Internet Addiction

Internet AddictionJonathan Kandell, Ph.D.Assistant DirectorUniversity of Maryland Counseling Center

Presentation at the 10th Annual C3 ConferenceUniversity of Maryland, College Park10/7/11

Overview What is Internet Addiction?

Vulnerability of College Students

Nature of Technology

Cutting Edge or Cutting Off?

Patterns and Suggestions

Treatment of Internet Addiction

What isInternet Addiction?

What is Internet Addiction? How would you define it?

What is Internet Addiction? How would you define it? Term coined in the mid-90s by a New York psychiatrist, Dr. Ivan Goldberg He devised a list of symptoms (taken from those for pathological gambling) and created Internet Addiction Disorder Also created online Internet Addiction Support Group

What is Internet Addiction? How would you define it? Term coined in the mid-90s by a New York psychiatrist, Dr. Ivan Goldberg He devised a list of symptoms (taken from those for pathological gambling) and created Internet Addiction Disorder Also created online Internet Addiction Support Group Did it as a joke!

What is Internet Addiction? How would you define it? Term coined in the mid-90s by a New York psychiatrist, Dr. Ivan Goldberg He devised a list of symptoms (taken from those for pathological gambling) and created Internet Addiction Disorder Also created online Internet Addiction Support Group Did it as a joke! The joke was on him!!

What is Internet Addiction? Process Addiction disorder of behavior, not abuse of a substance

What is Internet Addiction? Process Addiction disorder of behavior, not abuse of a substance

Pathological Internet Use (PIU)

Term coined by Kimberly Young, Ph.D. - Psychologist, U. Pitt-Bradford COLA

Many liken IAD/PIU to pathological gambling (e.g., Goldberg and Young), using symptoms from those disorders

What is Internet Addiction? Pathological Internet Use (PIU)

Given the usefulness/necessityof the Internet

more like compulsive exercise

What is Internet Addiction? Symptoms Increasing preoccupation with, and investment of resources (e.g., time, money, energy) on Internet-related activities Unpleasant feelings (e.g., depression, anxiety, loneliness, emptiness) when not online Negative impact on work/school performance Problems develop in existing relationships Difficulty in forming new offline relationships Tolerance can develop Denial

What is Internet Addiction? Research Findings Literature

5-12% of Those Surveyedhave PIU

What is Internet Addiction? Research Findings Literature Personality Characteristics Low self-esteem Intellectualization Self-reliance Strong preference for solitary activities Restricted social outlets Less socially conforming More emotionally reactive to others

(VanGelder, 2003)

What is Internet Addiction?UM Counseling Service Data (2006-07)Full Entire Helpseeker Population (N=1125)

PIU Clients responding Terribly or Poorly to How have you been getting along in the following areas of your life over the last two weeks? Spending too much time on the computer/Internet (N=170)

What is Internet Addiction?UM Counseling Service Data (2006-07)

Out of 66 items on the four scales 60 showed an increase in endorsement 6 showed a decrease


Out of 66 items on the four scales 60 showed an increase in endorsement 6 showed a decrease

42.45% average rise in endorsement (includes items that decreased)


Item FULLPIURepeated behaviors interfere w/ life 26.04% 52.35%Standing up for rights, express self 15.11 30.00School (performance, attendance) 23.72 45.88Studying effectively 38.49 72.94No energy, everything an effort 24.53 46.47Self management (plans, goals) 39.12 71.18Afraid of / avoiding normal situations 23.29 41.18Feeling hopeless about the future 25.42 42.35 Eating problems 24.44 40.00Uncomfortable, shy, ill at ease 19.11 31.18


Item FULLPIUMaking friends 19.91% 30.59%Self-confidence, self-esteem 40.00 61.18Career conflicts within self 35.22 52.94Difficulty concentrating 51.02 75.88Loneliness 42.04 60.59Feeling sad most of the time 33.16 45.29Grief over death of loved one 8.62 11.76Not liking yourself 28.18 38.24Feeling nervous 37.07 49.41Intimate relationships 29.83 39.41


Item FULLPIURape or sexual assault 3.11% 2.94%Alc/drugs causing physical problems 2.04 1.76Pregnancy 0.71 0.59Getting into frequent arguments 11.20 8.82Alc/drugs interfering w/ job/school 2.31 1.76Sexual orientation issues 4.00 2.94

What is Internet Addiction?In my opinion, Pathological Internet Use

is most often a condition secondary to a

separate underlying psychological

disorder. The compulsive internet

behavior is functioning as a coping

mechanism, a form of self-medication similar

to other compulsive/addictive behaviors.

