The Causes and Effects of Internet Addiction - Research Proposal Example

Internet Addiction Summary The research study is dedicated to investigating the causes and effects of internet addiction. The other objectives of the study are mentioned within the body of the paper. The researcher formulated three hypotheses that will be tested and validated or nullified when carrying out the research study. The research takes a quantitative research design with questionnaires being the main tool of primary data collection. The researcher will remain objective when carrying out the study. Furthermore, a systematic approach will be applied throughout critical areas of the study to ensure that the research remains scientific. The study population is comprised of individuals of all ages, different occupation, religion, gender and ethnicity. The sample size [insert number] is best suited for the study due to the minimal time frame of the entire research study. The study is important as it seeks to investigate the causes and effects of one of the greatest addictions of our time. The study can be used by scholars, addicts and counselors in future for reference purposes. Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 1.0 INTRODUCTION 4 1.1 Background information 4 1.2 Statement of the Problem 5 1.3 Purpose of the Study 5 1.4 Definition of Key Terms 6 1.5 Preliminary Review of Literature 7 2.0 OBJECTIVES & HYPOTHESIS 8 Objectives 8 Hypothesis 9 3.0 METHODOLOGY 9 3.1 Sampling 10 3.2 Tools of Data collection 10 3.3 Data Collection 11 3.4 Data Analysis 11 3.5 Ethical considerations 11 3.6 Work Plan/ Schedule 12 Figure 1: Gantt Chart 12 4.0 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY 13 5.0 LIMITATIONS AND DELIMITATIONS 13 REFERENCES 14 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background information The internet is a concept of the late twentieth century that gained global attention and increased usage in the early part of the twenty-first century. The internet is basically an interconnection of different computers using supporting technologies (software and hardware) which enables individuals have a pool of shared information and resources. This concept is exciting as it means that information can be shared virtually across the globe. Businesses and individuals rely on the internet on a daily basis. Businesses for example, have connected their computers across different geographical locations and regions to enable the central processing of vital business data. Individuals on the other hand rely on the internet for communication purposes. A good example is by the use of popular social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Other individuals heavily rely on instant messengers such as Whatsapp and Viber, while some are known to be frequent users of video conferencing platforms such as Skype. The increased benefits and convenience of the internet can, however, be misused by individuals. Studies on patterns of internet use and behavior by scholars have revealed that many people are addicted to the internet and spend considerable amounts of time browsing the internet on a daily basis. This worrying trend is popular among youthful individuals with a majority of them preferring to spend valuable time on the internet as opposed to spending it with family, friends, or doing constructive things. 1.2 Statement of the Problem It is a fact that internet addiction is a problem and that the problem may be here to stay if preventive measure are not taken. Many individuals continue to be addicted to the said technology on a daily basis. The concern is that the numbers keep increasing on a daily basis and the habit remains deeply rooted in the lives of the addicts. What begins as a normal and innocent use of the internet may at times develop into a habit and later an addiction (Padwa & Cunningham, 2010). The effects of addiction to the internet include a change in the social life/patterns of an individual. People who spend large amounts of time on the internet are considered as anti-social or depict acts of anti-social behavior. Addiction to the internet is a serious contemporary problem as it impacts the lives of the addict in a number of ways. For instance, an addict’s performance at the workplace or in school may be affected due to increased concentration on the internet and less focus on critical areas within the workplace or in school. Moreover, the problem of addiction to the internet is further escalated by the fact that smartphones can have fast access to the internet enabling individuals access the internet on the go, and addicts get deeply rooted to internet addiction. Due to the aforementioned factors, the researcher seeks to establish the causes and effects of internet addiction. 1.3 Purpose of the Study The purpose of the study is to investigate the internet usage pattern of individuals in the Western Region with particular focus on the factors that makes these individuals spend considerable amounts of time on the internet and what exactly causes the individuals to be addicted to the internet. The justification for the study is the fact that the researcher perceives that increased time spent on the internet may lead to anti-social behavior and lack of concentration on family or friends among other factors. Addiction to the internet is a phenomenon that is on the rise as many individuals continue to show signs of addiction to the internet. The main concern about this negative habit is the fact that an individual addicted to the internet spends most of the time browsing and may dedicate minimal attention to other spheres of life such as schoolwork and at the workplace, both of which require great concentration and attention. The unit of analysis in the study is people/individuals. The inquiry methods to be used in collecting data for the research study will be questionnaires and interviews. 1.4 Definition of Key Terms Some of the key terms used in the research study include; internet, internet addiction, browsing, social network, tablet and smartphone. The internet is basically a global system that is comprised of computer networks which use a standard internet protocol (IP) in linking several billions of devices around the globe. Internet addiction is a disorder in which an individual (the addict) spends considerable amounts of time watching videos, playing games or chatting on the internet to the extent that there is an interference of normal behavior/life. Browsing is the process of an individual accessing the internet to read material, watch videos, shop for items or send messages to other internet users. A social network is a platform (website) that consists of users who share similar interests, likes and perform similar activities. These users communicate, share files such as pictures and music on the social network and can make friend virtually through the social network. A tablet is a mini computer that has its display, battery and all circuitry in a single unit. The gadgets are usually equipped with gadgets such as cameras, GPS systems, and microphones enabling users perform hundreds of powerful tasks and commands as they would do on a traditional computer. Finally, a smartphone is a mobile device that is equipped with advanced connectivity and computing capability supported by superior hardware and software as compared to basic phones. 