Does Internet and Computer "Addiction" Exist? Some Case Study Evidence

Does Internet and Computer "Addiction" Exist? Some Case Study Evidence

Volume 3, Number 2, 2000 | MARK GRIFFITHS, Ph.D.
The article explores the existence of internet and computer "addiction" through five case studies. It argues that while anecdotal evidence suggests a typical "addict" is a teenage male with little social life and self-confidence, the cases presented do not fully fit this stereotype. The author uses criteria for addiction components (salience, mood modification, tolerance, withdrawal, conflict, and relapse) to assess the cases. Only two of the five subjects, Gary and Jamie, are considered to exhibit all the core components of addiction. The excessive usage in most cases is seen as symptomatic of underlying issues such as social isolation, depression, and coping mechanisms. The article highlights the role of the Internet in providing social contact and escape, particularly for those who are socially disadvantaged or isolated. It also discusses the potential for online relationships to be psychologically healthy and the structural characteristics of software that may promote addictive tendencies. The author concludes that future research should focus on understanding why the Internet is highly reinforcing for some individuals and the broader social implications of these behaviors.The article explores the existence of internet and computer "addiction" through five case studies. It argues that while anecdotal evidence suggests a typical "addict" is a teenage male with little social life and self-confidence, the cases presented do not fully fit this stereotype. The author uses criteria for addiction components (salience, mood modification, tolerance, withdrawal, conflict, and relapse) to assess the cases. Only two of the five subjects, Gary and Jamie, are considered to exhibit all the core components of addiction. The excessive usage in most cases is seen as symptomatic of underlying issues such as social isolation, depression, and coping mechanisms. The article highlights the role of the Internet in providing social contact and escape, particularly for those who are socially disadvantaged or isolated. It also discusses the potential for online relationships to be psychologically healthy and the structural characteristics of software that may promote addictive tendencies. The author concludes that future research should focus on understanding why the Internet is highly reinforcing for some individuals and the broader social implications of these behaviors.
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[slides and audio] Does Internet and Computer %22Addiction%22 Exist%3F Some Case Study Evidence