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Running Head: Internet Addiction

Community Problem Report: Internet/Social Media Addiction

The University of Texas at El Paso
RWS 1302
March 31, 2016
Rafael Ocasio

Instructor: Tafari Nugent

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Running Head: Internet Addiction

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Abstract
Instructor: Tafari Nugent

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Running Head: Internet Addiction

In conclusion, internet addiction is an existent issue in todays world in which should be

dealt with properly. Not only should usage be minimized, but also to a more benefit extent. With
it beginning to be considered in relation to a disorder, caution should most defiantly be taken.
Depending on the severity of ones internet addiction, it can simply be managed by managing
your time. By this, I mean spending more time doing beneficial activities rather than be behind a
screen all day. Although, with those who need guidance to resolve their internet addiction, there
is professional help out there available as any regular therapy/counseling is also available.

Introduction

Instructor: Tafari Nugent

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Running Head: Internet Addiction

According to Hilarie Cash (The Week Magazine), an executive director of the reStart
Program for internet addiction and recovery located in Seattle, Internet addiction is the same as
any other addiction - excessive release of dopamine. With the world revolving around
technology so much, the usage of both the internet and smart phones has greatly increased over
the years. With popular companies such as Apple and Android consistently releasing new
projects throughout the years, the evidence of over-usage of these devices or the internet in
general can be found present on any given regular day. As many sources of entertainment can be
accessed through the devices such as games, social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,
etc.), movie apps, etc. it can clearly be concluded that mostly the people in America are growing
some sort of a dependency towards it.
How Serious Should This Issue Be Taken?
Some would think internet addiction wouldnt really be considered as something to be
taken serious o something that doesnt have enough relevant research to be stated as a global
issue but in fact, there are now treatment centers that are available and also still developing to
deal specifically with people who are affected by internet addiction. In addition, internet
addiction is being considered as a disorder. According to an online Forbes article, Internet
addiction, or formally, Internet Use Disorder (IUD), may soon be included as an actual mental
health disorder, although the authors do say it still needs a lot of additional study. In response to
this, it is clear that over the years the usage of the internet within the United States of America
has not only greatly increased, but is also continuing to increase.
Impact on People and Families

Instructor: Tafari Nugent

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Running Head: Internet Addiction

Any addiction can be defined as the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular
substance, thing, or activity. With that being said, there are countless amounts of entertainment
sources such as games, movies, social media, etc that can be accessed via the internet. This helps
create some sort of an addiction to some people to the point where they are usually found
browsing the web or through their smart phone. The impact on the user is found to mostly consist
of lack of time management. Loss of time to accomplish more important/beneficial activities
such as homework, working out, family time, etc rather than being behind a screen all day seems
to be the most common way in which people and their families are affected by internet addiction.
Awareness & Resolution
In todays world, it is clear that awareness for smart phone/internet addiction has been
spread out throughout the United States. An example could be Dont Text and Drive! as most
of us are aware of the deadly consequences involved if one decides to not take this phrase into
consideration. This is an important and also perfect example to use due to the fact that
technology is something in which is highly used and also depended on a daily basis in todays
world.
Resolution to the use of technology inappropriately would obviously be to manage your
time for more beneficial activities that dont involve someone being online or stuck in one place
for a long time. Also, limiting ones time and usage could also be a start for slowly avoiding the
usage of internet or social media. Both of these can be achieved by first really be willing to do
your part and put forth the effort in allowing yourself to get professional help if needed to that
extent.Now, at "just under $20,000" for a minimum 45-day internet rehab (60- and 90- day

Instructor: Tafari Nugent

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Running Head: Internet Addiction

options are available), the reStart program may not be for everyone. Indeed, you could always
just... turn off your phone and computer.
Should More Research Be Conducted?
Some may argue that more research must be conducted to really prove that internet
addiction is something that should be taken serious. In my opinion, the answer is clear as so
many things revolve around technology every day. There are people out there who are so focused
on being online and browsing for temporary entertainment that dont even notice or claim having
some sort of an addiction towards it. It is obviously clear that internet addiction is taking its toll
on people and is an existent issue nowadays; the real question would be how could one prevent it
from happening? With the world revolving around technology so much, resolving this issue
could be considered a bit tricky. With internet addiction being considered a sort of disorder by
professionals, this only backs up the argument of internet addiction being an issue in which is
needed to be tackled.

Instructor: Tafari Nugent

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Running Head: Internet Addiction

References
N/A (2013, October 31). Smartphone addiction.http://www.toonpool.com/cartoons/Smartphone
%20addiction_211263
Hepburn, Ned (2013, January 24). Life in The Age of Internet Addiction. The Week Magazine.
Retrieved from http://theweek.com/articles/468363/life-age-internet-addiction
N/A (2013, June 21). Hooked like a Fish! Retrieved from
https://sarumuse.wordpress.com/2013/06/21/hooked-like-a-fish/
N/A (2013, October 31). Smartphone addiction. Retrieved from
http://www.toonpool.com/cartoons/Smartphone%20addiction_211263
Walton, G. Alice (2012, October 2). Internet Addiction: The New Mental Health Disorder?
Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2012/10/02/the-new-mental-healthdisorder-internet-addiction/#380450565230

Instructor: Tafari Nugent