So, the fact that we are spending all this time on the internet for school and homework mean we are addicted to the internet? What changes from just being an internet user into a glorified addiction? Is this addiction classified the same as nicotine, alcohol, and drugs?
"The Internet is like alcohol in some sense. It accentuates what you would do anyway. If you want to be a loner, you can be more alone. If you want to connect, it makes it easier to connect."
By Esther Dyson, a leading angel investor that is focused on breakthrough inventions in digital innovations and health technology. "She often specializes in the impact of emerging technologies on markets and economies and societies."
(Source: http://www.finestquotes.com/select_quote-category-Internet-page-0.htm)
(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esther_Dyson)
I think this is a very interesting subject. I'm not sure I would put internet addiction on the same level as nicotine, alcohol or drugs mainly because an individual is not putting a physical substance into their body.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I do believe the internet can cause people to form unhealthy habits. Such as checking facebook or e-mails every second of the day. I believe smart phones make this habit even more enhanced.
Very good point Danielle,
ReplyDeleteThanks for bringing this up. We will continue to discuss the similarities and differences this kind of addiction has to other kinds. I would say that this is one of the most recent addictions discovered compared to others. Culturally, I suspect this will be an increasing and ongoing addiction effecting people at home and at work in the future.
Thanks, Team IA
I agree in the fact that I wouldn't put internet addiction on the same lines as drug and alcohol addiction. However, it could be a sort of "gateway addiction". If a person becomes addicted to the internet, they may lose their jobs, or even friends and family. This type of social isolation could lead to other addictions such as drug and alcohol.
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