Philosophy / 2. Social philosophy

Giryavenko A.V.

Donetsk National University of Economy and trade named after M. Tugan-Baranovskiy

The problem of computer addiction among young people in Ukraine

A computer is an integral part of our life nowadays. It’s a great thing for work and studies as well as for playing games. There are some advantages of computer but the list of disadvantages is much more imposing.

To my mind, as for advantages, the Internet is one of the most wonderful inventions of mankind. It has become one of the most powerful tools throughout the world. Many websites of different universities provide lectures and tutorials on different subjects and topics. You can download this information onto your computer and listen to these lectures repeatedly.

As for disadvantages, the first and the most important is bad influence on children’s health. First of all, spending a lot of time at the computer is a great strain for the eyes. The amount of short-sighted young people has been increasing constantly for the last years. Secondly, sedentary life instead of an active one is very harmful for a child’s normal physical development. Sports, reading books, painting and communication with friends are of no interest now. Playing computer games is the only favourite activity for many children. Undoubtedly, it delays general personality development. Finally, spending much time playing computer games has a bad effect on studying. Sometimes adults are too busy to control their teens’ Internet activity. Or maybe they often even don’t realize the possible danger of the Internet. That’s why, in my point of view parents should not forbid but limit the amount of the time their children play computer games in order to bring up an all-round developed person. The computer is a thing invented to be useful but not harmful. That’s what I think about the problem.

The term computer addiction originated long before the Internet.  Excessive use may explain problems in social interaction, mood, personality, work ethic, relationships, thought processes, or sleep deprivation. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders does not include a diagnosis for such a disorder. Some people develop bad habits in their computer use that cause them significant problems in their lives. The types of behavior and negative consequences are similar to those of known addictive disorders.

Excessive computer use may result in, or occur with:

1. Preoccupation

Someone who is addicted to computer, video, or Internet gaming often exhibits an unusual preoccupation with the game or computer when he is away from it. The teen could seem distracted, irritable, or disinterested and may talk about the game almost constantly.

2. Lack of control

A person who is addicted, or at risk of becoming addicted to gaming, is unable to control the amount of time she spends on the computer. She may go online with the intent to spend 15 or 20 minutes, but will keep extending the time until several hours have passed.

3. A loss of time

Along the same lines, a person may sit down at his computer, again with the intent to spend only a few minutes, but completely lose track of time and suddenly find that several hours have passed. It is not unusual for someone with a gaming addiction to play through the night and only realize how much time has passed when the sun begins to rise.

4. Negative Impact on Other Areas of Life

Because the person spends so much time on the computer or video game console, other areas of life are neglected. He may grow distant from friends and family who had previously been close. Homework may go unfinished, causing grades to slip. In more extreme cases, the teen may even neglect personal hygiene, choosing to play video games rather than taking a shower.

5. Hiding From Negative or Uncomfortable Feelings or Situations

Some people become addicted to gaming because they use it to self-medicate. When confronted with situations or feelings that are uncomfortable (feeling sad, arguing with a friend, or getting a bad grade), the person may "hide" in the game as a method of avoidance.

6. Misuse of Money Someone who is addicted to video, computer, or Internet gaming will spend a disproportionate amount of money on computer-related items. The person will seem to be continually upgrading hardware, software packages, and accessories. This becomes an even greater problem if the person spends money that should be used for bills, groceries, and other necessities.

7. Mixed Feelings As with any addiction, use of the "substance" – in this case, the video game – initially causes euphoric feelings, but that euphoria is quickly followed by guilt. Guilt may be felt either over what the person is doing while online or simply the amount of time he is spending at the computer.

A cause for many of the above-mentioned effects may be that computer games do not stimulate the release of neurotransmitters responsible for feelings of satisfaction and relaxation, such as oxytocin and endorphin, in the same way that real world activities do.

All in all, the computer and the Internet have changed our life greatly by making it more dynamic, informative and dependent on it. Whether we like it or not, it has become a part of our everyday life and we have to make the best possible use of it.