Smartphones are the world’s smallest slot machines…

Internet technology, including Smartphones, operate on a variable ratio reinforcement schedule-just like a slot machine used in gambling.  All aspects of information sought after and found on the Internet occur within this variable ratio reinforcement environment. The Internet  operates with a high degree of unpredictability and novelty and it is this unpredictability that facilitates the compelling nature of the Internet’s attractiveness.  The reinforcement/reward factor seem to be the most significant element in contributing to the addictive nature of the Internet and other digital media technologies. The Internet functions on a variable ratio reinforcement schedule (VRRS). Whether it’s gaming, sexual content, e-mail,  texting,  facebook, shopping or general information surfing, they all support unpredictable and variable reward structures.

By |June 20th, 2012|Dr. Dave's Blog|2 Comments

Why do we love to text and email so much?

The lines that define Internet use and abuse have begun to blur in that many media and entertainment technologies utilize Internet or web-based access and therefore share many of the addictive elements. The basic psychological factors that account for the addictive nature of the Internet apply to all Internet-enabled technologies, as well many other digital media technologies.  Smartphone’s, PDA’s, Iphones, Ipads, tablet computers, and game systems all rely on Internet Technology and therefore subject to the same potential for abuse and addiction. There are many factors associated with Internet abuse and addiction, including overuse, misuse, and tolerance, and withdrawal, ease-of-access, instant gratification, boundaries, dissociation, disinhibition, and perceived anonymity. Perhaps the most potent contributor is the variable ratio reinforcement schedule that appears to create a slot-machine effect for the Internet and other digital media technologies. The Internet and by extension, all devices accessing it, have become miniature slot machines where we are responding to unconscious reinforcement patterns and expressions of Dopamine.   Texting, email, Facebook—even web surfing all respond to the same principles  We are seeing tremendous changes in how the world stores and accesses information and entertainment; the web has become the World’s hard drive and we are all tethered to […]

By |March 20th, 2012|Dr. Dave's Blog|Comments Off on Why do we love to text and email so much?