Vulnerability ofCollege Students

Vulnerability of College Students Societal Influences Increasing pace of life and technological advancement Tofflers Future Shock Threats to safety (real and/or perceived) Environmental, political, financial worries

Vulnerability of College Students Societal Influences Increasing pace of life and technological advancement Tofflers Future Shock Threats to safety (real and/or perceived) Environmental, political, financial worries Familial Influences Usual dysfunction, financial issues, etc. A Nation of Wimps Marano The Fragility Factor (Helicopter Parents) Cell Phone The Eternal Umbilicus

Vulnerability of College Students Developmental Influences

Erikson (1963) 8 Stages of Life Basic Trust vs. Mistrust Autonomy vs. Shame, Doubt Initiative vs. Guilt Industry vs. Inferiority Identity vs. Identity Diffusion (Role Confusion) Intimacy vs. Isolation Generativity vs. Stagnation Ego Integrity vs. Despair

Vulnerability of College Students Developmental Influences Erikson (1963) 8 Stages of Life Basic Trust vs. Mistrust Autonomy vs. Shame, Doubt Initiative vs. Guilt Industry vs. Inferiority Identity vs. Identity Diffusion (Role Confusion) Intimacy vs. Isolation Generativity vs. Stagnation Ego Integrity vs. Despair

Vulnerability of College Students Access / Expectancy Most campuses replete with computers andinternet connections Computer labs often open late, even 24/7 Many courses require (or strongly encourage) use of computer / internet Writing Papers Internet Research E-mail Instructors Online Discussions Blackboard / ELMS

Vulnerability of College Students Access / Expectancy

It only takes a few keystrokes to go from writing a paper to checking your e-mail to:

Facebook Blogging Chatting Gaming Online Porn etc.

Vulnerability of College Students Cumulative Impact Many strains on internal resources Various mechanisms used to reduce anxiety, depression, loneliness - Healthy? Substance abuse (alcohol/drugs including legal) Compulsive Behaviors (Gambling, Exercise, TV, Internet, Cellphone, Gaming, Porn, etc.) Eating Disorders Self-mutilation

Whats acceptable and available?

The Natureof Technology

The Nature of Technology Good or Evil - What do you think?

The Nature of Technology Technology Good or Evil?

NEITHER!

Technology is a tool

Special kind of tool - amplifier

Depends on how its used

Creates change

Marshall McLuhan

McLuhan Marshall McLuhan The medium is the message

We adapt to technology, not the other way around

Hot vs. Cool media

McLuhan Hot vs. Cool media

A hot medium is one that extends onesingle sense in 'high definition.' Highdefinition is being well filled with data

- all the information is available;the person is passive Cool media force the person to engage inthe transmission process.

McLuhan Hot vs. Cool mediaBook vs. Newspaper

BookNewspaper

McLuhan Hot vs. Cool mediaFilm vs. Screen (TV / Computer / Internet)

Film CRT/LCD

Control

Control Technology impacts peoples sense of control over their lives

Positive Aspects Structure free time / Configure your life Easier to establish/maintain relationships

Negative Aspects Do more in less time Privacy Issues / Identity Theft / Phishing

Internet Reinforcers

Internet Reinforcers Internet Reinforcers

VanGelder, S. C. (2003). INTERNET ADDICTION: Is the Internet a pathological agent includable as a disorder separate from other psychiatric diagnoses? Journal of Addictive Disorders. Retrieved from http://www.breining.edu

Reinforcers Specific to the Internet(e.g., disinhibition, anonymity, intimacy, intensity, time distortion)




Dissociative Aspects(paralanguage, body/image distortion, RL separation, identities)

The New Yorker -- July 5, 1993




Dissociative Aspects(paralanguage, body/image distortion, RL separation, identities)

Unconstrained Social Functioning(global home, boundlessness, realize sexual fantasies)

Cutting Edge... or Cutting Off

Cutting Edge or Cutting Off? Technology can facilitate both meeting others and communicating with them

E-mail / Instant Messaging (IM)

Cell Phone / Texting / Twitter / Blog

Social Networking (e.g., Facebook)

MMORPGs Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games Gaming (e.g., World of Warcraft, Halo) - FPS Second Life


Positives Can help introverted people develop connections People can experiment with various identities You can learn to appreciate another without the distraction of looks You can practice social interchange without fear of significant reprisal or rejection Can raise an individuals self-esteem


But, what is the nature andquality of these interactions?

Cutting Edge or Cutting Off? Online Interactions

Conversations can seem the same

but there are somefundamental differences

Cutting Edge or Cutting Off? Online Interactions

Asynchronous Often just words on a screen Quality vs. Quantity Can be regressive (flaming, graphic) On the Internet, no one knows youre a dog Projection

Cutting Edge or Cutting Off? Online Interactions -- Impact

For those whose primary (or sole) mode of interaction is online, there is potential for loss of face-to-face relationship skills

Cutting Edge or Cutting Off? Online Interactions -- Impact

For those whose primary (or sole) mode of interaction is online, there is potential for loss of face-to-face relationship skills

For those who begin before learning face-to-face interaction skills, there is potential for lack of development of these skills

Cutting Edge or Cutting Off? Cell Phone / Text Messaging

Time On vs. Time Off

Quantity vs. Quality

Can foster dependency (Marano)

Analysis/Sharing vs. Experience

How do I look?

Sexting

Cell Phone/Texting while driving

Cutting Edge or Cutting Off? Facebook

Privacy vs. Exhibitionism

Do you want everyone to see your page?

