What’s Your Real Name

Cravings. Agitation. Insomnia. Depression. Irritability. These are all signs of someone who abuses drugs. And the Internet.

College of Education Assistant Professor Jennifer Curry has dedicated a large part of her research to the Internet and the problems associated with it.

The Internet encompasses more networks and information conceivable to the average person. Developed from the military’s Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET) in 1969, the Internet has grown to be an essential part of everyday life in the 21st century.

“The problem with the Internet is that now it’s such a part of our culture. It has its own syntax, its own terminology; it is its own culture so we have to try to understand that as mental health professionals,” explained Curry.

In understanding the Internet, mental health professionals recognize extensive use of computers and the Internet may lead to a myriad of addictive issues, like problematic gambling, online extramarital affairs, pornography, pro-anorexia sites, and cyberbullying. These issues can be dangerous and lead to an intense addiction, similar to drugs.

“If I had a propensity to addiction for any of those problems, now the medium I’m addicted to, I have to use,” said Curry. “Not only are computers and the Internet easily accessible, but it’s almost a mandatory part of life.”

Adult addicts have dramatic changes in lifestyle and behavior, including loss of employment, financial ruin, criminal offense, difficulty maintaining relationships, and relationship collapse.

Most users are plagued with psychological problems, like depression, before their addictions are full-fledged.

“We know that people who are depressed and socially withdrawn become even more depressed and more socially withdrawn. And we’re learning to isolate ourselves more,” said Curry.

Adults are not the only sufferers. Children and teen users who are socially alienated or ostracized run the risk of developing an addiction as well. These teens spend a large amount of time on the Internet, where they find solace and acceptance. Curry calls this phenomenon Internet pseudo-identity immersion to describe “when someone gets online and develops a fake persona and they really start to believe they are that person.”

As a mental health counselor, Curry has encountered Internet pseudo-identity immersion in many cases.

“I had a client who threatened to kill his parents if they took away the computer. It was such a part of his identity that he felt so threatened,” explained Curry. “On top of that, he refused to answer to his birth name. He developed a name and a persona online in gaming, and he wanted to be called that name.”

Preventing these occurrences and addiction is possible. Parents should closely monitor their children’s time on the Internet, as well as what they view and post. Establishing a cap on the amount of time a child is on the computer and encouraging them, at an early age, to engage in other activities is key.

Through her research, Curry has found that parents do not want to address these things.
“I want parents to not be afraid to look at these issues,” said Curry. “I want people to reclaim their lives. I want people to get off the computer and stop living virtually, and start living again in real time, taking walks, eating healthy, being social with people face-to-face, not just on a computer.”

In addition, parents can create an Internet-use contract for their children, as well as have family meetings and establish consequences as proactive measures.
Internet addiction, like drugs and alcohol, cannot be treated by simply eliminating the substance.

“We can’t treat this problem by getting you off the Internet. I have to have you take care of yourself physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. The whole picture has to come together,” explained Curry.

Despite the severity of Internet addiction, the Internet is, for many people, a positive asset to their lives. The Internet makes researching and connecting to others easier, as well as the convenience and speed it allows.

“The computer should be an adjunct to life. It shouldn’t be a life,” said Curry.
Using the Internet on a daily basis is necessary for everyday life, but knowing and establishing boundaries can be the difference in living a normal digital life and one that is excessive.