Internet usages as it relates to sleep deprivation.
This study will examine the relationship of sleeping habits with internet usage. It will also take a look at how the average internet user relates to a person with Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD). Internet Addiction Disorder is a psychophysiological disorder involving tolerance; withdrawal symptoms; affective disturbances; and interruption of social relationships, is a presenting problem that is becoming more common in society as on-line usage increases by the day. People suffering from IAD show very similar symptoms as a person suffering from a chemical dependency, whereas they actually seem to be addicted to the Internet. While this study will focus more attention on the sleep patterns of Internet user before and after they started using the Internet, it is still important to define IAD. It is also necessary to point out that while an individual may be suffering from sleep deprivation caused by Internet usage they are not necessarily suffering from Internet Addiction Disorder. IAD is classified by a number of other symptoms other then sleep deprivation.
Hypothesis .
The hypothesis of this research project is that the majority of people that use the Internet on a consistent basis will tend to stay awake later at night, even when having to get up early the following day. Although it is also believed that this factor is attributed to the entertainment qualities or the Internet and have the same effects on an individuals sleep habits as staying up late watching television.
Research Methods.
The research method used in this project was conducted through surveys held on the Internet. A webpage was created that allowed the subjects of the survey to submit their results, which were compiled later. Of the 186 survey submissions, 100 were selected to be part of the survey. Their Internet address was logged in order to ensure that each submission was unique.