Pa to take a temporary teaching job
to be closer to him in nearby Buffalo.<br />
<br />
<span>Instead of a rambling photographer, we meet Tom Ryan, a very
stable and settled community-minded Bradford native who manages a large
nursing home and is very content with his life. The story deals with
grief as Tom is an empty-<span>nester</span> with Rose, his wife of 23
years, but they suffered a terrible loss when their young daughter died
from leukemia. After her death, they suffered the long process of
bereavement. As parents, their emotions turned from despair into
numbness. In Tom and Rose’s case, their feelings became overwhelming and
pulled them apart.</span><br />
<br />
<span>After months of being friends, Tom discovers in his heart that
he is in love with Nicole and the consequences of those feelings in
relation to Rose. He feels the confusion and the fear of being in love
with someone else. Nicole’s realization that she is in love with Tom is
just as dramatic, due to her fears of abandonment and intimacy, plus, he
is married. What is she doing? She can’t possibly be in love with
someone who <span>isn’t</span> hers to have. This weighs on them both,
even once they talk, they are not clear about what direction to take but
know that this relationship is doomed from the beginning. </span><br />
<br />
When they finally get together it is emotional – they know they
should not be intimate, they know they don’t have a future, they haven’t
thought about the consequences, yet they can’t seem to stop their
feelings. As they try to stay apart, Nicole pines for Tom, then, when
her father dies, his inevitable death due to cancer, the first person
she calls is Tom.<br />
<br />
Without giving away the entire ending, Tom and Nicole face the most
painful decision of their lives. For Tom, it is to stay in a
comfortable, yet emotionally scarred marriage, or to leave and be with
Nicole to start a new life. For Nicole, the choice is to whether to
pursue her career goals at a new college or to stay in Bradford to live
with Tom (if he was hers to have).<br />
<br />
<span>I enjoyed writing The Eighth Wonder. As my first novel, it is
so amazing to see my name in print. I have had many people tell me that
they <span>couldn’t</span> put the book down. Not just friends, either,
but people who have written to me after reading the novel and told me
how moved they were by the story. I am so touched to have written such a
story. I know I cried writing it. Even when I reread it, I think the
characters draw readers in to make the reader laugh, think, and cry. I
hope you enjoy reading The Eighth Wonder as I did writing it! </span><br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Kimberly Young<br />
</div>Center for Internet Addiction Recoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054948169750476850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30294897.post-62054418900815725572012-07-18T10:56:00.001-04:002012-07-18T10:56:46.343-04:00Studies find Internet Addiction Disorder exists!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;">It’s official, at least according to researchers at Norway’s University of Bergen: Facebook is addictive.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />This may not come as a terrific surprise when you stop to think that the site claims some 500 million users on a daily basis.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;">But what is surprising is the researchers’ conclusion that Facebook addiction produces symptoms similar to those observed in substance and alcohol addiction. Some studies have found that heavy internet use has actually led to a “rewiring” of the brain with striking similarity to drug and alcohol addicts.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />About a year and a half ago more than 400 students were handed a list of six questions relating to Facebook use, with the answers ranging from “very rarely” to “very often.” Responses of “often” or “very often” qualified the respondents as Facebook addicts.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />In another study reported by Forbes magazine, 85 percent of 1,000 participants acknowledged using Facebook as part of their daily routine. A third of them said that Facebook let them stay on top of things; two-thirds admitted using it just to kill time. Twenty-five percent said they felt ill at ease if they couldn’t log in regularly. Think about that one.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />In still another survey reported by Forbes, about half of 600 respondents said that looking at friends’ pictures on Facebook led them to comparisons and wishing for similar body styles or weights, affecting their self-esteem.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Dr. Harry Brandt, director of the latter study, was quoted in Forbes as saying, “In this age of modern technology and constant access to smartphones and the internet, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for people to remove themselves from images and other triggers that promote negative body image, low self-esteem and ultimately contribute to eating disorders” such as anorexia, bulimia and intense dieting.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Facebook isn’t alone in this phenomenon. Other elements include texting, tweeting, emailing and all the rest.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Internet Addiction Disorder is headed for further study in the official Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, making it a candidate for a “real” disorder.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Newsweek has pulled together a string of disturbing statistics.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The average teen processes 3,700 texts a month, double the 2007 volume.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The average person sends or receives about 400 texts a month, up from 100 in 2007.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />One-third of smartphone users go online before getting out of bed.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />In a survey of 750 people, most (excluding the 50-plus age bracket) said they check text messages, email or social network at least every 15 minutes.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />An early addiction red flag? Spending more than 38 hours a week online.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />(The irony of the Newsweek feature is that it offers – via an internet link – help in shielding your kids from tech overload).<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The University of Bergen Facebook quiz (choose your answers from “very rarely,” “rarely,” “sometimes,” “often” or “very often”):<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />• You spend a lot of time thinking about Facebook or plan to use Facebook.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />• You feel an urge to use Facebook more and more.