For years now, I have heard psychologists talk about treating computer addiction. (Computer addiction is a loosely used term for the excessive use of computers to the extent that it interferes with daily life...wikipedia). The number of hours spent on the computer, just as the number of drinks it takes to be considered an alcoholic was mentioned by some. Like much research, the number of variables is so great about how people use computers and the reasons for doing so. A real question is how does one define interfering with daily life.
Having given a great deal of thought to this subject, I have decided while, indeed, there may be some who might be called addicted because they choose to use a computer rather than doing things directly or physically because the computer can satisfy many needs. An analogy I reached was that I am as addicted to my computers as I was to my mother as a child., though I have never heard a child's dependence on its mother as addiction.
There is a great dependence on my computer on my part. It is not addiction but addition. It has replaced so many steps, much time spent, and a great deal of frustration. My computer saves me time looking things up in dictionaries, making phone calls to get information, pay bills, shop, find resources, and replaces encyclopedias and reference books which are too quickly out of date in today's fast moving society. I use it to better understand prescriptions, their purpose, and all sorts of things to maintain my general health. The list of ways my life is made simpler seems to grow exponentially.
When people say to me, "I don't want to get a computer because I will get addicted to it." ( Yes, Virginia, just as there is Christmas, there are still ignorant people who wish to remain uniformed.
Having given a great deal of thought to this subject, I have decided while, indeed, there may be some who might be called addicted because they choose to use a computer rather than doing things directly or physically because the computer can satisfy many needs. An analogy I reached was that I am as addicted to my computers as I was to my mother as a child., though I have never heard a child's dependence on its mother as addiction.
There is a great dependence on my computer on my part. It is not addiction but addition. It has replaced so many steps, much time spent, and a great deal of frustration. My computer saves me time looking things up in dictionaries, making phone calls to get information, pay bills, shop, find resources, and replaces encyclopedias and reference books which are too quickly out of date in today's fast moving society. I use it to better understand prescriptions, their purpose, and all sorts of things to maintain my general health. The list of ways my life is made simpler seems to grow exponentially.
When people say to me, "I don't want to get a computer because I will get addicted to it." ( Yes, Virginia, just as there is Christmas, there are still ignorant people who wish to remain uniformed.
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