...Addictive or Not Addictive? That Is The Question Marie Winn, author of “TV Addiction” states that, “television viewing, for those vulnerable to addiction, is more like drinking or taking drugs- once you start it’s hard to stop” (609). Winn strongly believes that television is so addicting that it can and will ruin people’s lives. The meaning of addiction according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary is the compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (such as heroin, nicotine, alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal. Of course too much TV viewing is bad for you, but since when is it addictive? When I was a little girl, my family would get together at dinnertime and watch shows such as Wheel Of Fortune and Jeopardy. It was a time where we would bond with one another, but according to Winn, “it weakens relationships by reducing and sometimes eliminating normal opportunities for talking, for communicating” (609). During television viewing people do speak and make comments about what they’re watching to state their opinion, yet Winn is saying no one will have a chance to speak or acknowledge one another’s presence. Many families have little or nothing to speak about with one another, yet when a program comes on that they all have an interest in the chatter doesn’t stop. Of course the matter of the bills, food and rent come about, but do you really bond over that? Normally conversations such as those tend to start...
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...people jokingly say that they have a friend or family relative who is addicted to television. What they may not realize is it may in fact be true. In Marie Winn’s “The Plug-In Drug”, she implies that television addiction is much like a drug or drinking problem, and is difficult to stop. Winn writes her essay in a very simplistic manner, and focuses on the destructiveness of an addiction; she illustrates and compares the destructiveness of addiction to excessive television viewers . First she discusses how the term addiction is commonly used out of context. You will always hear people state that they are addicted to Pepsi or mystery novels, but are they really addicted? What these people actually mean to say is that they enjoy reading mystery novels more than most other forms of ‘passing time’. The same is true for Pepsi. They are not actually addicted to it; they just enjoy it more than most other beverages. Maria Winn then poses a question. Do you think television falls into the fake addiction category (the addiction that is used out of context), or is it a real addiction? She does it this way so that when she states her argument you have already begun to think of an answer and your mind is accepting or rejecting her statements. Since all of her statements support and collaborate each other, it is very easy to get pulled into her train of thought. Winn then goes on to discuss how television addicts, who know they are addicted, will try and tell themselves to do other things...
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...professor of psychology and management at Claremont University, demonstrate in their article, “Television Addiction Is No Mere Metaphor,” how television addiction can likely be associated with “drugs like alcohol and cigarettes” (Kubey and Csikszentmihalyi 259). Many Psychologists define substance dependence as “a disorder characterized by criteria that include spending a great deal of time using the substance; and reporting withdrawal symptoms when one stops using it” (Kubey and Csikszentmihalyi 260). Although no researcher has yet to gather statistics on withdrawal symptoms, Kubey and Csikszentmihalyi demonstrate through ethos, pathos, and logos that television addiction is type of dependence and should be taken seriously....
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... Different generations vary from various ages are ready to take the adventure into the online world of computers networks and the internet, when the government begins rapidly introducing the use of internet worldwide, Many users employ the perils of internet and use it positively only but others are victims to the dark side of internet. Generally people who are lured into the dark work internet are usually classify as Internet addicts. Addiction could be defined as the condition of being habitually or obsessively busy with or involved in something. Mostly alcoholism, drug addiction, smoking, gambling and watching television etc. are all addictions cases. Previous research shows that internet can also be addictive [Griffiths, 1995; 1996]. An in depth look into the literature suggest that there are two different perspectives while stating internet as addictive. On one hand a collection of researchers believe that internet addiction can be compared with substance addiction [Welsh 1999, Anderson 2000] whereas others are of the opinion that it has relevance with pathological gambling [Davis 1999, Greenfield 2000]....
