DOTA (Defence of the Ancient), DOTA 2, LOL (League of Legends) and other offline and online games are some of the most played computer games in the Philippines according from the website http://gamesinasia.com. Many people including students are playing this game for enjoyment, for fun and to forget their problems even just for an hour. But some students are not just playing it but they are now living with this computer games. Some students feel that their days are not complete if they cannot play this game for just a day.
Some students cancel some of their important activities so that they can play this computer games. And because of their addiction in this computer games some students fail in their studies because of not studying before the exam because instead of reviewing they are playing computer games. Some students fail also because of attending classes instead they choose to skip classes so that they can play computer games. Because of their addiction in this computer games they don’t know the consequences that can happen and also because of this addiction many parents now are concerned about the future of their children because of computer addiction. So because of this rising problems of the concerned parents to their children I choose the topic computer addiction so that it can help the problems of the concerned parents to their children.
It can help the concerned parents and the students by knowing the causes of this computer addiction so that it can be prevented. It can also help to know the measures that can help the parents of the children and the children who have computer addiction to make their life useful. This research also helps the parents and the students the major effects of computer addiction in their study and in the future. This research also discusses the major types of computer addiction and effective study habits.
Body Computer addiction is the excessive use of computers to the extent that it interferes with daily life. Excessive use may explain problems in social interaction, mood, personality, work ethic, relationships, thought processes, or sleep deprivation. (Wikipedia, n.d.) According to Addictions.com (n.d.) they define computer addiction as the desire to use a computer becomes so dire that computer usage either online or offline interferes with daily routines, relationships, activities and a one’s well-being. Computer addiction is a relatively new term used to describe a dependency on one's computer. It is not limited to personal computers, but covers video games and the Internet as well.
This addiction has already been given a label by psychologists: Internet addiction disorder (IAD). Computer addiction is also sometimes linked to computer gambling. Some people only have access to gambling services through a computer. Not only do such people spend countless hours playing online poker, but they often lose thousands of dollars while playing. (wisegeek.com, n.d.) According to William J. Cromie (January 21 1999), Orzack says that computer addiction is an emerging disorder, suffered by people who find the virtual reality on computer screens more attractive than everyday reality.
According to Orzack (n.d.) It is a problem very similar to Pathological Gambling or Compulsive Shopping. Like other addictions, it affects other people - family, friends, and co-workers. Spouses complain that their loved ones neglect them. Couples separate when one of the partners finds someone else on the Internet and leaves home. Like gamblers they compulsively keep investing time and money. They fantasize that the next connection they make will solve all their problems. Types of Computer Addiction
According to Helpguide.org (n.d.) Internet Addiction, otherwise known as computer addiction, online addiction, or Internet addiction disorder (IAD), covers a variety of impulse-control problems, including:
1) Cybersex Addiction – compulsive use of Internet pornography, adult chat rooms, or adult fantasy role-play sites impacting negatively on real-life intimate relationships.
2) Cyber-Relationship Addiction – addiction to social networking, chat rooms, texting, and messaging to the point where virtual, online friends become more important than real-life relationships with family and friends.
3) Net Compulsions – such as compulsive online gaming, gambling, stock trading, or compulsive use of online auction sites such as eBay, often resulting in financial and job-related problems.
4) Information Overload – compulsive web surfing or database searching, leading to lower work productivity and less social interaction with family and friends.
5) Computer Addiction – obsessive playing of off-line computer games, such as Solitaire or Minesweeper, or obsessive computer programming.
Also According to Addictions.com (n.d.) the most common types of computer addiction are: Programming addictions – these addictions result from an individual’s desire to reprogram items or databases or to create new software excessively General Computer addictions – this the the result of an individual’s desire to play games such as solitaire or other games on the computer and does not generally include internet usage Internet Addiction – internet addiction is the result of an individual’s desire to spend time online performing any one of a number of tasks in excessive. Internet addiction has sub-categories that include.
Study habits are defined as the regular tendencies and practices that one depicts during the process of gaining information through learning. Your study habits play a big role in determining your success in the learning process. (ask, n.d.) According to Answers.com (n.d.) Study habits means you are not distracted by anything, you have a certain place to go where it is quiet everyday where you study and do homework. Basically it means that you are doing the best you can to get the grades you want. According to Fleming (n.d.) following are the 10 tips in helping to improve your study habits:
1) Write Down Every Assignment 2) Remember to Bring Your Homework to School 3) Communicate With Your Teacher 4) Organize With Color 5) Establish a Study Zone at Home 6) Prepare Yourself for Test Days 7) Know Your Dominant Learning Style 8) Take Fabulous Notes 9) Conquer Procrastination 10) Take Care of Yourself According to Addictions.com (n.d.) the most common causes of computer addiction are the following:
Anxiety caused by stress at work, relationships, financial problems or other sources depression that leads to computer use to escape reality inactivity and using the computer instead of working out or otherwise being active physical illness that prevents an individual from leaving the home boredom and feeling like there is nothing else to do.
According to Pascual, C. (Feburary 5, 2013) Some causes of computer addiction start when you open the internet browser for the first time and find something that is capable of holding your attention for what seems like only minutes, which eventually turns into hours. For example dota, it is one of the most popular online games today and if you find it interesting you will start to get addicted to it. Not only in computer games but also in networking sites like Facebook and twitter and also maybe because of the influence of their friends and having no goals in life that’s why they are engaging to that kind of thing. According to Helpguide.org (n.d.) the common causes of computer addiction are: To relieve unpleasant and overwhelming feelings.
Many people turn to the Internet in order to manage unpleasant feelings such as stress, loneliness, depression, and anxiety. When you have a bad day and are looking for a way to escape your problems or to quickly relieve stress or self-soothe, the Internet can be an easily accessible outlet. Losing yourself online can temporarily make feelings such as loneliness, stress, anxiety, depression, and boredom evaporate into thin air. As much comfort as the Internet can provide, though, it’s important to remember that there are healthier (and more effective) ways to keep difficult feelings in check. These may include exercising, meditating, and practicing simple relaxation techniques.
For many people, an important aspect of overcoming Internet and computer addiction is to find alternate ways to handle these difficult feelings. Even when your Internet use is back to healthy levels, the painful and unpleasant feelings that may have prompted you to engage in unhealthy Internet use in the past will remain. So, it’s worth spending some time thinking about the different ways you intend to deal with stressful situations and the daily irritations that would normally have you logging on. Risk factors for Internet addiction and computer addiction (Help Guide.org, n.d.)
You are at greater risk of Internet addiction if:
You suffer from anxiety. You may use the Internet to distract yourself from your worries and fears. An anxiety disorder like obsessive-compulsive disorder may also contribute to excessive email checking and compulsive Internet use. You are depressed. The Internet can be an escape from feelings of depression, but too much time online can make things worse. Internet addiction further contributes to stress, isolation and loneliness. You have any other addictions. Many Internet addicts suffer from other addictions, such as drugs, alcohol, gambling, and sex.
You lack social support. Internet addicts often use social networking sites, instant messaging, or online gaming as a safe way of establishing new relationships and more confidently relating to others. You’re an unhappy teenager. You might be wondering where you fit in and the Internet could feel more comfortable than real-life friends. You are less mobile or socially active than you once were. For example, you may be coping with a new disability that limits your ability to drive. Or you may be parenting very young children, which can make it hard to leave the house or connect with old friends. You are stressed. While some people use the Internet to relieve stress, it can have a counterproductive effect. The longer you spend online, the higher your stress levels will be.
