Are We All Internet Addicts?
Internet addiction. Many of us fall victim to it living in the modern world. And as Anthony tells us, there was a lot of discussion about whether it should be classified as an official disorder in the new DSM 5. In the end, it wasn't included-- here's why. Read More: Why the Internet Sucks You in Like a Black Hole http://news.yahoo.com/why-internet-sucks-black-hole-132327069.html "Those are the famous last words of countless people every day, right before getting sucked into several hours of watching cat videos, commenting on Instagrammed sushi lunches, and Googling to find out what ever happened to Dolph Lundgren." Corgi Snow Tunnel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REM3sD7FatY Credit: Joel Drew ____________________ DNews is dedicated to satisfying your curiosity and to bringing you mind-bending stories & perspectives you won't find anywhere else! New videos twice daily. Watch More DNews on TestTube http://testtube.com/dnews Subscribe now! http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=dnewschannel DNews on Twitter http://twitter.com/dnews Anthony Carboni on Twitter http://twitter.com/acarboni Laci Green on Twitter http://twitter.com/gogreen18 Trace Dominguez on Twitter http://twitter.com/trace501 DNews on Facebook http://facebook.com/dnews DNews on Google+ http://gplus.to/dnews Discovery News http://discoverynews.com
Are We All Internet Addicts?
What Makes the Internet So Addictive?
Introduction to Internet Addiction
- The speaker introduces the topic of internet addiction, expressing a personal struggle with it while humorously noting how distractions can lead to procrastination.
- A theory suggests that internet addiction may stem from the same brain mechanisms involved in gambling, where intermittent rewards create addictive behaviors.
Psychological Mechanisms Behind Addiction
- The brain's survival instinct drives us to seek patterns and register small victories, similar to how we react to slot machines; this leads to a heightened excitement for positive experiences online.
- Notifications and social interactions (likes, shares) provide positive reinforcement, making users more likely to return for that rewarding feeling.
Challenges of Multitasking and Boundaries
- The lack of boundaries on the internet complicates usage; multitasking can lead to cognitive overload as users juggle multiple platforms simultaneously.
- Willpower is likened to a muscle that can become fatigued; constant exposure to stimuli can deplete mental resources, leading users into endless browsing.
Recommendations for Managing Internet Use
- To combat severe internet addiction, establishing strict time limits is advised. The speaker mentions using a Pomodoro timer technique but admits difficulty in adhering to it.