"Young (1998) reported that dependent users mainly utilized the social and interactive functions of the Internet, whereas nondependents used the Internet more for information gathering. Similarly, Young and Rogers (1998) note that problematic or abusive Internet use involved primarily socially interactive uses, which also appear to be associated with low self-esteem. In another study, Morahan-Martin and Schumacher (2000) found that the social aspects of Internet use consistently differentiated those with more Internet use problems from others, as the former were more likely to use the Internet for seeking emotional support, talking with others, and playing highly socially interactive games. LaRose, Lin, and Eastin (2003), based on uses and gratifications as well as operant conditioning theory, argue that when individuals have received repeated expected grafifications (or rewards) from Internet use over time, their Internet use behavior can turn into a conditioned habit (operant conditions). If these individuals subsequently preoccupy themselves with this habit due to deficient self-regulation of their Internet use behavior, they can go one step further and isolate themselves from society to the extent of becoming addicted to Internet use."