Digital Nation: Internet addiction

We are a nation that thrives on the Internet. It is no longer something that we think about, it is a part of our lives. Most teenagers and young adults in our country view the Internet has an extension of their existence. I find myself on facebook at least once a day. We feel lost if we don't know what's going. Access is no longer limited to the computer, it's on your phone. Sometimes I carry my phone with me as if it's a lifeline. My phone is wakes me up in the morning, and when I'm bored I go on the Internet. I still remember the days when I'd go away with my family for a week, and not have any idea what was going on at home.Today, there is little escape from the Internet. We have literally immersed ourselves in it.

I think that the use of technology is becoming an addiction for some people. It takes will power to get yourself away from the technology that surrounds you. When I recently watched the movie "Digital Nation," presented by Frontline, they brought us to South Korea, where getting away from technology is almost impossible. South Korea diagnoses Internet addiction has a psychological disorder like alcoholism. A huge number of South Koreans are addicted to gaming, and going to the endless Internet cafes. The movie shows us South Korean addicts, but what about the addicts in our own country, where many young adults sit expressionless for hours in front of the computer. I saw one parent who had to email his son to tell him it was dinner time. We often emphasize how the Internet is improving our communication, but I think it is decreasing our real life personal communication skills. Most people who are addicted to the Internet feel they have less of an ability to communicate with others. In South Korea they are now teaching their children how to use the Internet, at the same time they are teaching children to read. The purpose of this is to teach them Internet ethics and manners at a young age. South Korea has begun to offer Internet addiction treatment. I think that we should begin to recognize Internet addiction in our country as well, and offer treatment plans. The Internet is a great place to learn and social network, but it should not replace childhood or the time we spend with our family.