Addiction to computers and computer games is a growing civilizational threat, particularly in the current century. It is obvious that with the rapid development of technology, many benefits come along. However, there is also the other side of the coin, which creates certain risks. Apart from military or environmental threats, the development of technology, especially the easy and increasingly common access to computers, laptops, phones, and the Internet, poses a risk to both mental and even physical health.

The group most vulnerable to the influence of modern technology is young people, who use computers from an early age and have access to the Internet. The problem starts when life without access to a computer becomes practically impossible. Addiction to computers or other electronic devices might seem trivial, which often causes us to ignore the problem. This is a big mistake, as addictions affect mental health, physical health, and the well-being of the people close to the addicted individual.

Symptoms of Computer Addiction

Computer addiction is closely related to access to the Internet, computer games, and movies or series. A computer is simply a tool that we use for various purposes. However, the problem does not lie in the tool itself. This type of tool can be used for work, learning, entertainment, or relaxation. The issue arises when the computer, Internet, or computer games take the most important place in our lives, and we spend many hours—sometimes even dozens of hours—daily on them. Such behavior is not always a sign of addiction. For many people, work is strongly connected to computers and the Internet. Addiction becomes evident when someone compulsively uses the computer and feels a strong, constant need to access the computer and Internet, which negatively impacts their well-being. This is the basic symptom, along with the loss of the sense of time spent in front of the computer. A person addicted to the computer puts aside previous interests and gradually withdraws from normal social life. Obsessive thoughts, fantasies, or dreams about computer games, movies, or series often appear. Sometimes the addicted person involuntarily moves their fingers as if typing on a keyboard, or uses shortcuts while talking in real-life conversations that are typically used in online chats. Severe addiction can lead to panic attacks, anxiety, or even aggression when the computer is not accessible.

Consequences of Computer Addiction

There are several categories of consequences related to computer addiction, namely: psychological, physiological, social, intellectual, and moral. The psychological, social, moral, and intellectual consequences are closely related and have already been partially mentioned as symptoms. These include: sudden behavioral changes, difficulties in establishing relationships, avoiding social interactions, the loss of boundaries between the virtual world and the real world, memory and concentration problems, limited conversation topics, loss of interests, emotional bonds fading, depression, lack of aspirations, neglecting professional duties, unethical behavior, and deterioration of personal culture. There is also the loss of the distinction between right and wrong, the spread of sexual deviance, pedophilia, and pornography on the Internet.

Physiological consequences directly affect the health of the addicted person. In particular, they are prone to back pain and posture defects, eye strain, vision deterioration, headaches, and migraines, and in some cases, even screen-induced epilepsy. Long periods spent in front of the computer lead to unhealthy eating habits and digestive system disorders. Sometimes, there is complete physical exhaustion from prolonged gaming.

Treatment of Computer and Gaming Addiction

Treatment for computer and gaming addiction is similar to the treatment of other addictions (alcoholism, gambling). Initially, a psychologist helps the person realize that they are addicted to the computer, which they often deny, but which poses real threats to them and their loved ones. Through therapy, addicted individuals learn how to use the computer and Internet correctly. A detailed daily plan is prepared, allowing access to the computer at specific times, while ensuring other responsibilities and activities for the addicted person.

Warning Signals of Computer, Gaming, and Internet Addiction

In which situations might you suspect addiction to the computer or Internet? Below are the most important criteria:

• A friend spends several hours a day in front of the computer/Internet, skipping school or having worse academic results because of it.

• When something or someone interrupts their activities, they become argumentative, irritable, angry, or aggressive.

• They lie about the actual time spent on the computer, close doors, refuse to be monitored, and exceed the planned time for computer/Internet activity.

• Due to excessive activity, a person may become tired, apathetic, gain weight, or develop posture and vision issues, and other health problems.

When you notice these alarming signals in your friend, try to implement consistent and well-thought-out actions:

• Have open and honest conversations with your friend.

• Together, try to establish duties your friend should fulfill as part of family life.

• Suggest alternative, healthier ways to satisfy their needs and interests.

• Ensure active, shared time together.

• Avoid blaming your friend for things beyond their control.

• Provide models of other ways to spend time, build relationships, and achieve satisfaction.

Unlike other addictions, treating Internet or computer addiction presents an additional problem. People with this addiction are difficult to convince to meet "face-to-face" with a specialist because they are accustomed to interacting with a screen or communicating via a keyboard. Treatment only begins when the individual notices the difference between healthy and pathological use of the computer. Therapeutic programs are very similar to those used for alcohol addiction, pathological gambling, or eating disorders.

During therapy, alarms are sometimes installed on the computer, which, after a certain period, remind the person to stop using the computer and switch to another activity. Preparing a detailed daily schedule also helps. This plan must define specific time slots for using the computer or Internet and other daily activities, including rest. Implementing such a plan should help change unhealthy habits and reorganize the neglected areas of life caused by addiction.

Your task will be to gather information on the dangers that may arise from excessive use of computers, computer games, and the Internet. You will attempt to answer whether it is true that computer games can cause addiction.

Get into the role of experts. Your film must answer whether the thesis presented in this WebQuest is true. Based on the material collected online, prepare a script for the film, create the set design, assign roles to actors – group members, and record a short film.

You will work in groups, and each group will prepare a film on the same topic. Both the visual and the content of the film will be evaluated. After watching all the films in class, we will discuss whether it is true that computer games can cause addiction.

While preparing the materials, remember that you must collaborate in your group. Some of you should focus on collecting information, others on developing the script, and some on presenting the materials. You need to cooperate; otherwise, you will not be able to prepare the event, and the final film will not be useful for you or your classmates.