Y+Gets+Wrapped+up+by+the+Mouse

//Name: Simone Tozer// //Student No: n7561695// //Tutor: Emily Mann//


 * //“You do anything long enough to escape the habit of living until the escape becomes the habit”//**
 * David Ryan**

The impact of information and communication technology on Generation Y.
 * Topic**


 * Artefact**



The above artefact is an image of someone’s hands wrapped in the cord of a mouse. It is a photograph that is used in many articles that discuss overuse and reliance upon technology as well appearing on support sites for people with an Internet addiction. The image symbolizes those who are trapped and suffering from the negative side effects and addiction that can come about when getting caught up in the online world.

It is no surprise then Generation Y tops almost every statistic to do with technology use, with the constantly changing and improving technologies that are being developed. Although this can be a positive thing in terms of treatment for disease and research, technology is taking a toll on our health. One of the new issues that has stemmed from an overuse of technology is Internet addiction. The so-called disorder covers a range of effects from anxiety to depression to and in its most sever form, death. Although you may be yet to hear about it, it is time to acknowledge this disorder that researchers believe is only going to be more evident in the future.
 * The Public Health Issue**

According to Forrester Research (2010), the generation gap is rising rapidly because Generation Y is embracing the new mobile world. For the past 14 years, Forrester Research has written the State of Consumers and Technology Benchmark report. In 2010 it was found that 23% of Generation Y and Generation X own a smartphone and that Gen Y in particular are mobile savvy with 85% regularly sending and receiving text messages. This is compared to the 57% of those over 18 years of age. Forrester Research concludes that Generation Y are living and breathing mobile technology and believe that these attitudes and behaviors can only get worse for future generations.
 * Literature Review**

With the large majority of Generation Y adopting these new technologies, it is increasingly important to look into the affect this is having on our health. New research has surfaced in regards to Internet addiction being a common disorder that some believe should be listed in the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). According to Pies (2009), recently there has been increasing clinical reports of intense distress and hyper arousal followed by descriptions of nausea, tremor, fatigue, anger and irritability.

Block (2008), acknowledges three subtypes of the disorder as excessive gaming, sexual preoccupations and e-mail/text messaging. Block (2008), discusses the serious cases that have developed in South Korea where 10 cardiopulmonary-related deaths occurred in Internet cafes and also a recent murder that was related to a video game. In 2006 it was found that 210,000 South Korean children are suffering from the disorder with numbers being expected to rise dramatically. Because of this, 1,043 counselors were trained in treatment of Internet addiction and strategies are being implemented in schools. In China, concern is developing with about 13.7% of adolescents meeting the criteria for the disorder (Block, 2008). China has introduced laws that discourage any more then 3 hours of gaming and Internet use daily. Block (2008), believes that in America, and similarly Australia, where Internet cafes are not so popular because of home access, it is harder for symptoms to be recognized. He also considers that patients and their families are in denial.

The research of Freeman (2008) reveals severe cases of this disorder opening his journal article with the story of 27 year old George who sought treatment after repeatedly being found passed out in front of the computer. George used methamphetamines to stay awake for periods of up to 32 hours just to compete in online games. With this journal article again deliberating on whether or not Internet addiction should be listed on the DSM-V, Freeman (2008), discusses the aspects that liken it to other addictions. It can cause loss of control, social isolation, marital and family issues, employment difficulties and dramatically affect your health. Freeman (2008), states that currently most clinicians are treating the disorder as an impulsive control disorder. It is also acknowledged that websites have been created that offer information and support for sufferers and their loved ones. A plethora of health and social issues are believed to have stemmed from the disorder, including conflict with loved ones, impairment in social and leisure activities, depression, anxiety, obsessive behaviors and large range of psychophysiological issues such as insomnia, headaches and irritable eyes.

