The Phenomenology of Internet Addiction

Title: The Phenomenology of Internet Addiction
Reference #: ITRI-IP008-0701
Date: 7/1/2001
Authors: Jeff B. Murray, Univ of Arkansas
Swinder Janda, Kansas State Univ
Abstract: The purpose of this research is to explore in-depth the experience of a pitfall called ''internet addiction.'' Internet addiction is a broad term covering a wide variety of behaviors and impulse-control problems. Nearly 6% of 17,251 respondents in an online survey met the criteria for compulsive internet use and over 30% report using the net to escape from negative feelings. The vast majority admitted to feelings of time distortion, accelerated intimacy, and feeling uninhibited when online. Rather than using psychiatric conceptualizations of chemical and behavioral ''addiction,'' this research is using the phrase ''internet addiction'' in a broader context emphasizing the potential damage internet overuse may cause in one's life. Why is the technology intoxicating for some consumers? What type of consumer becomes addicted to the internet? What do internet addicted behaviors look like? What areas of an individual's life are negatively affected by such addiction?


~~Another Research~~
Title: The Influence of Professional Identification on the Retention of Women and Racial Minorities in the IT Workforce
Reference #: ITRI-IP015-1101
Date: 11/1/2001
Authors: Anne O'Leary-Kelly, University of Arkansas
Bill Hardgrave, University of Arkansas
Vicki McKinney, University of Arkansas
Darryl Wilson, University of Arkansas
Abstract: Professional identification reflects the degree to which an individual’s valued self-image derives from attachment to a profession. Once individuals become strongly identified with their profession, they will want to remain in the profession, and turnover becomes less likely. If professional identification is an important precursor to career persistence, and if women and racial minorities are underrepresented in IT, this suggests that the professional identification of these individuals may be weaker than that of majority (male, racial majority) IT workers. The purpose of this research is twofold: 1) to explore whether differences in individual characteristics and situational experiences lead women and minorities to develop different levels of professional identification (compared to majority individuals), and 2) to examine the influence of professional identification on the career persistence of IT workers. Specifically, this research will determine whether women and minorities undergo differential treatment or experiences in the IT workplace that lead to lower levels of identification with the profession. Note: Nine ITRC members have already pledged their participation in this project; we encourage participation from all ITRC members.


~~Research, again ! ~~
Title: Human Resources, Information Technology, and Firm Performance: A Study of the Complementarities of Work Systems
Reference #: ITRI-IP002-0600
Date: 6/1/2000
Authors: John Delery, Univ of Arkansas
Abstract: The use of advanced information technology can result in jobs being up-skilled or down-skilled. It can increase the amount of information that is available to the work force; it can also increase the amount of control that can be maintained over the work force. Since technology has the power to change jobs in different ways, to make directional predictions about the influence of technology is necessary to investigate a specific technology in context. For example, up-skilled jobs necessitate higher levels of critical workforce characteristics; down-skilled jobs necessitate lower levels of these characteristics. Within the context of the motor carrier industry, the proposed research investigates the degree to which motor carriers have used information to up-skill jobs and empower drivers, versus deskill and control drivers. More importantly, the research will focus on the degree to which information technology influences the effectiveness of different strategies of HR management.


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