1.5 Preliminary Review of Literature Even though productive time may be spent on the internet, compulsive use of the technology may interfere with relationships and daily life and work. Addiction is best explained by (Price, 2011) who describes the phenomena as a state in which an individual feels that they are more comfortable with their online friends as compared to their real friends and family members. Saisan et al. (2013) agrees with Prince’s (2011) proposition and further proposes that internet addiction may also be characterized by individuals finding it increasingly difficult to refrain from playing online games, gambling, shopping on the internet, or even checking their mobile phone, laptop or smartphone devices even in instances where such acts may pose negative consequences to the life of the individual. Researchers and doctors at Proctor Hospital describe internet addiction as an impulsive control disorder in which an individual is not under the use or influence of alcohol or any intoxicating drug. They further propose that the condition is pretty similar to gambling addiction. According to the specialist, individuals who suffer from the said addiction often use a virtual fantasy world in connecting to real individuals through the technology (internet). These individuals use the platform (internet) as a substitute for real-life connection with other humans, a condition such addicts remain unable to achieve under normal conditions. Addiction to the internet results to family, personal, academic, occupational and financial problems that are the main characteristics of other conditions. Excessive use of the internet results to impairment of real-life relationships. Individuals who suffer from addiction to the internet spend a lot of time in solitary seclusion and less time with real people. Such individuals are normally viewed as being socially awkward. Those addicted to the internet may at times engage in acts aimed at concealing the amount of time they spend online. The resultant effect is that these acts may cause distrust and disturb the quality of once stable relationships with family members and friends. Steiner & Scherer, (2014) noted that majority of individuals attempting to quit internet addiction experience withdrawal signs which include depression, anger, relied, anxiety, mood swings, irritability, sadness, fear, loneliness, restlessness and boredom to mention but a few. Moreover, addicts of the internet may experience physical discomfort and medical problems such as dry eyes, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, severe headaches, backaches and even eating irregularities. Due to the aforementioned effects of internet addiction, it is evident that an internet addict needs to get external help to overcome the problem. The first step towards this course is determining where the problem lies. This can be identified by a certified addictions counselor who has relevant training in the area of identification and treatment of internet addiction (Steiner & Scherer 2014). The Center for Internet Addiction founded in 1995 by Dr. Young Kimberly is an example of a suitable place that an internet addict can seek professional help (Young, 2011). The center provides treatment of internet addiction by using the doctor’s Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Internet Addiction (CBT-IA). It is important that individuals experiencing symptoms of internet addiction seek help to deal with the problem before the issue escalates and reaches potentially dangerous levels. 2.0 OBJECTIVES & HYPOTHESIS Objectives The main objective of the study is to investigate the causes and effects of internet addiction. The other objectives of the study are; 1. To investigate how the age of an individual affects usage of the internet 2. To find out if the type of device used by an individual has an effect on addiction 3. To establish the average amount of time (in hours) individuals spend on the internet 4. To establish the effect of addiction to the internet on an individual’s studies or work 5. To understand what feelings individuals elicit when restricted to access the internet Hypothesis HO 1: Internet addiction affects an individual’s performance in school or at the workplace. Internet addiction does not affect an individual’s performance in school or at work. HO 2: The mobility of a device can lead to internet addiction. The mobility of a device cannot lead to internet addiction HO 3: Teenagers and youths are more prone to internet addiction Teenagers and youths are not more prone to internet addiction. 3.0 METHODOLOGY The researcher will remain objective, factual and systematic in collecting data for the study. In carrying out the research study, the researcher will use various data collection tools and methods of analysis. By use of sampling techniques, the researcher will establish a sample size of the study population. Ethics of research will be considered throughout the study. Finally, the researcher will prepare well for the study by using a schedule/time plan. 3.1 Sampling In carrying out the research study, the researcher will use various sampling techniques when handling the sample population of the study. The sample population for the study is comprised of individuals of all ages, different occupation, religion, gender and ethnicity Saisan, et al., 2013). In line with this objective, the researcher will use non probability sampling techniques in the study, and in particular purposive and snow ball sampling techniques. The said techniques were preferred by the researcher as they complement the quantitative design of the research project. Furthermore, purposive selections of participants for the study enabled the researcher identify individuals perceived to have vital information to the study (Ardilly & Tillé, 2006). The sample size for the research study will be comprised of [insert number] individuals. These individuals will be chosen by the researcher and requested to participate in the research study. The identified sample group of individuals will also refer the researcher to other probable participants perceived to possess information and likely to participate in the research. 