Pies (2009), raised the issue that it could be these behaviors are simply symptoms of identified depressive disorders in adolescents. In a study undertaken by Ha et Al, of 12 adolescents who had been diagnosed with Internet addiction, three had a major depressive disorder, one had schizophrenia and one had obsessive-compulsive disorder (Pies, 2009). In a German study in 2008, of 30 patients with pathological Internet use, 27 were identified to have some comorbid or underlying psychiatric disorder.

So should Internet addiction be included in the upcoming DSM-V? Pies (2009) believes no. He insists that Internet addiction does not meet the threshold of a specific disease because it doesn’t meet anyone of the following criteria: Pies (2009) states that, although his views may change with increasing research in years to come, he believes that it is too soon to list internet addiction in the DSM-V. Christakis (2010), agrees that research investigating internet addiction is still in its early stages and the quality of research is not where it could be, however, he believes that this debate is taking away from the real problem at hand. It is because of skeptism and complacency that this serious disease is being overlooked and it needs to be attended to immediately to prevent an increase in sufferers in the future.
 * 1) There is a specific pattern in genetic transmission
 * 2) There is knowledge of the syndromes etiology, pathophysiology and/or pathologic anatomy
 * 3) Treatment, prognosis and stability of the syndrome are consistent across International populations

We ask ourselves, how does someone get to this point? What is driving Generation Y to sit at a computer all day or have their mobile glued to their ear. According to Bryant, Sanders-Jackson & Smallwood (2006), the youth are most at risk. Socially interactive technologies appeal to adolescents because they are convenient, not expensive and easy to use. (Bryant, Sanders-Jackson & Smallwood, 2009). Freeman (2008), blames the time of upbringing for adolescents addiction to the internet, stating that generation y has been bought up with access to these technologies, making it harder now to decrease their periods of technology use. Miquela (2008) states that Generation Y does not know of life without computers and mobile phones, expecting everything to happen instantly at the click of a mouse.
 * Cultural and Social Analysis**

There are subgroups of Generation Y that are even more so at risk. These include those with other psychological comorbidities, depression and those subject to social isolation (Christakis, 2010). Widyanto & Griffiths (2006), also deem those who are socially inhibited and lonely as high as risk, however, they introduce students as highly vulnerable. This is related to the flexible nature of their timetables and uncontrolled accessibility (Widyanto & Griffiths, 2006). Numerous studies on students have found that males are more prominent (Widyanto & Griffiths, 2006). A study was conducted in the US and Europe recruiting 1302 students. Of these 106 were found as Internet dependent, spending a total average of 229 minutes on the Internet per day (Widyanto & Griffiths, 2006). 93 of these dependents were found to be male.

Generation Y and the generations to come are our future. These young millennials think differently and are ready to change the way things are done (Miquela, 2008). With Generation Y relying so heavily on technology and believing it is the only way, it is important for them to be aware of the issues that can stem from abuse of the Internet.

With China and Korea taking steps to contain the disorder, it is time Australia and the US step up. China and Korea do have an advantage in that they can control the use of internet cafes, however in Australia, ABS states that in 2010 80% of homes now have computers, this is a large increase from 55% in 2002. This still does not mean that nothing can be done. Freeman (2008) grants the most effective form of treatment to be a combination between psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. Like the South Koreans have, we must train and alert our counselors and psychiatrists about Internet addiction, what the symptoms are and how best they can be helped. We should also follow their example of implementing preventative measures in schools before it is too late. A general awareness needs to be raised so that the compliancy as mentioned by Christakis (2010), is eliminated. Christakis (2010), believes that we first need to develop a definition of Internet addiction that is valid to all adolescents to avoid skeptics and misunderstanding.

Looking back at the photograph, I do believe it is a good representation of what is happening in today’s society. Some adolescents and young adults are getting so trapped in this other world and it is effecting their life in so many ways. Personally, I know I hate sitting in front of the computer for long periods of time, studying or working, and I consider it sad to see that some can’t find a life outside of technology. The photograph sends a strong message and evokes thought about the issue.
 * Own Learning Reflections and Analysis of Artefact**

The study of Internet addiction has really woken me up to what is happening to my generation. I couldn’t believe that before researching for this assignment, I had never heard of the extremes that some people are facing. I know that not everyone has gotten caught up in technology, but I consider it extremely important to help the ones who are and alert the people who face this issue in the future. Now that I am aware of this subject, I will be on the lookout for people who I believe are sufferers and encourage them to get help before it is to late.