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />• You use Facebook in order to forget about personal problems.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />• You have tried to cut down on the use of Facebook without success.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />• You become restless or troubled if you are prohibited from using Facebook.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />• You use Facebook so much that it has a negative impact on your job/studies.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />More than four “often” or “very often” responses constitute addiction, the researchers decreed.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />How did you do?</span>Center for Internet Addiction Recoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054948169750476850noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30294897.post-90236672280715279192012-04-26T15:42:00.001-04:002012-04-26T15:42:44.201-04:00A moving story about addiction that was shared with me from a UK colleague<br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Someone You Know is an Addict<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">It’s estimated that approximately one in five people are born with an addictive personality - meaning they are vulnerable to becoming addicted to a substance or behavior.<span> </span>This means that there is an excellent chance that someone you know - a friend or family member - is suffering, perhaps secretly, with an addiction problem.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">The most serious cases end with the death or suicide or the victim.<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">This article is part of a campaign by <a href="http://www.addictionsuk.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Addictions UK</a> to help addicts, all around the world. Read on to find out how you can offer your support. .<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Understanding Addiction<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The rapid growth of the Internet in recent years has seen the rise of new addiction problems, including Facebook addiction, online pornography addiction, online gambling addiction, and even Internet addiction.<span> </span><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Although the word “addiction” is used to mean many different things, what we’re talking about here is more accurately described as “pathological dependence” - a flaw in the brain chemistry that creates an overwhelming and escalating urge to engage in a certain kind of behavior, even if the person knows that their actions are hurting them and they’re desperate to stop.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The condition of addiction can be easier to understand when compared to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).<span> </span>An OCD sufferer may be aware that, logically, there is no need to repeatedly wash their hands until they’re raw and bleeding, but the compulsion is so strong that they’re powerless to stop.<span> </span><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Similarly, an online gambling addict may be racked with guilt because, once again, they’ve spent the grocery money on online poker, but no matter what they try, they cannot gain control of their behavior.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Worse still, when an addict’s compulsive behavior is of a type that is considered socially unacceptable, it’s common to hide the problem and try to tackle it privately.<span> </span>This usually only results in the problem becoming more deeply entrenched.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Treatment is Available<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The first step to successfully tacking addiction is education.<span> </span>The addict may have come to the conclusion that they are a wicked person who is beyond redemption, but learning that their troubling actions are symptoms of an illness that afflicts millions of other people, many of whom have been successfully treated, can rekindle their hope and create a burning desire to obtain treatment.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Talking to a doctor can help; they may be able to recommend a local addiction treatment program.<span> </span>Alternatively, private treatment can be obtained (see below).<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The most important thing is for the addict to <b>recognize that they have a dependency problem</b> and that they <b>cannot enter recovery without professional help</b>.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">How You Can Help<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">At the beginning of this article, we said that there is a strong chance that a friend of family member is suffering, maybe in silence, but that there is a way you can help.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">There’s little point in trying to guess who may or not be affected. Addiction afflicts all different kinds of people, and often the person you least expect.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">What you can do is help to put this article in front of as many different people as possible.<span> </span>The more people that see this message, the more likely it is that it will reach someone who really needs it.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">To show your support for this campaign, please do <b>one or more</b> of the following:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span>1)<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">Share this article on Twitter and Facebook.<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span>2)<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">Go to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/addictionsuk" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/addictionsuk</a> and “Like” this page.<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span>3)<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">Place a link to <a href="http://www.addictionsuk.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.addictionsuk.com</a> or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/addictionsuk" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/addictionsuk</a> on your website.<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span>4)<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">Post a comment below this blog post.<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span>5)<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">Reproduce this article on your blog or website.<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Don’t delay.<span> </span>Spend 2-3 minutes now to do one or more of the above – you could save the life of someone you love.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<br /></div>Center for Internet Addiction Recoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054948169750476850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30294897.post-40876148885388200652012-03-29T14:36:00.000-04:002012-03-29T14:36:14.691-04:00Another view of Internet addictionCenter for Internet Addiction Recoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054948169750476850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30294897.post-85830920636442414852012-03-09T14:42:00.000-05:002012-12-12T12:45:31.511-05:00Internet Addiction impacts Brain Behavior - read full study!!<h3 style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 66, 99); border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.3em; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 20px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" xpathlocation="noSelect">
