Online Casino Gambling Could Lead to Internet Addiction
The Internet has without a doubt changed the way that humans communicate and
share information. Between interactive (and solo) video games to online casinos
gambling and social networking sites, there are only more and more activities
that surfers engage in while on the Internet. But like most things, with all of
the good of the Internet, there are also dangers when an Internet user becomes
too involved and invested in the Web. All over the world countries are beginning
to report a new and very real disorder – Internet addiction. The United States
is even in the beginning stages of recognizing online addiction as a very real
clinical disorder.
Dr. Jerald Block released an editorial in the American Journal of Psychiatry
where he outlined not only symptoms of Internet addiction, but also some of the
online activities that have led to Internet addiction becoming an international
problem in need of recognition and attention. Among some of the primary
activities that lure in Internet addicts are online casinos gambling, internet
gaming, social networking sites, and Web surfing in general.
There are many factors that contribute to Internet addition, a global increase
in online casinos gambling, more popularity for social networking sites, among
other factors. But what it really comes down to is a much larger problem than
merely specific types of sites. Block commented to the UK newspaper The Observer
that for an internet user, “the relationship is with the computer. First, it
becomes a significant other to them. Second, they exhaust emotions that they
could experience in the real world on the computer, through any number of
mechanisms: emailing, gaming, porn. Third, computer use occupies a tremendous
amount of time in their life. Then if you try to cut the cord in a very abrupt
fashion, they've lost essentially their best friend. That can take the form of
depression or rage."
There are certain signs that online casinos gamblers and Web surfers in general
should be conscious of as warning signs that an Internet user may be forming
unhealthy behaviors that could lead to Internet addiction. |