Stanford University has released the results of a poll that delves into the computer habits of nearly 2,600 people, and for once, I actually agree with the conclusions (sort of).The study, conducted via phone, found that 69 percent of those polled use the Internet regularly and about 14 percent said they had trouble staying away from the Net for several days at a time. About 6 percent confessed their relationships suffered because of time spent surfing and/or playing.
According to Dr. Elias Aboujaoude, the study’s lead author and the head of the Impulse Control Disorders Clinic at Stanford, the poll was prompted by an increase in the number of people looking for help with their computer use.
"We are seeing more people who lost their jobs because of too much time spent surfing the Internet during work," he is quoted as saying. "More relationships are breaking up because of spouses sneaking out of bed to check e-mail in the middle of the night."
While the research suggests the possibility computers might be addictive, Aboujaoude stopped short of saying so.
“We don't definitively know right now if it is clinically addictive, but it certainly seems that (computer compulsion) problems are widespread," he said.
The elaboration states that excessive computer use could just possibly be a symptom of another condition, such as depression. There is the possibility, however, that computer “addiction” could be its own class of disorder just like alcoholism or drug addiction.
"We need more research before we know if this is a separate category of addiction," said Aboujaoude.
It’s not very often I agree with researchers, but this one’s words ring true. Rather than automatically assume the computer, video games or the Internet are the roots of all evil, he instead raises the possibility these things simply are providing a new crutch for other illnesses.
It’s nice to see a little common sense being included in research in this very politically charged arena.
Now, if only one of these folks would mention the millions of computer users, players of games like World of Warcraft, D&D Online, EverQuest and others who aren’t “addicted,” don’t commit violent acts and don’t shirk other responsibilities, we’d be on to something.
Related:
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Video Game Addicts Get Their Own Clinic
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