Critics

There are several who claim that Internet is just a medium for addicts to indulge themselves in other diagnosed addictions. Barrett Blackburn, system administrator for Perlos Inc., said that it’s not the Internet that possess an addictive element, but rather “Internet Addiction” is more of a case of the Internet feeding another addiction by making it easier to gain access or obtain the addictive gambling. “They’re not addicted to the Internet, they’re addicted to pornography… to gambling… to fantasy football.” The Internet allows them to do it at work more easily, he said.
However, it is important to take note of the “socializing” factor of the Internet. It is the socialization that makes the Internet so addicting. It is the basic truth of the human condition that everyone seeks and desires company. Yet, some argue that, since socializing itself is a very “addictive” behavior, does the fact that we’re now socializing with the help of technology (for example, the telephone) alter the basic process of socialization? But this argument failed to notice that many Internet addicts had already experienced adverse effects on their relationships with close ones such as friends and family members. Internet socialization does not require the verbal aspect of communication, and anyone could establish false identities to lure or deceive those who chat with them online. Thus, Internet socialization could hardly be compared to real-life interpersonal contact as it not only lacks the basic physical human contact, but is generally less genuine due to exploitation by others who create false identities.
Furthermore, it is important to recognize IAD as a unique addiction by itself instead of dismissing it as the Internet being misused as a medium for other addictions. IAD has its own distinctive symptoms and unlike the other addictions, Internet usage could still be very constructive towards one’s life if the usage is regulated and disciplined. Also, as the technological age advance faster and faster, the usage of Internet becomes more and more mainstreamed; teenagers are becoming more and more susceptible to Internet addiction of all the addictions as it is widely accessible to most of them. It is vital that we recognize the problem now and clamp it down before it converts the next generation into addicts imprisoned within the confines of the Internet.