COMPSYS.COM

Internet addiction is a growing phenomenon in today’s technologically advanced societies. If left unchecked, internet addiction may lead to behavior that can hurt the user, their friends, and even family members.

Internet addiction manifests itself in excessive internet usage at highly inappropriate times. Unfortunately, people with this addiction are willing to risk jobs, family, friends and even their own lives. Individuals with an internet addiction often feel compelled to access the internet during working hours, even though it may prohibited by their employers. Computers are easily monitored in the workplace, thus unauthorized internet access is quickly detected. Extreme cases of the addiction exhibit multiple occurrences of using one’s cell phone to access social networking sites while driving. Individuals with internet addiction can be easily distracted by web-surfing while operating vehicles, therefore endangering themselves and everyone around them. In recent news, a young Florida mother had pleaded guilty for fatally shaking her son, because he interrupted her internet gaming. This story was a tragedy born from an astounding case of internet addiction, which could have been avoided.

Internet addiction should never be taken lightly. Before using the internet during unacceptable times, please stop, and think of the consequences before you act.