How many friends are enough?

State of Relationship

Cutting Edge or Cutting Off? Online First Person Shooter GameCatharsis / Connection / Purpose

Cutting Edge or Cutting Off? Second Life


Be who you want Your Avatar(s) Create the ideal you!


Be who you want Your Avatar(s) Create the ideal you! Do what you want Buy land / build a house (for a fee) Eat, drink, sit on the beach, have sex


Be who you want Your Avatar(s) Create the ideal you! Do what you want Buy land / build a house (for a fee) Eat, drink, sit on the beach, have sex Practice makes perfect! Unpopular? leave / resurface as new avatar Does it translate to the non-virtual world? Can be highly compelling to loners

Cutting Edge or Cutting Off? Blogging / LiveJournal Anyone can be a publisher or pundit Diary or something else? -- Hawthorne

YouTube Anyone can be a broadcaster The ultimate reality TV

On Demand / Satellite Radio / iPod Why wait? What you want, when you want

Cutting Edge or Cutting Off? Smartphone / Tablet The Ultimate!

Your life in the palm of your hand!! Never disconnected!! (except for battery and coverage) Information Internet / GPS Entertainment Music / Video / Games Connection Text / E-mail / Voice / Tweet Data - Why bother remembering? Who needs people?

Cutting Edge or Cutting Off? Smartphone / Tablet The Ultimate!

Your life in the palm of your hand!! Never disconnected!! (except for battery and coverage) Information Internet / GPS Entertainment Music / Video / Games Connection Text / E-mail / Voice / Tweet Data - Why bother remembering? Who needs people?

Technology Addiction!

Patterns andSuggestions

Patterns and Suggestions What can we learn from all this?

Technology will continue to advance and is not going away, so youd better learn to ride the wave (Luddites need not apply)


Technology will continue to advance and is not going away, so youd better learn to ride the wave (Luddites need not apply)

As McLuhan suggested, the increasing use of newer technologies is changing individual and societal behavior


A sense of connection, whether present or absent, seems to drive much of the behavior students (and others) exhibit when using advancing technology


A sense of connection, whether present or absent, seems to drive much of the behavior students (and others) exhibit when using advancing technology

Students sense of what is private/public is changing, which likely will result in societal changes in this area


We have only just started on some fundamental changes in the way people envision who they are and what they can be, the effects of which will likely not be known for at least a generation


College students and teens have embraced technology whole hog, and theyre not likely to go back


College students and teens have embraced technology whole hog, and theyre not likely to go back

More and more students want, and expect, life and other people to be as responsive to their needs/desires as their technology lower frustration tolerance; can act much younger than age


Adolescent / young adult psychological needs remain the same (mastery, affiliation, independence); means to fill them change


Adolescent / young adult psychological needs remain the same (mastery, affiliation, independence); means to fill them change

While most people can successfully navigate the transition to these advancing technologies, some, especially those who are psychologically vulnerable, can develop compulsive behaviors

Patterns and Suggestions What can be done?

Meet the students where they are Find the best ways to get in contact with them Text Messaging / E-mail / Cell Phone Use Facebook, etc. to contact/organize


Meet the students where they are Find the best ways to get in contact with them Text Messaging / E-mail / Cell Phone Use Facebook, etc. to contact/organize

Develop programming that fits your students interests Gaming tournament Cult-based watching parties


Learn about the technologies try to speak the language; get your students to teach you about what they do/think


Learn about the technologies try to speak the language get your students to teach you about what they do/think

Be aware of your students behaviors learn and recognize whats normal and whats problematic; refer students for help when needed

Treatment ofInternet Addiction

Treatment of Internet Addiction Individual Clients Five Prong Plan

Establish a Working Relationship Break the Pattern Find Other Ways to Occupy Time Develop Real Life Relationships Explore and Treat Underlying Conditions

Treatment of Internet Addiction Individual Clients Five Prong Plan

Establish a Working Relationship Break the Pattern Find Other Ways to Occupy Time Develop Real Life Relationships Explore and Treat Underlying Conditions

Internet Addiction Support Group NOT ONLINE! like AA meeting in a bar Can use Five Prong Plan with members Provides RL contact in safe setting

ReferencesErikson, E.H. (1963). Childhood and society (2nd ed.). New York: Norton.

Kandell, J. J. (1998). Internet addiction on campus: The vulnerability of college students. CyberPsychology and Behavior, 1(1), 13-24. (http://www.counseling.umd.edu/Personal/~kandell/iacpbart.htm)

Kraut R., Patterson M., Lundmark V., et al. (1998). Internet paradox: A social technology that reduces social involvement and psychological well-being? American Psychologist, 53(9), 1017-1031.

McLuhan, M. (1965). Understanding media: The extensions of man (rev. ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

Mitra, A., Willyard, J., Platt, C., & Parsons, M. (2005). Exploring web usage and selection criteria among male and female students. Journal of Computer Mediated Communication, 10I(3), article 10. http://jcmc.indiana.edu/vol10/issue3/mitra.html


Questions ???

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