In the world today, technology is everywhere. From cell phones and laptops, people can access the Internet and experience social media like Facebook, Youtube, and Skype in order to interact with one another. But just like drugs and drinking, using the Internet too much can lead into a serious addiction. Three issues concerning American society 's dependency on technology are the signs and types of Internet addiction, the health problems for someone that has an Internet addiction, and the societal issues concerning intercommunication.
"Internet addiction disorder [IAD] refers to the problematic use of the Internet, including the various aspects of its technology, such as electronic mail (email) and the World Wide Web ("Internet Addiction Disorder", 1). There are various symptoms that can lead to IAD which include: failed attempts to control Internet usage; neglecting sleep and family/friends; withdrawal from other activities; use the Internet to “get away” from everyday life or situations, etc (Netaddiction.com, 2). Not only are there many signs of IAD, but also different types. Pornography addiction is one of the leading internet addictions, with 12% of the total number of websites are pornography sites. Video game addiction is also a large factor in internet addiction because of the large amount of MMORPG’s (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game). The average MMORPG gamer will spend 20-25 hours per week on a game. Internet social interaction addiction is the most problematic of the three addictions because of the reliance of new social media including Facebook, Twitter, and Instant Messaging (“Internet Addiction Disorder” 2). Though each addiction has different orientations, they all can lead to the same risks if exaggerated.
Internet addiction disorder may lead to many health problems if done for a long period of time and not changed. A main health condition caused by too much use on the computer is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,
Cited: “Internet”. Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery. 2011. Web. 23 June 2011. "Internet Addiction Disorder". Minddisorders.com. 2011. Web. 23 June 2011. "Mind Prison: Internet Addiction Disorder". MindPrison. 2007. Web. 23 June 2011. Netaddiction.com. 2011. Web. 23 June 2011.