My husband recently sent me a link to a very thought-provoking review of an article about college students struggling with an “addiction” to the internet (I’ll admit to having not read the actual research article yet, just this review of it). Apparently in this study, students gave up all forms of media (TV, internet, phones, etc.) for 24 hours. Many of these students (not very surprisingly) reported feelings like cravings and anxiety in the absence of their most common link to the outside world, as well as most of their entertainment.

To some, this reaction suggests that we should begin to think of internet overuse as a diagnosable disorder, something like drug or alcohol addictions. I think, however, this overlooks maybe the most fundamental part of the definition of an addiction: something that is significantly disruptive to your life, and negatively impacts quality of life. Now, just like most other things (food, alcohol, etc.) of course there’s something to be said for moderation, and I think in some cases, people probably rely on the internet/cell phones too much, but overall, I think you could argue for media – especially through the internet – improving subjective quality of life.

That being said, I do find it a tiny bit worrisome that these kids couldn’t go a day without media. I mean, if you can’t take a 24-hour time-out and go for a walk or read a book, that’s probably not so good either.