//Y Risk It - Gabrielle Sankey// "Your wiki is clear and concise in addressing this ever increasing issue in society. The statistics in the literature review of alcohol being related to suicides, car accidents etc were extremely alarming and a great representation of the severity of this issue. Teen pregnancy is an issue I feel strongly about, having experienced first hand the neglection a child experiences when the mother is not financially or mentally ready to support her child. I also agree with the impact parents behaviours have on their children. It alarms me that so many parents let their young teenagers do what they wish, not asking any questions about where they are going and not caring about when they will be back. I can see that some small steps have been taken into combating this issue, however as you mention, there is along way to go and society must work together to save generation y and our future generations. Your artefact was well chosen and very affective in alerting people of the behaviours that are drawing so much attention to generation y. The popularity you mentioned of this television show again proves the evidence of this issue in society. Well done with your wiki, it was a very enjoyable read." http://healthculturesociety.wikispaces.com/Y+Risk+it%3F
 * Learning Engagement Reflections**

//How Healthy is Generation Y? Is Consumerism and Individualistic Ideals Affecting the Mental Health Profile of this Generation? - Imogen Bradley// "I really enjoyed watching your artefact, I was unaware of these seminars but strongly believe that they are a great idea in creating awareness of not just mental health, but also other issues, like technology. By creating awareness amongst parents, teachers and other workers who spend numerous amounts of time with generation y, these people can now look out for the signs of struggle and those people who may be in need of help and implement some of the strategies outlined by Generation Next. Your wiki was really insightful and covered a large range of statistics which I believe were eye opening to myself as a member of generation y. I strongly agree with your statements and research in regards to influence of the media. It seems that we are unable to escape the media with them particularly targeting generation y and finding ways to constantly change our ideals and promote a better lifestyle. It's definitely an issue that needs much more attention because I also deem it to be a problem that is brushed away and hidden in society. Another great aspect of your wiki was the clear comparison between generation y and baby boomers. It is refreshing to know that generation y are not the only ones who are seen to be troubled. Thank you for your enlightening piece, great job!" http://healthculturesociety.wikispaces.com/How+Healthy+is+Generation+Y%3F+Is+Consumerism+and+Individualistic+Ideals+Affecting+the+Mental+Health+Profile+of+this+Generation%3F


 * Reference List**

Block, J. (2008). Issues for DSM-V: internet addiction. //Am J Psychiatry 165// (3), 306. Doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2007.07101556.

Bryant, J. Sanders-Jackson, A. Smallwood, A. (2006). IMing, text messaging, and adolescent social networks. //Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication 11,// 577-592. Doi: 10.1111/j.1083-6101.2006.00028.x.

Christakis, D. (2010). Internet addiction: a 21st century epidemic? //BMC Medicine 8// (61), 1-3. Doi: 10.1186/1741-7015-8-61.

Forrester Research Inc. (2010). Forrester research; forrester: the technology generation gap is widening. //Technology News Focus,// 640-642. Retrieved from []

Freeman, C. (2008). Internet gaming addiction. //The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 4// (1), 42-47. Retrieved from []

//Information Technology.// (2011). Retrieved October 5th 2011, from []

Miquela, R. (2008). Reaching, teaching and succeeding with generation Y. //The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education 18// (14). 22-24. Retrieved from []

Pies, R. (2009). Should DSM-V designate “internet addiction” a mental disorder? //Psychiatry 6// (2//),// 31-37. Retrieved from []

Widyanto, L. Griffiths, M. (2006). ‘Internet addiction’: a critical review. //International Journal of Mental Health and Addictions 4// (1). 31-51. Doi 10:1007/s11469-006-9009-9.