Does Internet and computer 'addiction' exist? Some case study evidence

It has been alleged that social pathologies are beginning to surface in cyberspace (i.e., technological addictions). To date, there is very little empirical evidence that computing activities (i.e., internet use, hacking, programming) are addictive. Anecdotal evidence indicates that the typical “addict” is a teenager, usually male, with little or no social life, and little or no self-confidence. This article concentrates on five case studies of excessive computer usage. It is argued that of the five cases, only two of them describe “addicted” subjects. Addiction components criteria were used in the assessment. The excessive usage in the majority of cases was purely symptomatic and was highlighted how the subjects used the Internet/computer to counteract other deficiencies

The Dara Building (Grote Koppel), Amersfoort, Netherlands

The Dara Building in Amersfoort, Netherlands, makes a significant contribution to FAT Architecture’s on-going research into the creative potential of historical reference and repetition, in combination with digital and prefabricated construction techniques to generate new meanings in architecture. Griffiths was the lead architect on the project. Its design responded to a number of questions: How can a modern building integrate with and extend the meanings of an historic context? How can differentiation and variety be achieved using repetition? How can precast concrete construction be used to create expressive popular iconography and communicate cultural values about architecture? Can an art-based architectural practice be successful in a market driven environment? Its methodology included numerous site visits to understand the site’s complexity and latent potential, discussions with local planning authorities to get a sense of the Dutch legislation and regulations for historic contexts and typological research, drawing on the traditions of baroque influenced, gable fronted Dutch architecture. A variety of programmatic solutions, spatial permutations, and the three-dimensional complexity of the building and its surroundings were tested through extensive physical model making and other forms of digital visualisation. The innovative external wall and window panels of the building were generated by drawing and re-drawing, then interpreting these design motifs in digital format, which were then transferred directly to Dutch prefabricated concrete manufacturer, Hibex. The architects then collaborated closely with the manufacturer to produce the building’s signature prefabricated façade panels. The building has been favourably reviewed in the architectural media, including in Building Design, Blue Print and Domus. It is regularly featured in lectures and exhibitions about the work of FAT delivered nationally and internationally including at London Metropolitan University in 2009, the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis in 2009 and the Strelka Institute in Moscow in 2010

Riverside One, Middlesbrough

Riverside One is an apartment block in Middlesbrough built as part of the regeneration of the former industrial Middlehaven Docks. The brief for the building was to deliver a highly sustainable, landmark housing project exceeding Eco Homes ‘Excellent’, in line with ‘One Planet Living’ sustainability goals. The building addresses the following research questions: How can a memorable building challenge the flatness of generic urban planning within the framework of market driven regeneration? How can the communicative surface perform architecturally? How can environmental principles be incorporated into an art based architecture practice? The design of Riverside One was driven by contextual concerns involving detailed fieldwork and a close reading of the site to discover the narratives of place and the specifics of its history. Found models were then reworked through collagist / dada-ist methods to create a new assemblage that carried with it old associations and meanings and created new ones. Methods used to reorganise existing information into a new constellation were the appropriation of images, references, history and values; collage, juxtaposition and humour. At the same time as this visual, aesthetic research, Riverside One required considerable environmental and technical research to meet its sustainability standards. This involved participation in numerous sustainability workshops and in depth, detail design of the building’s external façade to ensure water and airtightness. Riverside One is a contentious building that has been widely disseminated and debated in the architectural and public media. This includes articles in dezeen, Building Design, Architects Journal and The Guardian. Built at a time of financial plenty and when there was a great deal of optimism about urban regeneration, it is seen as both representative of that optimism and all that was unreal about it. Griffiths was the lead architect for FAT on the project

The evolution of Internet addiction: A global perspective

Kimberly Young’s early work on Internet addiction (IA)has been pioneering and her early writings on the topic inspired many others to carry out research in the area. Young's (2015) recent paper on the 'evolution of Internet addiction' featured very little European research, and did not consider the main international evidence that has contributed to our current knowledge about the conceptualization, epidemiology, etiology, and course of Internet-related disorders. This short commentary paper elaborates on important literature omitted by Young that the present authors believe may be of use to researchers. We also address statements made in Young’s (2015) commentary that are incorrect (and therefore misleading) and not systematically substantiated by empirical evidence

The gaming industry's role in the prevention and treatment of problem gambling

There are many factors that could be incorporated within a gaming company’s framework of social responsibility and that while the industry should be proactive in the prevention of problem gambling, the treatment of problem gambling should be done by those outside of the gaming industry and that one of the ways forward may be online rather than offline help. This is reinforced by the gaming industry having formal relationships with numerous organisations that address training, compliance, accreditation, and governance

The implications of real-time behavioural tracking

In contrast to offline gambling, behavioural tracking presents an opportunity for gaming operators and researchers to examine the actual and real-time behaviour engaged in by gamblers. To date, almost all diagnostic screening instruments contain criteria that are a mixture of statements about actual problem gambling behaviour, accompanied by criteria relating to the negative associated consequences of gambling. If problem gambling can be identified online without the use of diagnostic gambling screens, then this may have implications for the development of problem gambling screening instruments in the future

Autosub under ice

Autosub made headlines recently when it became trapped under 200m of ice in Antarctica.Here we explore the ideas behind the £5.86 million research programme, and look back at an earlier expedition which took place last summer off the coast of Greenland