I feel that this is a wealth of power but if we haven't already destroyed the reputation or the internet itself, then we can only become more familiar in taming the beast. Recent studies are beginning to uncover evidence that would suggest maybe some are not so capable of dealing with this technology. In fact, as more research is conducted, experts are finding that the Internet may even be addictive (Young).
Internet use has exploded in recent years. According to a recent survey taken by Harris Interactive, the number of adults in the United States who use the internet has more than doubled over the past five years and is now at over 135 million (Greenspan). Some say that the Internet is so enjoyable that it is almost addictive. The problem is that researchers are beginning to agree with them. Recent studies have shown that the Internet may not only be addicting because it is enjoyable, but that a fairly large number of users are experiencing addiction of a more serious form. Though research in this area is still only in its beginning stages, it doesn't look promising (O"Toole). .
Young children and teenagers can also get addicted to the Internet. This seems to occur most at college, where free time and access with no monitoring can lead to very steady usage. The kids were brought up on the Internet, and in school are often encouraged or even required to use it for work. As writer for New International Theodore Roszak says, "Used as a teaching device, the Web is an expensive way to distract attention and clutter the mind (Tapscott)." It is at college where these problems can also be most dangerous. It is not a well-known problem, so no one is warned of over-usage, and one could even go years without even seeing their problem - they have never been told to watch for it (Young). Some of the responsibility of recognizing the addiction has to lie within the household, there has to be some sort of a regulatory figure there to help prevent addictions before they become a problem.