3.2 Tools of Data collection Based on the quantitative design of the research study, the researcher settled for using questionnaires in collecting primary data for the research. A quantitative approach to the study will enable the researcher quantify the research problem by way of numerical data and analysis. Statistical data is important in the quantification of behaviors, attitudes, opinions and other variables of the study. The questionnaire designed will contain a set of open-ended, close-ended and rating scale questions. These combination enables the researcher collect both qualitative and numerical data for the study. The tool remains powerful in the study as the collected information will be analyzed and presented in graphical form for easy interpretation. Alongside primary research, the researcher also plans to conduct secondary research for the study. This data will be collected from books, journals and credible web sources and will be used in supplementing the data collected from the primary research. 3.3 Data Collection Primary data for the study will be collected by use of the questionnaire. Before carrying out the study, the researcher plan to carry out a pilot study with a small group of students and friends in a bid to determine the outcome of the actual study. The pilot study will also give the researcher insight on areas of the questionnaire that need to be revised after which the researcher will prepare a final questionnaire to be circulated to the participants of the study. The data collected will be analyzed by the researcher and processed into useful information. Secondary data for the study will be collected form books and other academic sources by the researcher. 3.4 Data Analysis With a quantitative approach to the study, the researcher will be able to generalize the concepts obtained from the sample study population. This information will be analyzed carefully by the researcher to establish patterns and trends that will be later used to validate or nullify the hypotheses of the study. 3.5 Ethical considerations Research studies need to be carried out according to various principles and moral guidelines (Oliver, 2010). Such terms are what comprise ethical consideration in the area of research. When carrying out studies, researchers are supposed to consider various ethical guidelines. In this study, the researcher will remain ethical in all areas and stages of the study. For instance, the researcher will contact the participants of the study formally by sending copies of the introduction letter which contains critical information of the study such as the research objectives. Once a participant agrees to participate in the study, the researcher will give them a copy of the questionnaire to fill in the required data. The researcher will then analyze the data collected from the study and compile a report that summarizes the entire research study. In line with this, all the participants of the study will be given a full privilege of anonymity as the researcher will not document any personal detail(s) of the participants. 3.6 Work Plan/ Schedule Figure 1: Gantt Chart According to Kothari (2004), good planning is critical to the success of a research study. Having this consideration in mind, the researcher prepared the Gantt chart below (figure 1) which records the estimated time needed to carry out the research study and prepare the final report of the entire research study. Activity May June July August Proposal Writing Preparation of Instruments Data Collection Data Analysis and Interpretation Report Writing Submission of Final Report Source: Researcher In the first month of the study, the researcher will write the initial proposal of the study and submit a copy of the same to the supervisor. In addition, necessary amendments to the study will also be made during this time before the researcher embarks on the actual study. In the second month of the study, the researcher will assemble the necessary instruments and tools for the research study. Moreover, this time will also be used by the researcher in contacting the participants of the research to prepare them for the actual study. The researcher will collect data, analyze and interpret the collected data in the third month of the study. The researcher will finally wind up the entire research study by compiling a final report of the entire research and submitting the same to the supervisor for assessment in the final month of the study. 4.0 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY With the study, the researcher will not only understand the research problem, but will also contribute to the body of knowledge in the concerned discipline. The study can be used by other researchers in future seeking information on similar topics to provide secondary data or research gaps and opportunity for further research. The recommendations by the researcher about the entire study will also be useful to scholars, internet addicts and counselors seeking to help individuals with addiction to the internet. 5.0 LIMITATIONS AND DELIMITATIONS In carrying out the research study, the researcher expects to encounter a number of limitations. First, being a quantitative research, not all findings may be generalized to the entire population of study during analysis. There are also financial constraints that the researcher expects to encounter when carrying out the research study. The timeline for the study is minimal thereby restricting the researcher to carry out the study with a small sample size to enable thorough analysis of the data obtained. In the study, the delimitations considered by the researcher fall under such categories as the sample population, methodological procedures and data collection tools used. The researcher will not choose random participant in the study. This is because the researcher desires to collect precise information from the study and thus will only deal with individuals perceived to possess the needed knowledge. Interviews will not be used by the researcher in collecting data for the study as such methods best complement a qualitative research design. REFERENCES Ardilly, P., & Tillé, Y. (2006). Sampling methods: Exercises and solutions. New York: Springer. Hale, J. (2012). The 3 Basic Types of Descriptive Research Methods. Retrieved from: http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2011/09/27/the-3-basic-types-of-descriptive-research methods/ Kothari, C. R. (2004). Research methodology: Methods and techniques. New Delhi: New Age International (P) Ltd. Oliver, P. (2010). The students guide to research ethics. Maidenhead, Berkshire: Open University Press. Padwa, H., & Cunningham, J. (2010). Addiction: A reference encyclopedia. Santa Barbara, Calif: ABC-CLIO. Price, H. O. (2011). Internet addiction. Hauppauge, N.Y: Nova Science Publishers, Inc. Saisan, J., Smith, M., Robinson, L., & Seagal, J. (2013). Internet and Computer: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment. Retrieved from: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/internet_cybersex_addiction.htm Steiner, D., & Scherer. (2014). Internet. Retrieved from: http://www.addictionrecov.org/Addictions/index.aspx?AID=43 Young, K. S. (2011). Internet addiction: A handbook and guide to evaluation and treatment. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Read More