PSYC FPX 4210 assessment 3

Introduction

Addiction is routinely linked to substances like alcohol or drugs, but over the last few decades, addiction has taken other forms as well. Through the study of addiction, it becomes evident how people learn to survive in various environments and how their self-destructive habits can influence their environments. Internet betting, a modern problem, is a ubiquitous technological reality, posing major psychological problems. This paper explores the addiction that comes with internet gambling.

Underlying Psychological Theory

With the passage of time and evolution of the internet, the latter has not only brought excitement but also the addiction of newer types. Addiction, being a complex phenomenon, goes unnoticed in many people. Various theories about addiction exist, such as genetic theories, adaptive theory, and conditioning and biological (exposure) theories. Though gambling existed through the ages, internet gambling has taken the activity to a different level (Dunn, 2014).

Online gambling offers easy accessibility, and individuals experience a sense of privacy when engaging in gambling activities from their homes. Among the various addiction theories, exposure theory aligns most closely with the addiction to internet gambling. Winning triggers the release of endorphins, creating a sensation akin to ecstasy. The exposure theory conditioning model supports the need to keep playing and winning (Petry & Weinstock, 2007), noting that anyone is capable of forming addictive behavior through such reinforcements.

Gamblers with an addiction do not usually have one isolated psychological disorder but rather many other coexisting disorders. Although gambling is a pathological disorder, the computer world compounds this addiction. Addictions, overall, result in issues that not only involve the sufferer but also their social relationship, money, and family (Yen, 2009).

Media Reports and Scholarly Sources

USA Today reported that gambling addiction is comparable to the drug scourge of the 1960s, though with a more severe rate in the younger population (Dunn, 2014). Teenagers can access their parents’ credit card numbers with ease and use them to make bets, marking the starting point of addictive behavior online. Just like for alcohol and drugs, gambling addiction can be resolved by preventive intervention carried out by local and state authorities. States such as New Jersey have enacted protections to help those with problems with internet gambling addiction, such as added funding for programs.

The attraction of internet treatment is its anonymity since individuals can get treatment discreetly (Dunn, 2014). Admitting their problem helps individuals access programs run by the state’s gaming division, which provides treatment for internet gambling and gaming problems.

PSYC FPX 4210 Assessment 3 Personality and Technology 

Internet gambling has been researched in terms of its effects and contrasts with non-internet gambling (Gainsbury et al., 2013). The research identifies an association between internet gambling and gambling problems, especially among younger people. The authors suggest greater emphasis on the need to develop new treatments and prevention strategies for the younger population. In addition, in-depth research on different types of gambling and the internet as a means of gambling is needed to grasp the complexity of internet gambling.

Conclusion

There are similarities between “Face to Face” gambling and internet gambling, with the same effects. While there are those who can gamble and not develop an addiction, others experience a serious challenge leading to several challenges. Internet gambling can lead to emotional and financial problems, loss of contact with family and friends, and a high risk of mental health problems.