Is Social Networking Becoming an Addiction?
Raphiel 1
Roneisha Raphiel
Professor Hester
Freshman English 111, Section 002
25 September 2013
Is Social Networking Becoming an Addiction?
Social networking addiction is a phrase sometimes used to refer to someone spending too much time using Facebook, Twitter, and other forms of social media—so much so that it interferes with other aspects of daily life. Addiction usually refers to compulsive behavior that leads to negative effects. In most addictions, people feel compelled to do certain activities so often that they become a harmful habit, which then interferes with other important activities such as work or school. Networking sites play into the Internet addiction phenomenon; psychiatrists and academic researchers have requested that the addiction be added to the list of recognized, bona fide mental disorders. In fact, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is considering including "internet addiction disorder" as a formal diagnosis in its 2013 edition. As with the Internet in general, social networking sites only become a problem when they start interfering with your daily life or when you start to prefer (or feel more comfortable with) your online friends over your "real" ones. Raphiel 2
Internet addiction can take many forms, with social networking ranking high on the list. One of the problems when defining Internet addition is deciding how much time spent on Facebook is normal and when you've crossed the line into dangerous territory. According to "Addiction Treatment Magazine," people who are more isolated in the real world are more likely to become addicted to social networking sites. They rely on online friends as substitutes for the relationships they don't have in real life.
Roneisha Raphiel
Professor Hester
Freshman English 111, Section 002
25 September 2013
Is Social Networking Becoming an Addiction?
Social networking addiction is a phrase sometimes used to refer to someone spending too much time using Facebook, Twitter, and other forms of social media—so much so that it interferes with other aspects of daily life. Addiction usually refers to compulsive behavior that leads to negative effects. In most addictions, people feel compelled to do certain activities so often that they become a harmful habit, which then interferes with other important activities such as work or school. Networking sites play into the Internet addiction phenomenon; psychiatrists and academic researchers have requested that the addiction be added to the list of recognized, bona fide mental disorders. In fact, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is considering including "internet addiction disorder" as a formal diagnosis in its 2013 edition. As with the Internet in general, social networking sites only become a problem when they start interfering with your daily life or when you start to prefer (or feel more comfortable with) your online friends over your "real" ones. Raphiel 2
Internet addiction can take many forms, with social networking ranking high on the list. One of the problems when defining Internet addition is deciding how much time spent on Facebook is normal and when you've crossed the line into dangerous territory. According to "Addiction Treatment Magazine," people who are more isolated in the real world are more likely to become addicted to social networking sites. They rely on online friends as substitutes for the relationships they don't have in real life.