Perhaps more important, the book provides very useful advice on a variety of issues for digital immigrants about how to adjust to the new electronic environment, and for digital natives to help them realize that they also live in a natural environment that has its own challenges and responsibilities.

For example, a major current problem is that both groups are at risk for becoming so addicted to the appeal of the new electronic environment that they lose a sense of balance between the two. The authors thus propose criteria for what they call Internet Addiction Disorder that will help both groups to assess their sense of balance. I suspect that most of us can identify with at least some of these indicators, although the authors suggest that an addictive level involves at least 40 hours of online activity a week (in addition to work-related activity):

All of The Following Five Specific Criteria Are Present in Internet Addictive Disorder:

Preoccupation: Constantly thinks about the previous online activity or anticipates the next online session.

Tolerance: Needs longer periods of Internet time to feel satisfied.

Lack of Control: Can't cut back or stop online activities

Withdrawal: Attempts to decrease or stop Internet use leads to restlessness, irritability, and mood changes.

Staying Online: Repeatedly remains online longer than originally intended.

In Addition, At Least One of The Following Three Criteria Is Present:

Risk of Functional Impairment: Jeopardizes the loss of a job, educational or career opportunity, or important relationships through excessive Internet use.

Concealment: Lies to others in order to hide Internet activities.

Escape: Goes online to relieve uncomfortable feelings, escape problems, and/or avoid personal relationships.

If you're interested in technology issues, you may also want to read issues related to electronic media that I discussed in an earlier two-part Brain Connection column: The Effects of Electronic Media on Cognition and Behavior.

Resources
Goldberg, E. (2005) The Paradox of Wisdom: How Your Mind Can Grow Stronger as Your Brain Grows Older . New York: Gotham.

Pensky, M. (February 2009. Vol. 5, issue 3) Innovate: Journal of Online Education. "H. Sapiens Digital: From Digital Immigrants and Digital Natives to Digital Wisdom". http://www.innovateonline.info/index.php?view=article&id=705&action=login