Computer and cyberspace “addiction”

Construction of the Risk of Addiction to Social Networks Scale (Cr.A.R.S.)

“…In this sense, this construct is defined as the deterioration in the self-control ability related to dependency, leading to abstinence syndrome when the adolescent cannot access social networks, resulting in decreased academic performance, loss of interest in other activities and conflicts in the social sphere. Although this definition summarizes the opinions of different authors about this problem (Alonzo-Fernández, 1996;Andreassen et al, 2012;Charlton & Danforth, 2007;Davis, 2001;Echeburua, 2000;Echeburúa & Corral, 2009;Echeburúa et al, 2005;Gil Roales-Nieto, 1996;Griffiths, 2005;Marks, 1990;Suler, 2004;Wieland, 2005;Young, 1999Young, , 2009, it is also the final outcome of a theoretical analysis from empirical research data because the definition of this construct and its dimensions have undergone several changes during the scale construction. Therefore, this research is the first attempt to address and measure this construct.…”

“…Taking into account that the exploratory factor analysis does not prove theories but rather suggests hypotheses for further contrast, we opted to recognize this factor as a new dimension, which we will call dependency. According to Charlton and Danforth (2007), Davis (2001), Suler (2004) and Wieland (2005), this is one of the basic factors that has to be present for addiction to exist. Finally, we kept 51 items that have simultaneously met the three requirements above.…”

“…For example, Alonzo-Fernandez (1996) points out that to consider it an addiction these two factors must necessarily occur: loss of control and dependency. Authors like Charlton and Danforth (2007), Davis (2001), Suler (2004) and Wieland (2005) also note that psychological dependency is one of the most important symptoms in the addiction to the Internet and its various services. Also, Echeburúa and Corral (2009) points out that addictive behavior is not related to the frequency but to the dependency, loss of control and serious interference caused on everyday life.…”

“…It is based on a model or theoretical reference that specifies the relationships between the construct and its indicators (Furr & Bacharach, 2008;Muñiz, 1998;Nunnally, Bernstein, & Velázquez, 1995). Therefore, the definition of the addiction to social networks and their dimensions construct was based on the context of addiction to new technologies addressed by various researchers (Alonzo-Fernández, 1996;Andreassen et al, 2012;Charlton & Danforth, 2007;Choo et al, 2010;Chou, 2001;Chou et al, 2005;Davis, 2001;Echeburua, 2000;Echeburúa & Corral, 2009;Echeburúa et al, 2005Gil Roales-Nieto, 1996;Griffiths, 2005;Marks, 1990;Suler, 2004;Turel et al, 2011;Wieland, 2005;Yang & Tung, 2007;Young, 2009).…”

Internet addiction: where we are now

“…In response to the perceived need, treatment centers specializing in computer and Internet addiction were developed; for example, the Computer Addiction Service at McLean Hospital, a Harvard Medical School teaching affiliate, was founded in 1996. The online Internet Addiction Disorder Support Group flourished even though its founder, Ivan Goldberg set it up as a joke [6]. Since then, Internet abuse has been documented worldwide and research on Internet abuse has proliferated.…”