User:Miran shahverdyan/Purposeful surfing

Purposeful surfing, as oposed to “spontaneous surfing” is activity of surfing the internet in order to achieve particular goal or task. This can include checking mail inbox, writing email to somebody, finding some specific information. The differenc from “spntaneous surfing” is that the objective is known to user before approaching( or logging in ) the computer and strictly followed during session. While in case of “spontaneous” or “random” surfing user can start computer session with or without particular goal to achieve, but during the session he/she steps to side from initial goal, for example by visiting another loosely related site, but which is not contributing in any way to achieving the inital objective. Further, from that site, using hyperlinks, user can move to other (intersting) but irrelevant sites.

Similar behavior is common in context of social networks, when by expecting a message frome somebody, or intending to write a particular message, user logs-in into system, than (usually after acomplishing initial objective), starts randomly moving trough other users’ profiles, or writing messages to those users.

A way to cope with “spontaneous surfing” is Purposeful surfing software, which during logging into operating system: -no internet session -surfing session -communication session -media player session
 * establishes specific duration for the session/default duration is provided for each type of session(see below) /
 * establishes type of session i.e
 * Specifing a brief textual description of the purpose of session. For example “Write to Kitty on Skype” or “Find out about AIESEC organisation”. For web surfing session, additinally specifying which URLs will be visited.

Then, after login, only programs/features relevant to type of session are being available. Also the remaining time for session is always seen on screen, as well as entere description of session. After the time of session is expired, session will finish unconditionally.

Another simple way is just to use pen and paper near the computer. So befor starting/logging the computer duration, type, objective of session(s) will be written down. This way is less effective, since controlling duration and usage of programs during session is responsiblity of user.

Internet addiction disorder