Trapped in the Web : The Dangers of Computer Addiction
by : mikael lopez
In today's world, computers and the internet have become an integral part of our lives, providing us with endless information, communication, and entertainment. However, with the increasing use of technology, we have also witnessed the rise of computer addiction, a behavioral disorder characterized by excessive and compulsive use of computers and the internet.The title "Trapped in the Web: The Dangers of Computer Addiction" sheds light on the alarming consequences of computer addiction, which can result in social isolation, academic or occupational impairment, and physical health problems. Many people including myself find ourselves addicted to computers and the internet, losing track of time and neglecting responsibilities, leading to negative consequences on both mental and physical health.The effects of computer addiction can range from mild to severe, and the consequences can be devastating. I know for a fact that as a student I've spent countless hours playing Minecraft and Valorant, losing most of my day to these activities. This has lead me to experiencing social isolation, which can cause depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. People who are addicted to the internet may spend more time online than they do interacting with friends and family members (this is me) , leading to strained relationships and feelings of loneliness and disconnection.Moreover, excessive use of computers can also negatively impact a person's academic and occupational performance. As a STEM student my grades saw a decline due to the copious amount of time I spent doomscrolling. Students who spend way too much time online may neglect their studies, leading to poor grades and a lack of motivation. Similarly, employees who are addicted to computers may neglect their work responsibilities, leading to job loss and financial problems.In this essay I aim to emphasize the compulsive nature of computer addiction; how as people part of this ever-growing generation, both you and I must maintain awareness and know when to draw the line between technology and reality. Falling victim to such addictions can increase one's susceptibility to the dangers of the web, which can lead to negative consequences in every aspect of a person's life. The excessive use of technology can lead to addiction, which is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to use computers and the internet, even when it interferes with our lives.It is important to recognize the dangers of computer addiction and take a stance against it. Parents, educators, and employers should take steps to promote healthy computer use, including setting limits on screen time and encouraging physical activity and social interaction. I myself fell under a "2 hours of video games during the weekends" , rule. This allowed for me to manage my time better and also become less attached to the Internet which ironically "connects" us humans with one another.In conclusion, the rise of computer addiction is a concerning issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. The title "Trapped in the Web: The Dangers of Computer Addiction" and the subtitle "Computer Addiction: Excessive and Compulsive Use of Technology and its Negative Consequences" highlight the seriousness of this issue and the need for increased awareness and action. So, if you find yourself browsing on TikTok with an average of 7 hours of screen time per day, know that we can still ensure that technology remains a positive force in our lives, rather than a destructive one.
Maya na ‘Yan, Tara Lets Surfthe Internet!
by : riggs padilla
Have you ever stopped for a few moments just to admire how rich and wide the Internet is? All the shopping opportunities it can offer while staying at home, all the songs you can simply press play to make you feel relaxed, and so much more? They all sound so captivating, right?Although some people try to regulate their screen time, they just can’t resist the powerful temptation that the Internet is giving off—like me! In fact, it’s really a piece of cake for the net to entice its users on what it can give them due to its diversity and wide array of choices.Personally, I’m not against the usage of the Internet as I myself am getting some benefits from using it, but with its progressive advancements through the years, we should be cautious not to let the web successfully turn us into Internetaholics.… And honestly, I think the Internet is successfully converting us into internet addicts.An article by Hoeg (n.d.) states that internet addiction “can have many harmful effects on a person, both physically and emotionally”. Some examples of physical problems can be weight gain/loss, insomnia, vision problems, back or shoulder pain, and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome—a type of wrist injury (Carson DeWitt & Dolan, n.d.; Zayed, n.d.). Meanwhile, emotional or behavioural problems may be the inability to prioritise important things, anxiety, social isolation especially from family and friends, and even depression (Carson DeWitt & Dolan, n.d.).I believe those who spent numerous hours sitting in front of their devices surfing the Internet have experienced some of these problems as a 2016 research study shows that people addicted to using the Internet had more trouble in executing their daily activities like work/school-related responsibilities, life at home, and socialising outside of the Internet (Hoeg, n.d.).During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I can remember spending most of my time surfing the Internet, watching a lot of YouTube videos, reading tons of information and topics both important and unimportant, and many more. And I can also say the same for a lot of people. From this experience, excessive usage of the Internet, as stated, can lead to quite a number of problems. When we deeply submerge ourselves in the sometimes dark waters of the Internet, this releases dopamine in the brain, which makes people excited and feel “high” while engaged with online activities. This means, too, that they can feel some sort of withdrawal symptoms after shutting off from their devices (Carson DeWitt & Dolan, n.d.).Don’t get me wrong, though. Surfing the Internet can be very entertaining, and it doesn’t hurt to take a break from work and real life matters from time to time—chatting with friends, watching movies and TV shows, or even just reading online. I myself totally love to spend my time on the Internet, but I’ve also learned that limiting myself from staring at the screen too much is good for my health. Internet addiction can get very serious if not addressed properly, but if we can manage to make gradual changes to how we balance our life, allot proper time divisions to what’s real and what’s digital, then using the Internet shouldn’t be an obstacle to one’s well-being. Change coming from a bad habit can be challenging, but with determination and perseverance, it can auspiciously be rewarding.
