About

Definition and Scope of the Research Project:

This research project aims to explore the phenomenon of information addiction, specifically its development, prevalence, impacts, and potential interventions within digital environments. The scope includes examining the psychological and social dynamics that contribute to addictive behaviors associated with excessive digital information consumption, and how these behaviors affect individuals and communities.

Problem Definition – How to Define Information Addiction:

Information addiction is defined as a compulsive need to seek and consume digital content that goes beyond voluntary control, characterized by excessive engagement with digital platforms such as social media, search engines, and news portals. This behavior is often detrimental, leading to significant psychological, social, or physical distress.

Signs – How to Measure Information Addiction & When it Occurs

Information addiction is measured through a combination of self-reported surveys and behavioral tracking. Surveys assess subjective experiences of compulsive use, emotional attachment to digital content, and perceived negative impacts on daily life. Behavioral tracking involves analyzing usage patterns such as frequency of use, duration of sessions, and preferences for specific types of digital content to quantify the level of addiction.

Communities Affected by Information Addiction:

This research focuses on diverse communities ranging from adolescents and young adults—who are highly engaged with digital media—to older adults who might be experiencing isolation. The study aims to identify demographic and socio-economic factors that influence susceptibility to information addiction.

Isolating the Effects of Information Addiction:

Isolating the effects involves distinguishing the direct impacts of information addiction from related issues like general internet addiction or specific compulsions (e.g., social media addiction). This includes analyzing how information addiction uniquely affects mental health, productivity, interpersonal relationships, and daily functioning.

Dynamics between Information Addiction and Its Medium:

The project examines how different digital mediums contribute to the development and perpetuation of information addiction. It investigates the role of platform design, such as algorithms that promote addictive patterns (e.g., infinite scroll, personalized content) and the interaction between user behavior and technological features that may exacerbate or mitigate addiction.

Remediation

This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of information addiction, contributing to effective strategies for prevention and intervention. By analyzing the dynamics between users and digital platforms, the research will offer insights into designing healthier digital environments and promoting better usage habits among vulnerable populations.