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...Professor Online Principles of English Composition I November 3, 2013 The Destruction of Youth Mom and Dad are sitting on the couch watching the television. The food on the table is more than enough for a family of two. Located somewhere in this home are two children. They have not been outside any time, since Friday afternoon after school. There have been all kinds of arguments since the day “it” arrived in this house. There have been many meals missed since “it” showed up. The children are back talking their parents, and missing their homework assignments resulting in falling grade point averages. Out of all of the possible causes, for all of these problems, the video game system is the “it” that lies at the core of the issues. Video games are destroying today’s youth with their addictive nature, their lack of morality, and the ease of access to mature games. The addictive nature of the video games children play is quite revolting. Most children, that actively play videos games, often have a rather glazed over look in their eyes. Like the junkies shown on television, the only time they lose this glaze is if someone starts talking about a video game. According to an article written by Kara Shemin, “a recent study published in the journal Pediatrics indicates that heavy video gaming can become habit-forming for children, pre-teens, and teens and lead to depression, social phobias, and even poor academic performance.” (Shemin) Amazingly, it does not matter what game, or...
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...Using your knowledge of the psychology of addictive behaviour, explain some of the likely reasons why Sally has become addicted to smoking. (6 marks) Sally has low self-esteem which is a factor that makes a person more vulnerable to addiction. Research has shown that some smokers have low self-esteem, however this is correlational and doesn’t tell us whether the low self-esteem came before the addiction or after the addiction, or whether they are both affected by a third factor. Sally’s low self-esteem also makes her more vulnerable to peer pressure from her already smoking friends. Bricker’s study found that childhood friends and parents play a great role in the initiation and maintenance of addiction. Sally’s parents also smoke which means Sally was 2 x more likely to become a regular smoker. The Social Learning Theory also tells us that Sally will look at her parents as role models and imitate their smoking. Once the smoking has been initiated, structural changes in the brain happen which plays a part in dependence, cravings and tolerance as the brain adapts to the increased dopamine and nicotine. This means addiction is maintained as withdrawal effects make relapse likely and this combined with her attitude towards smoking, her friends smoking too and her lack of self-esteem makes the addiction hard to quit because she wants to fit in with her friends and doesn’t feel she has the strength to stop smoking on her own, so the addiction is maintained. Sally may also explain...
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...several smartphones, computers, television sets, and be connected socially via one of many social network platforms such as Facebook or Twitter. Although this might be the case for an individual living in the 21st century, many consumers are not only used to such technology being part of their life, but are rather dependent on them. There is legitimacy in arguing that modern technology including the internet and smartphones are essential components for effective integration and advancement; however, the internet itself came to be in an age where internet and smartphones ceased to exist. Hence, such modern revolutions simply enhance efficiency but do not necessarily determine/limit progress or potential achievement. Technology can be an effective tool when used properly; however, the 21st –century human being’s over-dependency on technology has negative consequences as it is analogous to drug addiction: both are addictive, are hazardous to one’s health, and cause isolation. Within today’s technology-driven society, consumers are finding the notion of constant technology use appealing. The Mariam-Webster dictionary defines the word ‘Addict’ as “to devote or surrender (oneself) to something habitually or obsessively” (Mariam-Webster). Both technology and drugs provide endless stimuli opportunities which stimulate the production of dopamine, thus creating a satisfying experience. Therefore both technology and drugs have potential to create addictive consumers. Psychologists...
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...12-17 would reply 'videogames' to that question. To me, this massive percentage is horrifying (99% of boys and 94% of girls), yet some will sense nothing wrong with it. These people frequently argue, 'But videogames aren't that bad,' 'they're not actually harmful to the body,' or 'some games improve hand-eye coordination and analytical thinking skills.' Granted, video games often appear harmless, but they can be very damaging to children and teens who are lacking in self-control. The dangers of video gaming can be summarized into one word: addiction. Guilty pleasures like video games, television, and candy are tolerable when done in moderation. The problem with video gaming is that unless controlled or limited by a third party, it's both chemically and mentally addictive. Studies have scientifically shown that excitement from playing video games causes the human brain to release an addictive chemical. Psychologically, video game addiction is explained through what is called 'the God effect.' This simply means that players receive the ability to control and manipulate everything in the game, something very attractive for teens without substantial influence in the real world. Unlike other addictions such as tobacco, marijuana, or alcohol, video game addiction has yet to attain major publicity. The reason is probably due to the how smoking and drinking accumulates direct physical injury, while video games conjure minimal damage to physical health. However, I believe video...