Background</h3>
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Internet addiction disorder (IAD) is currently becoming a serious mental health issue around the globe. Previous studies regarding IAD were mainly focused on associated psychological examinations. However, there are few studies on brain structure and function about IAD. In this study, we used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to investigate white matter integrity in adolescents with IAD.</div>
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Methodology/Principal Findings</h3>
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Seventeen IAD subjects and sixteen healthy controls without IAD participated in this study. Whole brain voxel-wise analysis of fractional anisotropy (FA) was performed by tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) to localize abnormal white matter regions between groups. TBSS demonstrated that IAD had significantly lower FA than controls throughout the brain, including the orbito-frontal white matter, corpus callosum, cingulum, inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, and corona radiation, internal and external capsules, while exhibiting no areas of higher FA. Volume-of-interest (VOI) analysis was used to detect changes of diffusivity indices in the regions showing FA abnormalities. In most VOIs, FA reductions were caused by an increase in radial diffusivity while no changes in axial diffusivity. Correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between FA and behavioral measures within the IAD group. Significantly negative correlations were found between FA values in the left genu of the corpus callosum and the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders, and between FA values in the left external capsule and the Young's Internet addiction scale.</div>
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Conclusions</h3>
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Our findings suggest that IAD demonstrated widespread reductions of FA in major white matter pathways and such abnormal white matter structure may be linked to some behavioral impairments. In addition, white matter integrity may serve as a potential new treatment target and FA may be as a qualified biomarker to understand the underlying neural mechanisms of injury or to assess the effectiveness of specific early interventions in IAD.</div>
Center for Internet Addiction Recoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054948169750476850noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30294897.post-27522708756088652842012-02-23T10:30:00.002-05:002012-02-23T10:30:38.664-05:00What is Internet Addiction - PodcastHere is another recent podcast of a radio interview dealing with the warning signs and treatment involved with Internet addiction.Center for Internet Addiction Recoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054948169750476850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30294897.post-36926122430381202162012-02-21T19:06:00.001-05:002012-02-21T19:06:36.792-05:00I Wonder Radio programHello Everyone,<br />
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Here is a recent radio story on Internet Addiction. I hope this is informative.Center for Internet Addiction Recoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054948169750476850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30294897.post-34374464047633468422012-01-19T00:20:00.002-05:002012-01-19T00:20:44.971-05:00What if the Internet Went Down???<div id="yui_3_3_0_19_1326950393461227" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">WASHINGTON (AP) — If a day without <span class="yshortcuts cs4-ndcor" id="lw_1326935349_1" style="cursor: pointer;">Wikipedia</span> was a bother, think bigger. In this plugged-in world, we would barely be able to cope if the entire Internet went down in a city, state or country for a day or a week.</div><div id="yui_3_3_0_19_1326950393461233" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Sure, we'd survive. People have done it. Countries have, as <span class="yshortcuts cs4-ndcor" id="lw_1326935349_3" style="cursor: pointer;">Egypt</span>did last year during the anti-government <span class="yshortcuts cs4-ndcor" id="lw_1326935349_6" style="cursor: pointer;">protests</span>. And most of civilization went along until the 1990s without the Internet. But now we're so intertwined socially, financially and industrially that suddenly going back to the 1980s would hit the world as hard as a natural disaster, experts say.</div><div id="yui_3_3_0_19_1326950393461219" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">No email, Twitter or <span class="yshortcuts cs4-visible" id="lw_1326935349_0" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(54, 99, 136); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 2px; color: #366388; cursor: pointer;">Facebook</span>. No buying online. No stock trades. No just-in-time industrial shipping. No real-time tracking of diseases. It's gotten so that not just the entire Internet but individual websites such as Google are considered critical infrastructure, experts said.</div><div id="yui_3_3_0_19_1326950393461236" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">"Nobody would die, but there would be a major hassle," said <span class="yshortcuts cs4-ndcor" id="lw_1326935349_4" style="cursor: pointer;">computer security</span> expert Mikko Hypponen, chief research officer at F-Secure in Helsinki, Finland.</div><div id="yui_3_3_0_19_1326950393461230" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">If an <span class="yshortcuts cs4-visible" id="lw_1326935349_2" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(54, 99, 136); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 2px; color: #366388; cursor: pointer;">Internet outage</span> lasted more than a day or two, the financial hit would be huge, with mass unemployment, said Ken Mayland, a former chief bank economist and president of ClearView Economics. <span class="yshortcuts cs4-ndcor" id="lw_1326935349_5" style="cursor: pointer;">Eugene Spafford</span>, director of Purdue University's Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security, worries about bank runs and general panic.