Content area
Full text
ABSTRACT
The present study examined the effect of a R/T group counseling program derived from choice theory and control theory of reality therapy theory for group counseling on the Internet addiction level and self-esteem of Internet addiction University students. Participants in the treatment group attended the R/T group counseling program that was held 2 sessions per week for 5 consecutive weeks, whereas participants in the control group received no treatment. The findings indicated that the treatment program effectively reduced addiction level and self-esteem of Internet addiction University students. At the same time, the results revealed the significant effects of the R/T group counseling program on the dependent variables.
INTRODUCTION
Cyber space is a virtual space in which we communicate with other people on the network due to the wide distribution of computers. Cyber space has appeared as a new environment basically different from the physical space in which we live.
However, the advancement of Internet technology not only brings benefits, but also negative results. Of these negative aspects, excessive Internet use is increasing dramatically. Typical Internet behaviors included revolving around the PC rooms, participating in chat rooms, checking e-mailbox too many times, playing online games, and surfing pornographic contents.
Internet addiction is described as an impulse control disorder that does not involve use of an intoxicating drug and is very similar to pathological gambling (Young, 1996). Internet addiction is called Addiction Disorder, Pathological Internet Use, Excessive Internet Use, and Compulsive Internet Use.
Young (1996) carried out the earliest empirical study on excessive Internet use. According to Young (1999), Internet Addiction is a broad term covering a wide variety of behaviors and impulse control problems. She categorized Internet addiction by five specific subtypes of Internet addiction such as cyber-sexual addiction (compulsive use of adult chat rooms or cyber-porn), cyber-relationship addiction (over-involvement in online relationships), net compulsions (compulsive online gambling, shopping, and obsessive online trading), information overload (compulsive web surfing or database searches), and computer addiction (obsessive computer game including Doom, Myst, Solitaire etc.).
Internet addiction is a more common problem in our society as Internet users are increasing. The Internet has positive aspects including informative, convenient, resourceful and fun, but for the addicts, these benefits become detriments. There are various opinions on Internet addiction....