READING


Reading Comprehension - Computer Addiction


Develop your reading skills. Read the following text and do the comprehension questions


Computer addictionComputer addiction can be defined as the excessive or compulsive use of the computer which persists despite serious negative consequences for personal, social, or occupational function. The addiction involves online and/or offline computer usage and consists of at least three subtypes: excessive gaming, sexual preoccupations, and e-mail/text messaging".

Offline and online computer addiction

The concept of computer addiction is broadly divided into two types, namely offline and online computer addiction. The term offline computer addiction is generally used when speaking about excessive gaming behavior, which can be practiced both offline and online. Online computer addiction, also known as Internet addiction, gets more attention in general from scientific research than offline computer addiction, mainly because most cases of computer addiction are related to the excessive use of the Internet.

Symptoms

The symptoms of computer addiction include

  • Being drawn by the computer as soon as one wakes up and before one goes to bed.
  • Replacing old hobbies with excessive use of the computer and using the computer as one's primary source of entertainment and procrastination
  • Lacking physical exercise and/or outdoor exposure because of constant use of the computer. This could contribute to many health problems such as obesity

Causes and effects

Researchers link internet/computer addiction with existing mental health issues, most notably depression. Studies showed that the majority of those who met the requirements of internet/computer addiction suffered from interpersonal difficulties and stress and that those addicted to online games specifically responded that they hoped to avoid reality.

There are many consequences resulting from computer addiction. For example, excessive computer use may result in lack of face to face social interaction. It may also lead to Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), a condition that results in headaches, blurred vision, neck pain, fatigue, eye strain, dry eyes, irritated eyes, double vision, vertigo or dizziness.

Sources: Wikipedia

Comprehension:

  1. Computer addiction is related to only internet activities.
    a. True
    b. False
  2. The symptoms of computers addiction include insufficient physical activity.
    a. True
    b. False
  3. One of the causes of computer addiction is related to the abnormal urge to stay away from real life.
    a. True
    b. False
  4. Deficient real social interaction is another cause leading to computer addiction.
    a. True
    b. False

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