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Psychologically, too, it could be wrenching.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">"I think it's easier to get off heroin," said Lisa Welter of New York City, who weaned herself for a month last year from just the social aspects of the Internet — she still paid bills online — and felt as if she was "living in a cave."</div><div id="yui_3_3_0_19_1326950393461243" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">"There would be a sense of loss: What would I do with my time?" said Kimberly Young, a psychologist who directs the <span class="yshortcuts cs4-ndcor" id="lw_1326935349_7" style="cursor: pointer;">Center for Internet Addiction</span> and Recovery.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">On Wednesday, certain websites, most prominently Wikipedia, went dark to protest legislation in Congress that would crack down on pirated movies and TV shows. It was a one-day stunt. But it raises questions about our connectedness.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">It is possible that hackers, terrorists, accidents or even sunspots could take down the Internet and cause areas to become cut off and unreachable, said Spafford, one of the foremost experts on computer security. The U.S. and other developed nations have multiple and robust routing systems that make it unlikely large areas would be affected, but smaller countries could be vulnerable to nationwide outages, Hypponen said.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The world only has to look back one year to Egypt to see what a sudden unplugging could spawn.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The government of Hosni Mubarak tried to stop protests in January 2011 by switching off the Internet. The shutdown halted businesses, banking operations and — at the height of the demonstrations — the ability of the protest leaders to organize and communicate with one another.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">During the five days that the Internet was out, anti-Mubarak activists had to rely on help from abroad to spread their news and update Web pages. The outage harmed protesters' ability to organize or to counter government propaganda that portrayed them as agents of foreign powers, said Ahmed Saleh, who was in charge of managing the Facebook page that was credited with mobilizing thousands of Egyptians to take to the streets.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">With the shutdown, the protests swelled as people unable to follow minute-by-minute what was going on took to the streets.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">"No Internet meant that more people went down and realized that this was for real. The protests grew, and so did the anger against the government domestically and internationally," Saleh said.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">He said the lack of Internet also allowed him to "live the moment" because he was not distracted with tweeting and posting on Facebook or analyzing the situation. This, he said, strengthened real face-to-face connections between people.</div><div id="yui_3_3_0_19_1326950393461470" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Nicholas Christin, associate director of the Information Networking Institute at Carnegie Mellon University, said that while a prolonged Internet outage would be uncomfortable, it might also bring out the best in people.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">"I think you would find that people are very resilient," he said. "We would go back to the libraries."</div><div id="yui_3_3_0_19_1326950393461473" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Christin said he has gone a week without the Internet as part of a vacation. The first few days were rough, he said, but then "it was fantastic."</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Christin did it by choice. Others had it imposed on them because of weather disasters or financial problems. They weren't nostalgic about it.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">For three days, Jill Williams lost the Internet and power because of a California windstorm last month. Her small business requires her to use email to plan events.</div><div id="yui_3_3_0_19_1326950393461485" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">"Those three days I felt deprived," she recalled in an email, responding to a Twitter request for anecdotes about going Internet-less. "The Internet has totally consumed my life, both business as well as pleasure."</div><div id="yui_3_3_0_19_1326950393461476" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Wyatt McMahon of the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute at Virginia Tech University was having a hard time Wednesday just dealing with the shutdown at Wikipedia, which he leans on as a first step in his searches in his field, which combines statistics and biology.</div><div id="yui_3_3_0_19_1326950393461479" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">If the entire Internet were lost, "that would be beyond catastrophic. Every single day, every single hour, if not every 30 minutes, I am using the Internet for work," McMahon said. "So if anything like that were to happen, it would bring everything to a screeching halt."</div>Center for Internet Addiction Recoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054948169750476850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30294897.post-21005604121432448072011-11-29T09:24:00.000-05:002012-12-12T12:47:45.908-05:00New brain study on addiction to violent video games.<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: left;">
The age old debate over the effects of video games on the brain is back. On Monday, the Radiological Society of North America released information on a new research that shows violent video games can effect the brain. At the same time, News.com Australia reported that mental health professionals in Australia are considering video game addiction and internet addition as official mental disorders.</div>
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These studies are far from definitive, given the large volume of game studies over the years. But if games are classified as harmful or addictive, that could limit their reach. Parents might proactively decide to crack down on violent video games, which have become a big part of the mass market. Studies like this are a force that could shove gamers back into the closet.</div>
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The new research conducted by the RSNA took 22 young men, ages 18 to 29, and instructed 11 of the 22 males to play 10 hours of violent video games for one week and then stop playing completely the second week. Then, the other 11 men were instructed to not play any violent video games throughout the two week period.</div>
