Forget Internet Addicition, Watch Out For Communication Addiction
from the psychologists-with-hammers dept
There’s a saying something along the lines of “when you have a hammer, everything begins to look like a nail”. I’m beginning to wonder if some psychologists are falling into that same trap. I already have some issues with the idea of “internet addiction”. Now, however, we’re being told that internet addiction is “just the tip of the iceberg”. We need to watch out for people with “communication addiction”. Yes, some people go overboard, and possibly need help. But, I do not believe that the internet (or any communications system, by itself) is an “addictive” substance. The other stuff in the article seems like blatant fear-mongering. It says that these communications addicts also often overeat, drink and take drugs – as well as gasp have unsafe sexual activity. Oh my goodness! Take away the internet! It’s causing “unsafe sexual activity”. This is a situation where the internet is being blamed for people who would appear to have other issues. But, then again, what do I know? I’m not a psychologist – and I’m sure you could find a few of my friends who would claim that I’m something of a “communications addict”.
Comments on “Forget Internet Addicition, Watch Out For Communication Addiction”
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I remember seeing a news report on Japan about wireless e-mail addicts. In it they profiled a girl who stated that she sent over average 100 wireless messages a day.
In many respects that situation was down to the success of NTT DoCoMo’s I-Mode plan. Their initial marketing targeted 16-17 year old girls, with the intention being to use wireless e-mail as the main driver for wireless internet adoption.
In Europe the wireless internet has not taken off, but Text Messaging has. The level of use and speed of growth has been simply incredible.
Most of us reading this don’t have the time to become a communication addict – however if we did, we’d have a wide range of choice. Your average teenager now uses the normal phone, mobile (voice and text), chat rooms, instant messaging, e-mail, bulletin boards, weblogs etc. Once someone gets sucked in, it can be a full time job just keeping up with daily communication ‘obligations.’
As someone whose has a very addictive nature, here is some advice: don’t fight addiction, just get yourself a more positive one;-)
You do realize that this was written tongue-in-che
From the tone of the article, I think the author was writing this as a humor piece. Plus, on his website, it’s listed as one of his “Humor” essays…
Re: You do realize that this was written tongue-in
Aha. Dammit. Wasn’t April Fool’s supposed to be a couple of weeks ago? I’m glad it’s a humor piece… but I guess I’ve just seen so many non-humor pieces just like it that it got me.
Addiction leads to Unsafe Sex
I sure hope it was a humor piece. Otherwise this means playing Counterstrike will make me become a terrorist.
Ludicrous.