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...Mrs. Clark ENC 091-75Z2 December 17, 2013 Compare Gambling & Cosmetic Surgery Have you ever thought about how closely related gambling and cosmetic surgery are? One might think that there are no similarities between the two, however once they are analyzed, the relationships are quite alike. For example, they cause a tremendous amount of stress, cost an astronomical amount on one’s finances, and are both very addictive. There are several different forms of gambling. Casinos, riverboats, and even sports bars are a form that may not seem like an issue but then turns into a very addictive habit .The rush that comes over a person as they constantly sink money into a slot machine with the false hope that the next pull of that lever is going to solve all their problems. “They are gonna hit big this time” is the overtaking thought. The highly available lottery tickets sold at every gas station are also as addictive as betting on a game or horse race. The consequences aren’t thought of until your bank account runs out or you go in debt. A gambling addiction is like any other addiction and is very hard to overcome if you don’t have people to help you through it. When people experience any addiction like gambling it just takes control of them as severely as a drug or alcohol addiction. It take going to counseling and actively working a program of recovery every day. Sometimes they never reach the point of...
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...Gary Reynoso 201-397-7517 Professor R. Marks 4/10/2012 Term Paper The Fast Food Epidemic On Health In today's society, fast food has become a large part of many American's lives. With the rising numbers of obese people, it is hard not to draw a correlation between the increase in fast food and obesity. Most obese people don’t want to be obese and wish they could lose weight, yet they continue to struggle with their fast food intake and obesity. This is due to the advertising done on the consumers, the highly addictive food itself, and most importantly, how advertising and addiction combine with children to form habits that are kept once they become adults. These factors are the reasons that fast food restaurants are to blame for the rising obesity and health risks across America. The government needs to step in and place regulations on these fast food restaurants so they will stop taking advantage of people's weaknesses. Before it can be gone into detail about how fast food companies are to blame for people over eating their food, it first must be proven that fast food is indeed the main problem causing today's obesity in America. It is known to many people how the number of fast food restaurants in America has increased tremendously over the past several decades, but it is difficult to calculate...
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...Analyzing the Formation of Habits Hugo Navarro PSY/250 Sept. 17, 2012 Steven Gonzalez Analyzing the Formation of Habits In the following, I will analyze one of my habits and how the habit was developed. I will discuss whether or not there were role models for this habit and which people influenced the adoption of this habit. If the habit continues and if there has ever been a time when I have attempted to break the habit will be analyzed. The behavioral personality theory will be used to explain why I have this habit. I will describe components of social and cognitive theory and explain why the habit formed. I will develop a plan that applies operant conditioning to change the habit. In conclusion, I will discuss which theory best explains my personality. According to make-or-break-habits.com, habits are routine behaviors done on a regular basis. They are recurrent and often unconscious patterns of behavior and are acquired through frequent repetition. Many of these are unconscious as we don’t even realize we are doing them. Personally, I have a smoking habit. I believe that I picked this habit by watching both of my Parents, my Grand Parents, and most of my Aunts and Uncles smoke. Some would consider smoking and addiction. In my opinion, a habit can also be an addiction. Some believe the term addiction should be reserved for describing a physical dependency on chemical substances such as alcohol and drugs. Other addictions include a range of compulsive...
