f keyboards. Removing one's self from the problem may not be as easy as many psychologists promise. How can Internet Addiction impair or negatively effect a person's life?The Internet is "a socially connecting device that's socially isolating at the same time," say David Greenfield, Ph.D., founder of The Center for Internet Studies. (DeAngelis 1) By separating ourselves from each other with TV's, and computers we keep ourselves from developing real world skills. (Stoll 203) Brian McCormick, in his article "Hooked on the Net," quoted one man as saying, "I could lose myself for hours or days without ever leaving home. The level of isolation and separation from real people was jarring. I had an active real life with friends and a job I loved, but I was spending more and more time in an online fantasy world, which I found ultimately to be very empty."Not only can the Internet keep one from knowing how to deal with real life, it builds shallow relationships. Online friends can't be depended upon for tangible favors. (200) Although an addict may feel that his online friends are true friends the likelihood that they will still be there in 20 years is slim. How can Internet Addiction be treated?Internet Addiction like many other addictions is difficult to treat because the Internet itself is not a bad thing until it is misused. The Internet can be an extremely helpful and positive tool when used properly. The psychiatrist who coined the term "Internet Addiction Disorder," Ivan Goldberg, MD says that people must first recognize patterns of abuse, identify underlying problems, and make a plan to work through problems before any treatment could be effective. (Ferris 1)How can Internet Addiction be prevented?Internet Addiction is an impulse control disorder. The Addiction starts when one loses interest in the real world and seeks solace in the computer. The only way that Internet Addiction can be prevented is to learn to deal with life whether it ...
