PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS ON THE PREVALENCE OF INTERNET ADDICTION AMONG STUDENTS
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study Since the launching of the Internet in 1960s, the continued growth of Internet technology and applications has become an important part of the reality of many people’s lives globally. It provides an ease to the people who are using it. It is used in groups for discussion, all of which can be used for social, informational, educational, and even self-help purposes. Internet is somehow the source of entertainment. Even chatting, instant messaging, e-mail and news are covered with it. At the same time, numerous informational and educational opportunities are readily available online, including e-books and libraries, encyclopedias, newspapers, etc. Recreational activities such as online gaming, downloading music/video files, gambling, and dating services are also easily accessible via the Internet. The Internet is somehow the backbone of the society. The possibilities of Internet-related services and applications seem to be limitless, as the Internet increasingly becomes an inseparable part of individuals’ daily lives, knowingly or unknowingly. In spite of its many beneficial roles, the Internet also has created a new problem for some people, an issue most commonly known as “Internet Addiction”. It somehow neglect of academic, work and domestic responsibilities. Moreover, disruptions of relationships, social isolation and financial problems have all been identified as consequences of heavy Internet usage. That people should use the Internet to the extent that they experience such problems gives rise to the question of whether or not the Internet may be addictive. The concept of addiction is not easy to define but central to it is dependence on a substance or activity. Dependence is characterized by overindulgence, tolerance, withdrawal, craving and loss of control. Although originally linked only with substance use, there is growing recognition of behavioral addictions such as gambling, overeating and
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study Since the launching of the Internet in 1960s, the continued growth of Internet technology and applications has become an important part of the reality of many people’s lives globally. It provides an ease to the people who are using it. It is used in groups for discussion, all of which can be used for social, informational, educational, and even self-help purposes. Internet is somehow the source of entertainment. Even chatting, instant messaging, e-mail and news are covered with it. At the same time, numerous informational and educational opportunities are readily available online, including e-books and libraries, encyclopedias, newspapers, etc. Recreational activities such as online gaming, downloading music/video files, gambling, and dating services are also easily accessible via the Internet. The Internet is somehow the backbone of the society. The possibilities of Internet-related services and applications seem to be limitless, as the Internet increasingly becomes an inseparable part of individuals’ daily lives, knowingly or unknowingly. In spite of its many beneficial roles, the Internet also has created a new problem for some people, an issue most commonly known as “Internet Addiction”. It somehow neglect of academic, work and domestic responsibilities. Moreover, disruptions of relationships, social isolation and financial problems have all been identified as consequences of heavy Internet usage. That people should use the Internet to the extent that they experience such problems gives rise to the question of whether or not the Internet may be addictive. The concept of addiction is not easy to define but central to it is dependence on a substance or activity. Dependence is characterized by overindulgence, tolerance, withdrawal, craving and loss of control. Although originally linked only with substance use, there is growing recognition of behavioral addictions such as gambling, overeating and