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Before, during and after the two week period, the subjects were given tests via MRI’s to monitor their brain function. The results showed that after the week of game play, there was less activity in the left inferior frontal lobe during the emotional test and less activity in the anterior cingulate cortex during the counting test. Yang Wang, a medical doctor and an assistant research professor in the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences at Indiana University School of Medicine said, “These findings indicate that violent video game play has a long term effect on brain functioning.”</div>
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While these findings are coming to light, mental health professionals in Australia are being asked by parents to include video game addiction and internet addiction in the next Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The professionals might declare the addictions as an official disorder called pathological internet misuse. If that happens, parents are hoping this will encourage further study on the matter.</div>
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The news stirs up old memories of the negative stigma often associated with video games. As video games jump into the mainstream more and more every year, studies and alleged official disorders like the ones mentioned are likely to pop up from time to time and thwart the advance of games as a universal medium. It also shows that, despite a victory in the U.S. Supreme Court, the issue of violent video games is far from dead.</div>
Center for Internet Addiction Recoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054948169750476850noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30294897.post-26800712807604500912011-11-09T11:09:00.000-05:002011-11-09T11:09:24.215-05:00A new study Pew Institute finds most teens have seen bad behavior on social media sites:survey<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">The majority of teenagers who use social networking websites say their peers are mostly kind to one another online, but 88% still say they've witnessed people being mean and cruel on such sites, according to a new study. Fifteen percent say they've been the target of bad behavior on social media sites.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">The findings come from a report called "Teens, Kindness and Cruelty on Social Network Sites: How American teens navigate the new world of 'digital citizenship,'" which is based on seven focus groups with teens and a survey of 799 youths 12 to 17 and their parents.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">The study, conducted by Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project, found that social media use is widespread among teens, with 95% of 12- to 17-year-olds in the survey saying they use the Internet. Of those, 80% said they use social media sites.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">When it comes to bad conduct online, 80% of teen social media users in the survey said they have defended a victim of meanness and cruelty and 79% said they have told someone to stop mean behavior on a social network site. However, 21% said they have joined in on the harassment.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">"Social networking sites have created new spaces for teens to interact, and they witness a mixture of altruism and cruelty," said Amanda Lenhart, the study's lead author. "For most teens, these are exciting and rewarding spaces. But the majority have also seen a darker side."</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Teens in the survey said they received advice about online safety from a variety of people. Parents were the top source, with 86% saying they have received advice from their parents about how to use the Internet safely and responsibly, and 70% said they have received advice from a teacher or other adult at school.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Teens in the survey reported that parents were also the biggest influence on shaping what they think is appropriate or inappropriate behavior when going online or using a cellphone. At the same time, 18% saidthat no one has influenced them about their attitudes toward online behavior.</div>Center for Internet Addiction Recoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054948169750476850noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30294897.post-78681998626900867022011-10-27T13:55:00.001-04:002011-10-27T13:55:33.204-04:00Addiction to social networking causes serious mental health issues according to a new study<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">The Millennial Generation’s, also known as the Me Generation, biggest distinguishing feature is the tech-savvy abilities of its members. Many students cannot remember a time when there was no internet, no cell phones, and most importantly, no Facebook or Twitter. This in itself is not necessarily a bad thing; it seems to have gone from a privilege to a given. There are repercussions to constantly monitoring social networking sites that many students are unaware of and that pose significant health problems. One of them is FTAD, Facebook/Twitter Addiction Disorder.<br />
Recent research in the area of addiction has shown that four in five students suffer from significant mental and physical distress, panic, confusion and extreme isolation when forced to unplug from technology for an entire day. The study called “Unplugged” was jointly led by the International Center for Media and the Public Agenda (ICMPA) and the Salzburg Academy. The global experiment was done at 10 universities last year and showed students suffering withdrawal symptoms similar to those associated with drug addictions when quitting “cold turkey.” The conclusion provided a majority of almost 1,000 college students, in places like China, Britain, and America, who were unable to voluntarily avoid their gadgets for one full day.<br />
One of the American students confessed their overpowering cravings were similar to the “itching like a crackhead,” giving new meaning to the nickname for the popular phone Blackberry: Crackberry. Most of the symptoms of addiction revolve around depression, anxiety, and isolation from the lack of news of what peers are doing.<br />
There is no doubt of the popularity of social networking sites which allow many people to fulfill their basic social needs of feeling loved, accepted and part of a group. Dr. Michael Fenichel attributes the phenomenon of Facebook addiction to “the instant texting component the ability to post pictures and videos, play pop-psychology and pop-culture games and quizzes (applications), follow (slightly less than on Twitter) the every move, decision, feeling, and random thought of everyone in countless networks, and also maintain a homepage/wall for all to see and visit, makes this the best recipe for significant behavioral addiction, as it fills a large and ‘normal’ part of our lives.”<br />
