Textbooks with shrink-wrap still intact, mid-September. The owner nonchalantly sits nearby, cruising Facebook for the latest gossip, pouring through profiles of strangers. Even before Al Gore invented the Internet, students have always had something better to do rather than crack open a book.
MySpace. YouTube. Facebook. Online poker. All of these lead up to one serious problem: Internet addiction.
"Some students come in with an addiction to role-playing games, or online poker and gambling," said Sharon Mitchell, director of UB Counseling Services. "Some even (have) an addiction to Internet porn."
Brian Lewis, a senior history major, has seen the effects of Internet addiction first hand.
"I had a buddy freshman year who always went on fetish Web sites and Facebook," Lewis said. "I didn't think it was a problem that he was always on the computer, but when you're neglecting your work to spend hours upon hours on these sites, that's a different story."
According to Mitchell, neglecting schoolwork and studying in lieu of perusing cyberspace is a definite sign of Internet addiction. Mitchell confirms that Internet addiction is a problem on college campuses, including UB.
"I don't necessarily think that it's the amount of time spent online that causes the addiction, but rather the function that being on the Internet serves," Mitchell said.
Skipping out on obligations such as classes, homework, meetings, work or other commitments is one definite sign of Internet addiction, according to Mitchell.
"When a person is using the Internet so (much that) they're not taking care of their responsibilities, canceling events and not hanging out with friends, that's a sign that the person is using the Internet as a distraction and as a coping mechanism," Mitchell said.
Kristi Sedota, a senior communications major, says that she monitors the time she spends online for purposes other than schoolwork.
Sedota frequently visits leisure and entertainment Web sites, but she believes she knows where to draw the line and how to prioritize her time.
" I usually go on Web sites like 'Perez Hilton' or 'TMZ,' but I know where my limit is," Sedota said. "I know (if) I have work to do or prior commitments to things so I know I can't spend all of my time on these sites, but I could see how someone couldn't make that distinction. The Internet is filled with distractions, and that's exactly what it does: it distracts."
While Internet addiction is not believed to be a prevalent problem on campus at this time, Mitchell still encourages those who think they need help to schedule an appointment.
"Addiction implies that a person has an unhealthy attachment to something, and counseling could definitely help that person out," Mitchell said.
Perspectives:
Erin Knoll
Freshman business administration major
How many hours a day do you spend online?
I spend like nine hours online but am constantly (signed) on, even though I may not be at my computer.
What are your favorite Web sites?
I use Facebook, Google and MyUB, but YouTube is my favorite.
If you could change the Internet what would you do, and do you consider yourself an Internet addict?
I would make it so it was everywhere, and I am absolutely an addict.
Daniel Dunbar
Junior political science major
How many hours a day do you spend online?
If I had to guess, I would say four hours or so.
What are your favorite Web sites?
I use Facebook, Yahoo and ESPN.
Facebook is popular around these parts. What do you use it for?
I use it to check messages and to keep in contact with my friends.
Do you consider yourself an Internet addict?
I don't think I am...maybe a little bit.
Cindy Seetae
Junior nursing major
How many hours a day do you spend online?
Three hours, but that's just an estimate.
What are your favorite Web sites?
I like Digg, Facebook, and I read a lot of music blogs.
Where do you use your computer the most?
I use it in my dorm room.
What would you do without the Internet?
I would probably hang out with friends and study more. Or maybe I would just go to the mall more.
