Recent literature on disordered com

Recent literature on disordered computer use has focused on excessive use of the Internet
(e.g., Griffiths, 1996; O'Reilly, 1996, 1997; Young, 1996a, 1999). However, Internet use represents
a special category of computer use that applies to only a subset of computers and computer
users. Furthermore, people do not interact with the Internet; they relate only to computers that, in
turn, may interact with other computers by way of the Internet.
Since the Internet represents a series of computer links that provide a route by which users
access information stored on computers, the Internet is not directly a source of information
and influence. Therefore, under typical circumstances, the Internet should not be considered the
source of gambling or an object of addiction. The primary object of Internet gambling or, in the
instances of intemperate gambling that originates from remote computers is the experience stimulated
by the material that resides on local computers or the interactive experience of accessing
this information by using a local computer. In other words, the experience of using computers
can be rewarding for a number of reasons. It can be rewarding because of the inherent value of
the information available to the user (e.g., gambling); it also can be reinforcing because of the
experience of interactivity, competence, and power often associated with directing a computer’s
activity. Alternatively, interaction with new technology (e.g., electronic gaming devices) might
satisfy the user’s propensity for novelty seeking (1996; Ebstein et al., 1996). Similarly, connecting
with remote computers can offer sensation seekers (e.g., Zuckerman, 1979, 1994, 1983) the
promise of a new and special “social” and emotional experiences (e.g., on-line wagering; on-line
romance; the physiological “rush” associated with novel experiences).