Student Emily Surovy, a sophomore, is an avid Twitter user who says, “[Twitter] puts you on a more personal level with people you’d never talk to in real life and makes you realize that they [celebrities] are people too.”<br />
So far there have been six criteria identified in diagnosing FTAD. At least two or three must be present at any time during a 5-6 month period in order to be diagnosed. The criteria are:<br />
1. Tolerance, referring to the increasing amounts of time spent of Facebook and Twitter to achieve satisfaction.<br />
2. After trying to “get rid of Facebook,” it causes distress or impairs social, personal, or occupational functions such as the speed of your internet browser or the amount of time you spend obsessing about who wrote what on your wall.<br />
3. Important social or recreational activities are greatly reduced and/or migrated to Facebook or Twitter. (Socializing with friends has moved from hanging out in a dorm to only conversing through the Facebook chat feature.)<br />
4. If you express your affection for your boyfriend/girlfriend through Twitter or Facebook, or use the applications on Facebook to simulate a real date such as the FB Café World.<br />
5. You have no idea who 8 of the 10 people in your friends list are and you have more than a 1000 friends.<br />
6. You invite anyone you have met to become friends on Facebook and any notifications, messages, and invites give you a lift in your mood because you feel loved or popular.<br />
As with any addiction, it is no laughing matter and should be addressed as quickly as possible. Gradually wean yourself off of Facebook and Twitter by cancelling the text message notifications, spend a set amount of time on each a day (no more, no less), hang out with friends in person, and call instead of messaging your friends.</span>Center for Internet Addiction Recoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054948169750476850noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30294897.post-34291958918050648672011-10-26T07:58:00.000-04:002011-10-26T07:58:00.232-04:00The Dangers of Internet Gambling among Teenagers<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Internet Gambling has become an increasingly popular form of gaming.<span> </span>Through online web sites, users can gamble through interactive television and mobile phones. The convenience of 24-hour access, the ease of setting up an online account and the variety of sites from traditional betting, to casino gambling, to lotteries - makes Internet gambling very appealing. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Individuals who start experiencing a problem with Internet gambling become preoccupied with gambling creating a disruption in their personal, family, and social aspects of their lives. Studies found</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> that teen-aged Internet gamblers were more likely to have a serious gambling than other gamblers. Teen-aged Internet gamblers were also more likely to suffer from health and emotional problems such as substance abuse, circulatory disease, depression, and risky sexual behaviors.<span> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">According to the National Gambling Impact Commission, young children and teenagers are at the greatest risk to develop a problem with Internet gambling.<span> </span>They estimated that 16-24 year old males comprise 4% of Internet gamblers and 11-18 year old males comprise 4-7% of Internet gamblers, a significant increase with advent of online casinos (www.ncalg.org).<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Brad, a 19-year old math major at the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Minnesota</st1:placename></st1:place> lost his scholarship and had to resign from school because of his addiction to online gambling. “I didn’t start out thinking I would get so hooked,” he explained. “I started playing Texas Hold ‘Em after watching a poker show on TV. It was just something I did for fun. Then, I started staying up late, missing classes, spending tons of money; all my time was spent playing the game. It was more than winning and losing money. To be a good player, you’ve got to be smart and I liked the intellectual challenge and competitiveness of the game.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Brad’s mother became concerned when she discovered Brad’s falling grades.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“I knew it was about the computer,” she said. “But no one seemed to believe me. A counselor at his school told me that it was just a phase but this was more than just a phase.” Parents and partners are usually the first to notice a loved one’s online gambling habit and the range of behaviors is similar to those for any type of gambling addiction:<o:p></o:p></span></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Showing increased excitement when going online to find new gambling spots;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Rearranging schedules to permit more time for online gambling activities;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Feeling that a change in online gambling activities will bring good luck and subsequently increasing the size of their bets; <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Chasing lost bets to try to catch up;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Placing larger bets and betting more frequently;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Boasting about winning and minimizing losses. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Going online to gamble when faced with a crisis or a stressful situation. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">For the addict, these symptoms also result in changes in the person’s personality and routine behaviors. Suddenly there are unexplained absences from work, home, or other responsibilities. The addict becomes secretive, conceals or attempts to conceal how his or her time is spent at the computer, and outright lies about the real nature of his or her computer activity. Often, the gambling addict experiences mood swings, showing extreme highs when they win and extreme lows when they lose. Values go by the wayside and many violate their own principles. They begin to hide money, make secret loans, or make unusual, sporadic, or unexplained withdrawals from family bank accounts. Suddenly they find themselves capable of or actually stealing money from friends and family—then lying about it—in order to bet more, pay off debts, or recoup losses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Center for Internet Addiction Recoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054948169750476850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30294897.post-26310678160066487232011-08-31T08:26:00.000-04:002012-12-12T12:46:52.067-05:00Internet Addiction Among College Students: 10 Startling Trends<br />
