Extreme use
of Internet porn, online gaming and communication (including social media, email and instant
messaging) are the three main categories of problematic internet use. Internet
addiction could likely emerge through particular activities online, consistently
related to pre-existing problems. Certain demographic characteristics, age,
socioeconomic standing, can factor into PIU.
Internet use can be classified in one
of three ways as an addiction, an impulse control disorder (ICD), or a
compulsive behavior. Problems affiliated with PIU closely match those seen in
patients with substance use disorders (SUDs). In addition, PIU and ICDs can
frequently coexist and research is needed to determine if the psychiatric issues
prompted PIU or vice versa. Internet use provides an outlet for various
behaviors as perceived anonymity can encourage behaviors less likely to be
engaged offline also known as “online disinhibition effect”.
A particular case study found a link
between a man’s compulsive use of Internet pornography and his feelings of
inadequacy and shame. As the feelings were addressed, his PIU was no longer an
issue. Employers may have to address an employee’s inappropriate Internet
activities, such as viewing pornography. In a survey of managers 33% reported
that their companies had either disciplined or fired an employee as a result of
PIU – with one of the most frequently cited problems as viewing pornographic websites
on work computers (29%).
Yet to be resolved in court, IBM is
being sued for firing an employee for his inappropriate use at work of a
pornographic chat room. The lawsuit filed under the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA), claims that his Internet addiction was a coping method for his
combat-related post-traumatic stress and that IBM wrongfully discriminated
against him on the basis of his psychiatric disability. This case could have a
profound effect for future lawsuits and how to categorize internet use
disorder.
Recupero, Patricia R. "Forensic evaluation of problematic Internet use." Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online 36.4 (2008): 505-514.
I believe that the internet has made it easy for people to shut out of the world. There is no need to go out and walk up to a person and start a conversation.You can sit at home "talk" to whoever you want and pretty much be who you want to be. A person with low self esteem can get themselves into a lot of trouble. It can be addicting to the point that when they do have to go out in the real world they cant function because all they can think about is that chat room,video game or porn site.
ReplyDeleteThat is an astute comment. The bounds of community have changed, a dichotomy of being more fluid and more isolated. The lasting and societal impact is yet to be seen, who knows where we'll be in 50 to 100 years.
ReplyDeleteI agree that a person with low self esteem and free access to the internet can be a harmful combination. Did you research any ways (besides firing) that an employer could handle these kinds of issues? Perhaps having workshops centered around confidence and motivation. I think increasing an employee's morale could cut down instances such as this, at least in the workplace.
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