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...The Trouble with Television 1: “Macneils essay is almost totally negative about televisions effect on its viewers. Write an essay in which you take the opposing view. Develop a thesis presenting the beneficial effects of television.” Television benefits and educates this nation greatly – The sheer volume of facts that you’re presented, as well as the entertainment value, makes it the greatest invention of mankind since sliced bread. Because of television we’re connected to the outside world, through numerous documentaries and news flashes throughout the day. How would we know that Gadaffi died this morning, if we didn’t have television? How would we even know that Libya was in revolt? We wouldn’t, and we only have the television to thank. That hoax, MacNeil, proposes that you could’ve taught yourself several languages or a bachelor degree, if you didn’t watch television. If you submerged yourself in a subject for 10’000 hours, you could’ve mastered it, but really, what’s the point? This kind of pro-nerderism that MacNeil preaches is completely detrimental to our nations economy, education and future. What is the point of reading Homer or Dostoevsky in the original languages? In those 10’000 hours you devoted to reading a single piece of literature, you could’ve made several T.V.-adaptations of the story and sold them to major broadcasters. You could’ve earned half a million dollars for your nation, or watched ten thousand documentaries. You’d even have time to...
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...keeps them quietly glued to the television, research says watching excessive television is not quite good for toddlers. And I am going to talk about some of the major negative effects of television on toddlers in the following. First of all, in academically, it is about low grades. There was a study of more than 1,300 Canadian schoolchildren tracked the amount of television children were watching at the ages of about 2 and 5. . The result shows that average level of television viewing shown in the study falls within recommended guidelines. Compared with children who watched less television, those with more TV exposure participated less in class and had lower math grades. Secondly, watching TV also affects toddlers with their health. Children who watch a lot of television during their early years snacked more, exercised less, and had higher ratios of body fat and they are at risk for childhood obesity. Also there have higher chances of developing sleep problems and speech delays. Thirdly, it affects them in mentally way. It may tend to development of unhealthy behavior. Television broadcasts a variety of programs, many of which depict unwholesome behaviors such as acts of violence and aggression. Such depictions tend to encourage unhealthy behaviors in the children watching such programs. You may have noticed that all of these points demonstrate the negative aspects of letting babies and toddlers watch TV. Television watching can be addictive. The more that children watch...
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...superficial perspective, this doesn’t seem like much of a problem. However, Robert Jeffery and Simone French (1998), authors of the article Epidemic Obesity in the United States: Are Fast Food and Television Viewing Contributing? assert that “Obesity is an important public health problem that, in recent years, has reached epidemic proportions” (p. 277). In fact, some are calling the problem the “obesity epidemic.” Several lawsuits against fast food establishments have been filed by those who are overweight. It’s a serious problem, one that cannot be ignored. Before anyone assumes that it’s just the United States, think again. With the increasing number of fast food establishments in countries other than the United States, such as China, Japan, and Brazil, so are obesity rates. The obesity epidemic can no longer be ignored and must be solved. While the problem is known, the source of it is not and must be traced. What exactly is the source of obesity? Many people believe it to be fast food restaurants such as McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Krystals, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Taco Bell. After all, are they not the ones distributing the food so unhealthy and high in calories? Are they not the ones advertising delicious, backstabbing food? Are they not the ones making the food so addictive that the consumers have no choice but to eat it and come back for more? It is not a...
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...The preschool educational television program Sesame Street was first aired on public broadcasting television stations November 10, 1969, and will reach its 45th season in 2014. The history of Sesame Street has reflected changing attitudes to developmental psychology, early childhood education and cultural diversity. Featuring Jim Henson's Muppets, animation, live shorts, humor and celebrity appearances, it was the first television program of its kind to base its content and production values on laboratory and formative research, and the first to include a curriculum "detailed or stated in terms of measurable outcomes".[1] Initial responses to the show included adulatory reviews, some controversy and high ratings. By its 40th anniversary in 2009, Sesame Street was broadcast in over 120 countries, and 20 independent international versions had been produced.[2] The show was conceived in 1966 during discussions between television producer Joan Ganz Cooney and Carnegie Corporation vice president Lloyd Morrisett. Their goal was to create a children's television show that would "master the addictive qualities of television and do something good with them",[3] such as helping young children prepare for school. After two years of research, the newly formed Children's Television Workshop (CTW) received a combined grant of $8 million from the Carnegie Corporation, the Ford Foundation and the U.S. federal government to create and produce a new children's television show. By the show's tenth...
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