Final Written Requirements in CAS 101

NAME: Jianne N. Jimenez DATE: 12/05/22

COURSE/YEAR & SECTION: BEED -1A

Write an argumentative essay about the topic: What is considered as superfluous usage of the internet,
and can it be counted as a form of addiction?

Rubrics: Content-15/ Mechanics-5/ organization-10/ Relevance -10

Merriam-Webster defines “Superfluous” to be exceeding what is  sufficient or necessary or something

that is extra. It can also be defined as something not needed or unnecessary. In context to the question
of “What is considered as superfluous usage of the internet, and can it be counted as a form of
addiction?” One can say that it is indeed a form of addiction, others say it cannot be yet factors suggest
that it is definetly a somewhat form of addiction.

To further understand the topic, an addiction in layman’s term is  a situation of psychological and
physical dependence on the  use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often
continue despite harmful consequences. So, what is considered to be superfluous usage of the internet,
experts say that more than 2 hours per day for children under 18  is considered problematic. There's no
official designation for adults, since many adults work or learn online, inclined to this leads to the early
symptoms of Internet addicition. The internet has become a nessecity towards the 21 st Century, many of
worlds taditing systems, communicating systems, as well as entertainment seems to stem more
frequently from the internet or can be seen from it. Nevertheless, despite the high speed of information
flow and potential educational value of the Internet, there are several attributes of the Internet which
may foster addictive behavior. These attributes include easy and flexible access 24 hours a day;
anonymity; provision of free, diversified, and unlimited number of social networks without geographical
boundaries; greater control over one’s self-presentation; and provision of numerous opportunities to
fulfill the need for belongingness as well as to escape from emotional difficulties, problematic situations,
and personal hardships. Research findings have shown that excessive use of Internet or Internet
addiction adversely affects one’s physical health, family life, and academic performance.
Concerning the negative consequences of Internet addiction on one’s physical health, persistence of
sleep deprivation may harm one’s immune system, thus increasing one’s vulnerability to assorted
diseases. The lack of exercise due to excessive use of computer by maintaining a sitting posture may also
risk suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, and eyestrain. Concerning family problems
caused by Internet addiction, family relationships are seriously disrupted by Internet addicts due to the
decrease in time spending with family, reluctance of performing family duties such as doing household
chores, and increase of conflicts with family in the negotiation for time spent on the Internet. Academic
problems caused by Internet addiction include decline in study habits, significant drop in grades, missing
classes, increased risk of being placed on academic probation, and poor integration in extracurricular
activities. Besides, adolescent Internet addicts often suffer from severe psychological distress, such as
depression; anxiety; compulsivity; feeling of self-effacement; fear that life without Internet would be
boring, empty, and joyless; as well as feeling of loneliness and social isolation. In addition, people
addicted to the Internet games may excessively imitate the behaviors and values of the characters in
online games (Neuroscience in the 21st Century (2013)).

In conclusion, using the internet for more than 2 hours for children, and more than 18 hours for
teenagers are considered to be a superfluous usage of the internet , and with this knowledge it is indeed
a form of addiction, in which is classified or called to be a internet addiction. The addiction in which is
classified to be a desease for it instill harmful effect unto its users, although not as hardcore as drug, it is
still a dangerous desease no less than the other forms of addiction of other items/substances/beliefs.

Prepared by: Anie Lou D. Palalon

CLA, Faculty