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It would be difficult, if not impossible, to find a college campus that doesn’t have Internet. College students use the Internet for research, communication, and other educational activities. Of course, students also use the Internet for social media, news, and even online gambling, activities that can be fun and even enriching, but when overused, become a real problem. Some college students suffer from Internet addiction, unable to step away from the computer or put down mobile devices even for a day. Eighty-four percent of college counselors agree that Internet Addiction Disorder is legitimate, but at the same time, 93% of them have not been fully trained to diagnose Internet addiction, and 94% have insufficient training for Internet addiction treatment. The result? Falling grades, physical problems, and even clinical addiction. Internet addiction is a real problem for college students, and we’ve shared several trends that are worrisome.</div>
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1. Students have feelings similar to drug and alcohol addiction</h3>
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<li>Two hundred students were asked to abstain from all media for 24 hours, and were then asked to blog about their experiences. The words the students used to describe their feelings during the restriction period were typically the same words associated with a substance abuse addiction: "withdrawal, frantically craving, very anxious, antsy, miserable, jittery, crazy." It seems that these students are addicted to media, particularly in its online form. This is disturbing, but not surprising, as studies have already shown that Google can actually change your brain.</li>
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College students are especially susceptible to Internet Behavior Dependence</h3>
A college student case study revealed that college students are a "population of special concern" when it comes to Internet addiction, and they are disproportionately vulnerable due to psychological and environmental factors in their lives. When faced with an Internet addiction, college students have a hard time forming their identity and building intimate relationships. Online, students can "develop relationships devoid of the anxiety found in face-to-face relationships," and they "can take on any persona they desire, without fear of judgment on appearance or personal mannerism, and can avoid racial and gender prejudice." This type of adaptive behavior tends to diminish the social capacity of college students, leaving them unprepared for the development of real world relationships.</li>
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Online poker is prevalent on college campuses</h3>
Online poker joins two addictions together: gambling and online interaction, so its use on college campuses is especially worrisome. The University of Pennsylvania predicts that over 20% of college students play online poker at least once a month, and you can typically see lots of students playing online poker on a college campus. Although it can be a fun game, and many students may be able to maintain healthy lives while enjoying playing online poker, some simply can’t. At the University of Pennsylvania, researchers noted that among college gamblers that played weekly, over half of them had a serious problem with the habit. In some cases, students fail out of classes or gamble their tuition away, even turning to crime to pay debts created by online poker.</li>
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Students can’t go 24 hours without the Internet</h3>
When 1,000 college students took part in an international study on electronic media, they were asked to go without media for 24 hours. But many students in the study were not up to the challenge. A majority of students did not actually go without media for 24 hours, giving in and checking in with their phones or email. Students confessed, "I sat in my bed and stared blankly. I had nothing to do," and "Media is my drug; without it I was lost. How could I survive 24 hours without it?" The study revealed a physical dependency on media, especially Facebook and mobile phones. Students recognized that typing the address for their favorite sites had become muscle memory: "It was amazing to me though how easily programmed my fingers were to instantly start typing "f-a-c-e" in the search bar. It’s now muscle memory, or instinctual, to log into Facebook as the first step of Internet browsing." Other students recognized physical signs of withdrawal, sharing that "I would feel irritable, tense, restless and anxious when I could not use my mobile phone. When I couldn’t communicate with my friends, I felt so lonely, as if I was in a small cage in a solitary island."</li>
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Students are surfing, not studying</h3>
Students who spend a lot of time online are likely to neglect their studies. In many cases, students who performed well in school before developing an Internet addiction allowed their grades to crash, only then realizing the impact of Internet dependency. Counselors across the US have identified the problems of excessive Internet use, including: lack of sleep and excess fatigue, declining grades, less investment in relationships with a boyfriend or girlfriend, withdrawal from all campus social activities and events, general apathy, edginess, or irritability when off-line, and rationalizing that what they learn on the Internet is superior to their classes. Students may not realize the problem until serious trouble happens: "They flunk out of college. Their real-life girlfriend breaks up with them because all they ever want to do is play on the Net. Their parents explode when they find out their huge investment in their child’s college education is going to support all-night Internet sessions." By then, it may be too late to recover the damage.</li>
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The Internet is everywhere</h3>
Ninety-eight percent of students own a digital device. This prevalence throws gasoline on a spark: students who are already susceptible to Internet addiction have access online in computer labs, their dorm, and other places around campus, and on top of that, they have the Internet in their pocket at all times. Knowing this, it’s not surprising to find out that 38% of students say they can’t go more than 10 minutes without using a digital device, contributing to an ever-present existence of the Internet on campus.</li>
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Internet use can physically change your brain</h3>
