For those of you not familiar with MySpace, think of facebook… just on an even more broad, international, and outrageous level. It may sound a bit over the top, but in reality MySpace is just as amusing and entertaining as Facebook. On MySpace you have a profile, the opportunity to add/remove as many friends as you wish, leave “profile comments,” message others, and even post updates or funny updates called “bulletins” that will be visible to every user on your friend list. Sounds like a great site that allows you to have some fun and interact with others, right? There’s no doubt that sites like MySpace and provide some amount of entertainment (just look at how many users there are on the site!). However, is possible for this source of fun to be considered “unhealthy” and even detrimental to our lives?! Can MySpace lead to Problematic Internet Use?!
First of, many people may not be familiar to the expression “Problematic Internet Use” (PIU). An individual most likely is more familiar with the term “Internet Addiction;” however, one must get away from this extremely negative notion of “addiction”! Instead, Caplan suggests a less-harmful expression Problematic Internet Use, which is the excess use (too much time spent) or impulse use (uncontrolled, with an accompaniment of guilt) of the internet to the point where it may result in problematic and maladaptive social, academic and professional behavior in the individual. Because MySpace is so rich in the multitude of features ultimately enabling you to have virtual friendships with people you possibly have never met or have no intention of meeting, it is somewhat easy to see how a person may impulsively and/or uncontrollably spend there time on the internet.
Caplan’s model suggests that those with psychosocial problems (such as loneliness and/or depression) are more susceptible to internet use because they find it less threatening and more reliable in providing an intended result. An individual who spends too much time on MySpace may be shy and less confident when forced to interact with others in face-to-face situations. These people may prefer to socialize in on virtual community such as MySpace because they are more anonymous, allowing them to be at ease, reduce anxiety, and create higher levels of comfort. By utilizing the functions of MySpace (such as bulletin postings and profile comments), those with psychosocial problems are able to maintain friendships and even keep on top of their friends’ updates and happenings.
Though this might initially be viewed as a positive substitute for face-to-face interaction, this use of the internet can lead to greater conflicts. Those with loneliness/depression may be constantly turning to MySpace at all times of the day to reach out to others. However, as figured, not everyone is online at all hours. Problematic Internet Use can be caused because people are spending too much of their time waiting for interactions on MySpace to occur; they may be afraid that if they log-off, they’ll miss out on interacting with a friend. When others are not online to reciprocate social interaction, individuals may become even lonelier. Lives can also be affected because their Problematic Internet Use can lead problems at work, home, or even school. Attitudes and social competence can be affected because of excessive time spent on MySpace.
Socializing on social network sites, such as MySpace, definitely provides individuals with opportunities to socialize with others in various parts of the globe. One can simply enjoy the comforts and privacy of their own room while avoiding the pressures and anxiety of being face-to-face. However, as suggested by Caplan, when one spends too much time on such a site, it can negatively impact one’s life.
Sure, interacting on social networking websites can be fun and seem completely harmless. However, the next time it’s 3am and you’re logged on to MySpace (or any other social networking site) when you should be working on that paper (or blog post!) due the next day, it might be in your best interest for you to logout, step away from the computer, and then ask yourself: “Do I suffer from Problematic Internet Use?!?”*
*If you have any questions regarding diagnosing PIU, don’t see a doctor… simply contact Professor Hancock!
-Joshua Navarro
My Comments:
http://comm245purple.blogspot.com/2007/11/9-i-swear-this-is-last-video-i-click-on.html
http://comm245purple.blogspot.com/2007/11/9-online-shopping.html
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5 comments:
I like how you defined problematic internet use. You did a good job making a very clear distinction of what it is and why it isn't considered an addiction. The interesting thing I find in your post is the idea of those who are lonely using myspace to reach out. To clarify, what you mentioned about them "waiting" for people to log on is interesting. It seems like for a lot of people, extended periods of time spent online for social rewards, do spend a lot of it just waiting for a partner in a a CM interaction.
I can see your point in how Myspace could be addicting for people, because they can constantly check for comments and updated profiles and change their pictures during any chosen minute of any day. It gives people a way of keeping in touch in our fast paced world - and sadly, also leads to horrifying events, such as pedophiles luring young girls and then harassing them. I think your point is valid and enjoyed reading your post.
First I would like to say that I really enjoyed reading your blog post. I think you were able to provide a good example of problematic internet use, while at the same time, adding in some humor, making it more interesting to read. Also, as someone who does not know much about MySpace, I was even further intrigued to read through your post. Based on your description of this online space, I agree with many points you made on how problematic internet use definitely exists within the realm of MySpace. In addition, it seems as though this example confirms results from Caplan’s study which predicted that people with psychosocial issues are more likely to prefer online communication (in this case MySpace) compared to face to face interaction.
I thought that your post was very intersting and liked how you introduced the space you were going to discuss before defining problematic internet use. I also like your definition of PUI and think you did a good job picking out the elements of social networking sites like facebook and myspace that potentially lead to PIU. I agree with your idea that lonliness is one of the primary reasons that people spend so much time online, as it certainly provides a space where the awkward social interactions created by FtF contact are removed. I also liked the point you raised about waiting others to log on to have social interactions... As a non-myspace user I didn't realize that was a common occurrance, and think it certainly raised the degree to which myspace is potentially "addictive."
Joshua, I think you talk about some interesting aspects of Myspace and other social networks. These networks provide the opportunity for people to remove any gating features experienced in FtF interaction, connect with similar others and obtain support while more comfortably and openly expressing themselves. By nature, these sites easily open the door to substituting FtF situations and can enhance solitude from the “real world.” This then can lead to loneliness in the real world and then to excessive and compulsive use. The era of the Internet presents society with some real issues that force us to reevaluate the convenience of the Internet and become more disciplined in our use.
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