Computer Addiction and Computer Dependency: Where do we draw the line?
by : rheign teodoro
"You're sick because you have so much screen time!" This is a statement that is quite common among Filipino households. In my defense, being a teenager in the Age of Information compels you to utilize technology for various activities for convenience or peer pressure. As a student, I usually have to spend seven (7) hours a day on my laptop to accomplish a plethora of schoolwork and organization deliverables. As a teenager, I am bound to keep up with the latest trends by spending time on social media every day with Instagram reels or TikTok videos. This does not make me a computer addict, but I can classify myself as computer dependent.So, where do we draw the line between the two? In the presence of technological advancements, overdependence on computers has become inevitable, which, in turn, translates to dependency on other things and addiction.Findings from the U.S. Government's National Telecommunications and Information Administration found that internet use is particularly high for teens and pre-teens that go to our schools today. When used with regulation, technology provides convenience in performing tedious day-to-day tasks. In the context of education, students take notes on their computers and smart writing boards are used by the lecturer. Personally, I prefer jotting down notes at Notion and accessing digital resources from my teachers as they provide more flexibility.With the lack of sparing use of technology, however, students are bound to succumb to the wide array of information and entertainment that triggers the endless cycle of dopamine release. For instance, the spell check feature has led to the deterioration of grammar among students and even among those people perceived as the ones that are at the top of their class. At the end of the day, one can still observe that instead of controlling the computer, the education sector is now dependent on these machines.So when does computer dependency become an addiction? According to Green Hill Recovery, dependency can be seen in someone feeling like they cannot function normally without the use. On the other hand, addiction refers to the inability to control the use. It manifests itself with addictive sub-behaviors such as behavioral addictions, internet gaming disorder, and excessive use of social media and smartphones, according to data compiled by Anadolu Agency from Turkiye's Green Crescent organization. In a news report from ABS-CBN News, Maya Morillo's son showed signs of computer addiction since the technology has been interfering with his school life and occupying most of his time. In short, a person's every move is tied to the computer. Addiction requires therapy and counseling to release repressed emotions as computer addicts usually have hidden or repressed anger or sadness.As the advancement of technology takes root in society, there is a need to expand the skills of netizens when it comes to the consumption of media. I believe that there is a line between computer dependence and addiction—and that is when a person cannot stray away from the chains of technology even amid its useless functions. Technology remains to have its positives though. In the absence of technological advancement, one's time management and learning process may be compromised.
