Internet Addiction

Internet Addiction

Since its initial arrival in the average household, the Internet has

become a very widely exercised source of communication. At any given

moment, there is an endless amount of information streaming through

Internet accessible computers. The chance to interact with other

people is another tempting feature of the Internet. Unfortunately,

with this new commodity, also comes the possibility of abuse and

addiction.

Internet addiction has become an exceedingly negative power in today's

culture. What causes Internet Addiction? Several different causes

could be to blame, but one of the most widely believed theories is

that of a personality disorder. In the essay entitled "Internet

Addiction", Carol Potera says that the,"lone, bored, depress,

introverted, lacking self-esteem, or have a history of addictions,"

are most the most susceptible to this disorder. The people that fall

into this category seem to be the most prone to all mental disorders.

Some say that these people feel the need to find an escape from their

lack of actual relationships, so they see the Internet as a very

attractive escape from this harsh reality, somewhat like the reason an

individual would turn to drug addiction. Seeing has how this disorder

has arisen relatively recently, it hasn't been studied a great deal.

Potera introduces many of these details in her essay. She points out

that addiction to the Internet is an ever-growing concern throughout

the entire world. In several instances, she uses actual cases of

Internet addiction to support her argument. Her argument consists of

more fact than her own opinion. She is basing most of her claims ...

... middle of paper ...

...nce. I believe

that this is where "addiction" begins. Users feel the need to fulfill

this craving more like brushing their teeth every morning than smoking

a cigarette. It becomes a similar to a daily routine like something

they are supposed to do not have to do.

Potera makes an argument that would be more likely to be found in an

encyclopedia than newspaper editorial. It is based completely on fact.

If I did not have a special interest in the field then, I would have

most likely written this paper over a different essay. Potera presents

a great argument and more than substantial amounts of factual

information to back her case, but it lacks that "gleam" to catch the

eye of a reader not particularly interest in that subject. This is the

one and only statement that I have that is remotely negative about

this essay.