INTERNET: IT’S INFLUENCE TO LEARNERS
WILSON C. PINGUL
The progress of technology is a blessing to human wherein it makes life faster and easier primarily the invention of computers. Computer technology has various uses like in transportation, communication, commerce, construction, medicine, studies in universe even the content of books are already in the internet. We also have social networking, social media and computer games which serve as leisure and entertainment to humans. But whatever excessive use of a thing may result into a bad effect to people. One of the basic common problem that teachers, parents and even experts in science of psychology encounter is the online gaming addiction of learners. What is it all about? How can we say that a person is addicted? Who are the victims? What are the effects to learners and to people around them?
Addiction is a very strong habit. It is a condition to be a slave to a habit, compulsive dependence. There are two kinds of addiction which are physical addiction referring to addiction a particular substance or medicine or cigarette smoking and psychological addiction referring to reliance to a thing which gives satisfaction to his mind and feeling which is seen to his behavior. Online gaming addiction is a kind of psychological addiction in which the medium is playing online games in the internet. Online games motivates player to escape from reality, characterizing characters on online games, praises and recognitions received from co-players, uplifting self-esteem during the games, gives challenges to every player, bursting out their emotions, anger and frustrations.
Excessive game playing often reflects problems in the home. This behavior is oftentimes just the tip of the iceberg of deep- rooted problems. If an individual spends ten hours or more (70-80 hours/ week) this could totally damage his studies, work and social relations. Ten million people using internet, 30% are youth or teens are considered internet addicted. Five to ten percent game users end up addicted. Learners spend more times in video games. Learners addicted in video games spend most of their times in internet shop, they lack sleep or sleep in school, cannot comply with school activities and avoid friends. Physical symptoms are the same in drug addicted.
Parents must give full support in keeping their children away from online games addiction by talking to them and knowing their problems. They must also seek professional advice to teachers and guidance counselors in school and do their best to divert them to other activities. Following up a child is a basic role a parent should do to help their children. — oOo— The author is Teacher III, ALS Mobile Teacher, Sta. Monica ES, Lubao North District