Internet Addiction and Attention Span: An Intervention Study
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Introduction
In this technological age, people are becoming increasingly reliant on technological devices such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and the like. The younger generation in particular is becoming more technologically savvy and dependent on technology and the Internet compared to the older generations. However, it can be observed that the younger generation are becoming increasingly bored and have a shorter attention span because of these digital devices (Borreli, 2015). One of the causes of this problem is the tendency of an individual to become dependent on the Internet, a condition more aptly known as the Internet addiction. This study aims to determine whether limiting the exposure to the Internet, and thus relieving them of their addiction to the Internet, can improve the attention span of the new generation, specifically the Generation Z (people born in the late 1990s up to the early 2000s).
Study Population
Because this study aims to determine the effect of the Internet usage on the attention span of the new generation, the population to be studied is all members of the younger generation, particularly adolescents who are within the age bracket of 13-18 year. This is the particular age bracket having been exposed to the internet at an early age.
Statement of the Problem
The problem aims to determine if intervening on the Internet usage of adolescents can minimize the Internet addiction and thus improve their attention span. Internet addiction is defined as a disorder in which an individual has poor and uncontrolled impulse to access the World Wide Web (WWW), leading to negative results (Adair, 2015). Studies have reported that at least with 8% - 12% of Americans and Europeans are afflicted with this condition (Cash, Rae, Steel & Winkler, 2012). To complete the study, data from various databases would be accumulated and analyzed. In addition to this, the data or information that will be gathered will be thoroughly weighed based on their merits (i.e. sample size, statistical significance, etc.).
Importance of the Study
The study will be relevant in today’s society because a shorter attention span will generally lower the productivity of an individual, because of the tendency to multitask. In addition, it can lead to more adverse conditions such as restlessness, irritability and a state of boredom. This can also impair interpersonal relationships, to the point in which people can no longer identify social cues due to their over-reliance on the Internet and social media sites as an alternative form of communication (Deitchman, n.d.).
Research Question and Hypothesis
Overall, the research question of this study would be “Will limiting the Internet usage significantly increase the attention span of adolescents?” It is hypothesized that limiting the amount of the adolescent time spent on the Internet will increase their attention span.
Variables of the Study
The dependent variable in the study will be the attention span of the adolescent students, which will be measured through various means. Because the attention span is dependent on the amount of the Internet usage, then the latter will be considered as the main independent variable in the study.
Implications of the Study
Determining the effect of the internet usage and addiction on the attention span can lead into new insights regarding the shorter attention span of adolescent addiction, which can be considered one of the major sociological problems nowadays as it is a contributing factor in the generation gap. Once the effect of the Internet on attention span is determined, further studies can be done on its effects and effective policies can be implemented in order to limit the usage so as to improve the younger generation’s attention span.
References
Adair, C.S. (17 July 2015). Are you addicted to the internet? CNN. Retrieved from http://edition.cnn.com/2015/07/17/opinions/steiner-adair-internet-addiction/
Borreli, L. (14 May 2015). Human Attention Span Shortens To 8 Seconds Due To Digital Technology: 3 Ways To Stay Focused. Medical Daily. Retrieved from http://www.medicaldaily.com/human-attention-span-shortens-8-seconds-due-digital-technology-3-ways-stay-focused-333474
Cash, H., Rae, C., Steel, A., & Winkler, A. (2012). Internet Addiction: A Brief Summary of Research and Practice. Current Psychiatry, 8(4), 292-298. doi: 10.2174/157340012803520513
Deitchman, A. (n.d.). Wait, what? On Social Network Use and Attention. Retrieved from http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/appsych/opus/issues/2010/fall/On_Social_Network_Use_and_Attention
