Articles, Podcasts, PowerPoint Presentations,
Lectures, Interviews, Presentations and Resources
Presented by Ofer Zur, Ph.D.
The resources on this page explore the following questions:
- Can the Internet and online gaming be addictive?
- What is Internet Addiction?
- What is the impact of technology on children, families, parents, and the relationships between parents and children?
- What are the positive, neutral, and negative aspects of technology in general, Internet and online gaming?
- How can we help our children reap the benefits of technology and gaming and avoid the pitfalls?
- How do various generations differ in their views and use of technology?
- Does multitasking reduce concentration, focus, comprehension and retention?
- What is the true nature of multitasking?
- Are young people’s brains are different from those of adults?
- How do we make sure that young children do not have access to harmful material?
- Can online gaming be educational?
- How can we treat excessive self-destructive or addictive use of the Internet or online gaming?
- What is the effects on families and work environments when the young people have greater mastery of technology that the older generation?
- How do we achieve balance between virtual and non-virtual or online and offline lives?
On Digital Natives And Digital Immigrants
How the Digital Divide Affects Families, Educational Institutions, and the Workplace
This article focuses on the characteristics of digital immigrants and digital natives and discusses how not all digital immigrants and not all digital natives are created equal. The article also discusses how the digital divide can negatively affect the home and work environments, as well as educational systems. It then proposes ways to reduce tension and increase harmony in these three settings.
Psychology of the Web & Internet Addiction
This articleoffers a refreshing look at the Internet and gaming culture that holds the attention of today’s youth and many adults. From the perspective of a digital immigrant (Baby Boomer) and digital native (Generation Y), this article explores how we relate to technology and how the generations differ in their approaches. It gives a practical guide for parents whose children struggle with Internet or gaming addiction, including assessment tools and treatment resources. The authors explore how the Internet and gaming can be used for educational purposes, without infringing on offline life. This perspective is much needed in our fast-paced technological culture, which is so lacking in boundaries. The article is intended as a helpful exploration of our technological culture for parents, therapists and anyone seeking balance with technology.
Cyberbullying:
Definition, Prevalence, Consequences, and Prevention
A guide for parents, teens, health professionals, and educators
This comprehensive guide gives an overview of the growing problem of cyberbullying, and specific actions for people all ages to take in combating this issue. Cyberbullying is a form of bullying with special power to destroy confidence and self-esteem through the swift pace of digital media and the isolation many victims experience. Without immediate feedback from victims, as would be the case in face-to-face bullying, many cyberbullies believe or simply insist that their taunting is “joking.” Seven young people committed suicide in 2010 from depression after being cyberbullied. This guide can help ensure that Internet technology and schools are safer for children.
Gaming Resources:
Educational Games for Children and Teens
This list of gaming resources is designed to help parents, educators and other interested parties to use the Internet and gaming to help children learn. There are thousands of educational games on the market, with new ones appearing every day. While all games teach some skills – such as mastery, strategy and cooperation – the games featured on this page are specifically geared towards supporting education. They teach a variety of skills, from resource management, to math, language skills and science. For example, one driving game allows a car to go faster depending on correct answers to multiplication problems. This page also gives examples of how gaming is used in schools to facilitate learning. We keep it updated, so please check in periodically for current developments in education and gaming
Power Point Presentation
Psychology of the Internet and Online Gaming
These PowerPoint presentations on Digital Immigrants & Digital Natives Part I and Part II discuss technology, Internet and gaming addiction and treatment options. It explores the approach of different generations (Baby Boomers vs. Generations X, Y and Next) in encountering technology, and how this divide affects family and work relationships. For parents and educators concerned about Internet and gaming addiction, the presentation offers a critical, non-reactive approach to diagnosing and addressing Internet and gaming compulsion or unhealthy over-use. And finally, it provides tools for building a sustainable relationship with technology, emphasizing balance.
Podcast:
Psychology of the Internet and Online Gaming (Transcript)
This is a podcast (Transcript) where Dr. John Riolo interviews colleague Dr. Ofer Zur on the Internet and gaming as part of his The Insider podcast programs. In the interview, Dr. Zur discusses the generational divide as it relates to technology and communication. Many Baby Boomers-and-up see young people multitasking and view it as lack of focus or discipline. Dr. Zur explores how digital natives- generations X, Y & Next – are adapting to the technological world in which they grow up. What looks like scattered attention may simply be using what is around them to the fullest capacity. Dr. Zur also discusses the differences in communication among the generations, such as the asynchronatic (option for delayed response) nature of technological communication, such as texts, discussion boards and emails, in the context of stories from his life and family. The podcast facilitates understanding of our technological culture as seen through the eyes of a digital immigrant interacting with digital natives.
Online Certificate Program: Psychology of the Web
This is a 15 hour online Certificate Program on the Psychology of the Web offered by the Zur Institute, Inc. It is comprised of four online courses and is also offered as 18 continuing education credits for psychologists, Marriage and Family Therapists, social workers, counselors, addiction counselors and nurses.
- The four are:
- Cybersex and Internet Sex Addiction (2ce)
- Internet Addiction (4ce)
- Children, Technology Addiction, Parenting and the Future (4ce)
- Psychology of the Web & Therapeutic Interventions in Cyberspace (5ce)
Samples of News Media Interviews With Dr. Zur
- 12/10/09: Internet Addiction and Online Gaming. Radio interview with VoiceAmerica, Stay Sane Now Show. Hosted by Claudine Struck.
- Coming up: Generational Differences and Conflicts Regarding Internet Use and Online Gaming. Radio interview “Mornings in Sonoma” with host, Ken Brown, at 9:30 AM on KSVY 91.3 Sonoma radio and on cable TV channel, SVTV Channel 27.
Invite Dr. Zur to Present Keynotes, Lectures or Give Radio and News Media Interviews
Contact Dr. Zur: info@zurinstitute.com or by phone at 833-961-1344.