12
pounds. He ony of this conditio
It he
These things did not happen to these people because they were lazy or stupid. They
happened because of addiction. New college students, even the brightest and most
ccessful ones, are most at risk from these effects because the Internet is important for
their studies and because they are just entering a world where their online habits are
home, students have to manage time by themselves. During ther, e and structure of
grades can plunge, their health decline, and their friendships cea fy first term, their
It is easy for those who are unaffected by the powerful draw of connectivity -those who
can easily contro/ their time online- to view Internet addiction as an imaginary problem
or to attribute its origins to a weak persona lity. But the brain chemistry behind Internet
addiction is not imaginary. Many common Internet interactions, such as scoring points
rev
cause
ne
the release of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are the essential brain chemicals
connected with
positive feelings of success and pleasure. This is no surprise, considering
that Internet interactions often involve succeeding at a challenge or having social
exchanges Our brains reward us for these activities in real lfe all the time.
The trouble with the Internet is that it makes it possible to have unnaturally long
periods of endorphin release, sustained rewards from the brain that are as quick as
the click of a mouse. These rewards are not actual, useful, real-life rewards, but simple
stimulation that arouses positive feedback in the brain, In real life endorphins
encourage us to interact with friends or family, or attempt to learn something new
With Internet addiction endorphins do nothing but keep people hooked to thei
computers. Internet addicts behave very much like gamblers pulling the lever at
machines in Las Vegas, even if it is not rational, hurts their studies, or spoils their
health and their live
8 So watch how much time you spend online; moderation is your best defense again
Internet addiction. Use the wonders of connectivity to enrich your studies, stay
connected with distant friends
splore multiple new worlds, Just be careful. Notice
if you find you are thinking about the Internet even when you're not online, or if you
prefer your online time to time with your real-life friends, or if you hide or lie anou
how much time you spend online. If you find yourself doing any of these things, take
step back. Look for other ways to enjoy your life. Get some exercise, which is a major
source of endorphins! Visit a museum or a beautiful park. Get together with friends to
tudy or schedule some fun time to relax, The Internet is a powerful tool, but make
sure that you use it wisely for all the good value it offers and that you won't let too