A Computer Addiction Story: Man vs Man? Or Man vs Computer?
by : dia timbang
Society often uses the advancement of technology as a “scapegoat” for us to be consumed by laziness, thus resulting in negligence. Computer addiction has become even more prevalent in today’s world as we are surrounded by innovation and evolution which remains a question for some if this has led to our success or downfall. This addiction is one that seems incurable unlike any other, and one that is difficult to overcome as it is deemed a “trend” for other people. Although we cannot deny the prevalence of technology, we must take note that at the end of the day, it is still our conscious thoughts, actions, and decisions that will have a huge impact in the trajectory of our lives. From my point of view, computers have taken so much control of our lives to the point that it is now us working for them like slaves, and not them functioning for us. We sit down and use our computers for hours allowing us to abandon our responsibilities and obligations inside and outside the comfort of our homes. It’s as if there’s a string on top of us and it is the computer controlling us like its very own puppet. I believe that humans should be held accountable for this stigma against technology as it is still us who have a brain, hands, and feet to consciously decide whether or not we should be slaves to technology.Using computers compulsively despite negative consequences is considered computer addiction. It is common for people with computer addiction to prioritize their computer use over all other responsibilities and activities. Spending excessive time on the computer and neglecting the important responsibilities of your career, relationships, and other areas of your life can cause serious problems. There are a number of negative consequences associated with computer addiction, which can have a significant impact on your family life, your social life, and your career. Physical and mental health can also be affected by computer addiction, and serious conditions could take years to treat or reverse. The most common effects observed in computer addiction are the following: inability or difficulty with interacting with people socially in real life, loss of pleasure in activities that take place in real life, overspending on computers, software, and related accessories, loss of relationships due to excessive computer use, a decline in work or school performance due to excess unrelated computer use, negative feelings associated with uncontrollable computer use, the onset of mental illness like depression or anxiety, lowered self-esteem due to lack of social interaction, poor personal hygiene, weight gain from sitting down for long periods, as well as vision impairment.Like everything else, this isn’t the end for those who are suffering from computer addiction. Professional treatment can improve or reverse many of the effects of computer addiction. In the case of computer addiction, family therapy can help restore damaged relationships that have been strained or broken. If you have become socially isolated due to excess computer use, group counseling and 12-step support group therapy may help you rebuild your confidence and self-esteem.
Ano, G ba one more?
by : ip vergara
Even before the pandemic, video games have already become a staple in society as a form of entertainment and as of late, a way to earn money through monetized tournaments and content creation online. And although people are against the concept of gaming (particularly the older generations) because it encourages people to stare at a screen for periods of time, overall, I believe that most people support the idea of playing video games because it is indeed a fun experience. But, where do we draw the line when it comes to excessive gaming? Personally, I am all for the idea of gaming as I play video games myself during my free time, but when it reaches a point that some people all around the world can spend multiple hours on end just playing video games, this is where I believe the line is drawn.A study by Harvard University’s Medical School enumerated several repercussions for playing excessively such as carpal tunnel syndrome (a wrist injury), gaming preoccupation, potential loss of relationships, and many more (Grinspoon, 2020). I think that the time this study was published was very fitting, as it was released during the height of the pandemic. I believe that this time generally increased the number of people that got into playing video games, and for the people that were already playing, this increased their hours as we weren’t allowed to go outside and meet our friends, relatives, and other people (me included).I can recall playing video games almost every day for multiple hours in 2020, and I was having a blast playing a new game that I discovered at the time. But, I remembered this one saying: “Always do everything in moderation.”Speaking from experience, playing video games excessively is unhealthy because it can have bad physical, mental, and sometimes, even emotional consequences. When we enter the realm of video games, sometimes we get drawn to the enjoyment that comes with it but when we reach the state of addiction, we can’t leave. In a sense, we get this feeling of a “dopamine rush,” as the excitement of playing wants you to come back and play even more (Luker, 2022). Although gaming addiction is nowhere near something far graver like substance addiction, addiction is an addiction nonetheless, because it can cause the person to experience potentially dangerous side effects (Zastrow, 2017).Don’t get me wrong: I fully support the idea of not only playing video games but even being able to make money off them as some tournaments can really change a person’s life (e.g. Bugha winning the Fortnite World Cup and walking away with $3M). However, I think that every once in a while, we should really take periods of time to have a digital disconnect, whether or not it is doing work, playing video games, scrolling through social media, and many more. Computer addiction is a real thing, but if we can maintain a balance between our real life and digital life, I personally do not see a problem with gaming at all. Just remember, play responsibly and in moderation!