Addiction to Technologies: A Social Psychological Perspective of Internet Addiction

In recent years, there has been a large amount of scientific and media attention toward what some clinicians have termed "Internet addiction." This article asserts that habitual use or misuse of technological innovations is not a new phenomenon. "Internet addiction" is examined in light of research and theory on how people interact with technologies. The literature reveals that we have been concerned with the habitual use of a variety of new technologies developed during the twentieth century. Internet addiction is discussed in the context of issues such as the compulsive use of technologies such as television and video games. It is suggested that Internet addiction may not be a parsimonious explanation for the overuse of the Internet. An alternative explanation of the role that technologies play in the formation of maladaptive behavior is presented. In conclusion, it is explained that while technology may expand our capabilities (e.g., increases social contacts), it may also expand our capacity to express maladaptive behaviors and psychopathologies.