Is Internet Addiction Real - Essay Example

Statistics further show that persons between the ages 19-29 cover has a high percentage of users an approximate of 91%. The time spent on the internet keeps increasing. Experts argue that time spent on the internet is a problem even in the workplaces workers tend to create time for internet surfing. The society is being warned for the rise in this issue because the children in their effort to learn computer skills are also exploring the internet. In view of all this, are people addicted to the internet?

Experts describe the internet to be as destructive as drug craving and alcoholism. Yes, people have an addiction to the internet, however, to some it is a matter of choice, and this depends on an individual’s choice on how to utilize his extra time. The press has made many stories on the online situation; DeAngelis describes some of these stories, which include men fascinated by online pornography other stories that make headlines are women who abandon their families for online affairs, and people wasting their money on online gambling (DeAngelis 24).

The attraction to the internet has led to pitiful situations such as problems in marriages work and even in social settings. However, researchers state that the problems caused by the internet are avoidable, but it depends on the user who if he or she desires can control the use of the internet. According to DeAngelis most of the internet addicts stated that they use the internet to regulate their mood. They also stated that once they were on the net they did lose control. In relation to the greater issue is that a 2010 report showed that the American kids face an obsession with the internet and the various forms of entertainment media.

The estimates show that kids ranging from 8-18 years devoted an average of 53 hours a week to the use of the internet. It this devotion was for educational matters then there would be no problem. However, this time is spent on social networks and entertainment sites. The risk is that the network when, not under observation the children explore all sources of information which is unhealthy for these kids. Etengoff reports that 3 out of 10 children state that their parents restrict their use of the internet, watching TV and playing video games.

Research proves that both men and women can fall addicts into internet use. Experts show that men and women get attracted to sites that fit behavioural typecast of their own sex. Men get attracted to sites that offer them sexual fantasies, whereas women become addicts to sites that offer them relationships and an area where they can interact. However, Isaac does differ with the issue of addiction he states that addiction is a matter of choice and people have the ability to chose not to become slaves to the internet.

Isaac states that most people indulge on the internet due to, and idleness he gives a situation where one can use the time spent on chat rooms and social networks to make some money (DeAngelis 24). According to Isaac, if people took their job seriously and restricted themselves from surfing then the issue of addiction would not be an issue. He also thinks the choice is a critical part of trying to avoid falling to addiction to the internet. This is possible by avoiding spending free times on the internet.

If one uses the internet as an escape to boredom or loneliness, then it is high time to choose a different activity that does not involve the internet.