In a study of Chinese college students who were online for 10 hours a day, six days a week, morphological changes in the structure of their brains were noted. Scientists found reductions in the size of the "dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, rostral anterior cingulate cortex, supplementary motor area and parts of the cerebellum as high as 10-20%." Although at the same time, there was an increase in the "density of the right parahippocampal gyrus and a spot called the left posterior limb of the internal capsule." These changes happen to the detriment of short term memory and decision-making abilities.</li>
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Many students need intervention and treatment for their addiction, and it can lead to depression</h3>
We might joke about "Crackberries," but for some, the Internet is truly a significant concern. A study published in BMC Medicine indicated that 4% of the students who participated in their survey met the criteria for having a problem with online addiction. But perhaps the more disturbing fact from this study is that there is a "significant association between pathological Internet use and depression in college students," putting a population that is already at risk for mental instability in a precarious position.</li>
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Cyberbullies go to college, too</h3>
Although most of the news on cyberbullying focuses on adolescents, the fact is that cyberbullies exist on the college campus as well. It’s not surprising, considering how much time students spend online, and how much impact a college student’s online presence can have. In fact, a University of New Hampshire study reported that one in 10 students was abused online. College students have been the target of sexually violent rants, and one professor at BU had to persuade Facebook to remove his page, which he did not set up himself. Researchers believe that students are especially vulnerable to cyberstalking because "they live in a relatively closed community where class schedules, phones, and e-mails are easy to find." And sites like Rate My Professors may be helpful for students choosing classes, but some comments may be hurtful for faculty members. Thierry Guedj, adjunct professor of psychology at Metropolitan College reports, "It really hurts faculty members badly when they read these things about themselves online. People have become quite depressed about it."</li>
<li> <h3>
Tech conditions can be dangerous to your health</h3>
College Candy’s list of tech conditions that can be dangerous to your health seems to be written as a joke, citing "Blackberry Neck," and "Glazey Dazey Lazy Eye," but these conditions really can be a problem. Using the Internet too much can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, a decline in physical fitness, and as a result, weight gain. Heavy users report carpal tunnel syndrome, eye strain, and headaches. Sleep disturbances can also stem from Internet addiction, as Internet use may lead to later bedtimes and less restful sleep. Additionally, researchers believe that the light from computer screens may affect circadian rhythms, creating a risk factor for insomnia.</li>
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<a href="http://netaddiction.com/">netaddiction.com</a>Center for Internet Addiction Recoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054948169750476850noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30294897.post-2401304185722461972011-08-11T15:37:00.001-04:002011-08-11T15:41:00.144-04:00South Korea Sets Up Internet Addiction Prevention Clinic<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Gotham Rounded Medium', 'Gotham Rounded', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; white-space: pre-line; word-wrap: break-word;"><strong>Internet addiction</strong> clinics aren’t exactly a new thing, but <strong>South Korea</strong> has found the problem of Internet addiction to be so pervasive that they have set up a clinic not to deal with addiction, but to <em><strong>prevent it</strong>. StarCraft</em> is a huge deal in South Korea to the extent that it is a <a href="http://www.geekosystem.com/south-korea-starcraft-scandal/" style="color: #2f8600; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">professional sport</a>, and it seems that this national obsession, in conjunction with the Internet at large, is having a negative affect on the nation’s youth.</div><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; white-space: pre-line; word-wrap: break-word;">The children at the camp who show warning signs of becoming raging internetaholics spend their time playing reality-based games, taking hikes, reading books and going to counseling sessions, all without the aid of internetahol. Because large-scale Internet connectivity and personal computers are relatively new to South Korea, many parents are simply at a loss to help their children find a healthy balance.</div><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; white-space: pre-line; word-wrap: break-word;"><span id="more-68816"></span>Doctors at the camp find that there are two distinct kinds of potential addicts, those who are in love with the anonymity of the Internet and those that enjoy the power and the vicarously violent behavior games provide. Both of these categories, of course, fit into the super category escapists who, for one reason or another, prefer the “wide web” part of the world. Patients at the camp often play video games to the exclusion of sleep and bathroom breaks, and according to<a href="http://www.geek.com/articles/games/south-korean-clinic-aims-to-prevent-web-addiction-2011081" style="color: #2f8600; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">Geek.com</a>, one patient expressed that he gets angry when his parents call him away from the computer and that he knows this is bad but stopping is “too hard,” which is why he’s looking for help.</div><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 8px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; white-space: pre-line; word-wrap: break-word;">Clearly, the South Koreans see Internet addiction as a serious problem, which is good for them because it can be, especially when the phenomenon has hit so hard, so fast and kids are involved. It is certainly better to be safe than sorry, but as someone who was once a child who exhibited those symptoms at one point or another and turned out fine (depending on who you who you ask), this might be overkill. While South Korea seems advanced in their treatment and proactive response to Internet addiction, the US might learn from these measures to examine the toll Internet addiction has in America. While the US still seems skeptical about the existence of Internet addiction, prevention programs could be developed within our schools to reduce the amount of isolation from family that Internet use involves.</div>Center for Internet Addiction Recoveryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09054948169750476850noreply@blogger.com1