Are You an Internet Addict?

Fri Nov 3, 2006 7:58AM EST

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I was reading through an AFP report on Yahoo! News that says Serbia is now treating people with Internet addictions. This counseling center considers anyone who is not interested in daily activities with family and friends as a potential Internet addict and looks for other signs such as spending prolonged hours online, turning to virtual friends, and isolation. I'm not sure exactly how they treat Internet addiction, but they say treatment usually lasts one year.

After reading this, I headed over to Net Addiction and took an Internet Addiction Test (IAT) that told me my Internet usage is causing occasional problems in my life. I won't take that test too seriously because my occupation requires me to be online a lot of the time. However, I will keep that in mind next time I choose surfing the web over, er, household chores. Can you blame me?

Internet addiction can be harmful for those who delve into the darker side of the web, such as online gambling, cybersex, online affairs, and online gaming. But how do you know when you or someone you love is addicted to the Internet? When is it time to pull the plug and seek treatment?

Here's a list of common symptoms to watch out for:

1. Lying about how much time is spent online.
2. General decrease of physical activity and social life.
3. Neglecting obligations at home, work, or school to spend time online.
4. Spending too much money on computer equipment or Internet activities.
5. Feeling a constant desire to be online when they're away from the computer.
6. Going online to escape real world problems.
7. Disregarding the emotional or physical consequences of being in front of a computer all day.
8. Denial of the problem.

There is much debate about the reality of Internet addiction. The bottom line is that anything can be harmful when abused. If you find yourself spending more time online than with real people, then plan for some quality time with the family or friends every other day. Find an activity the whole family enjoys and make a date with them.

I personally disconnect completely every weekend and get out of the house so I'm not tempted to check email. I also have movie nights and "Lost" nights during the week, which are a great excuse to turn off the computer. Different things work for different people, so just find something you enjoy and don't hesitate to shut the computer off.

What do you do to escape cyberspace?

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Comments on Are You an Internet Addict?

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  • 66 Posted by chrisurban2003 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:25PM EDT Report Abuse

    Like I heard on a radio advertisment, the internet is not a fad and it is here to stay. You can't say someone is just addicted to the internet in general, because there is so many things people HAVE to us the internet for now-a-days. Maybe "online gaming" addiction or "online chatting" addictions would be more accurate than just "internet addiction."

  • 67 Posted by cheryl52barr on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:22PM EDT Report Abuse

    My husband became addicted to computer games and ONline games 20 some years ago. This is my 3rd year of marriage to him. I am ignored. I am very much ALONE in this marriage. I am interrupting him if I talk or ask a question. We are late for every event because of gaming and internet. I am very resentful and this marriage may not see its 4th year!!! Cheryl

  • 68 Posted by sweetsmooches4u2 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:52PM EDT Report Abuse

    my now Ex husband, got addicted to the internet. which cost losing his job, his family, his marriage of 17yrs, the house, had to file bankruptcy. His porn sites, chat rooms and online buddys & Lovers was more important.

  • 69 Posted by girl2878521 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:09PM EDT Report Abuse

    what if you're like addicted to myspace? lol!

  • 70 Posted by sleepeeg3 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:27PM EDT Report Abuse

    The irony that this was posted in someone's "blog!" My name is Something Something and I am an internet addict.

  • 71 Posted by dreamydiva03 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:48PM EDT Report Abuse

    I know this is a problem because i know i am addicted to it. I spend more time on the net than with my family and friends. It has caused problems with my intimate relationships as well as isolate myself from the things that matter the most to me. I am unsure if they would consider this to be a form of depression or not. But spending time on the net, feels very real to me.

  • 72 Posted by silconscave on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:23PM EDT Report Abuse

    Hah! A little backfire there. Posting a things about internet addiction, on the internet...

  • 73 Posted by rathbun_sabrina on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:29PM EDT Report Abuse

    In order to get away from the computer I turn if off completely and hang out with people I know. I had this issue for a while where I would stay signed on to AIM 24/7, and I decided now to only sign on at night and talk only for a little while. It feels really good to not be wasting the time doing stuff like that. I also just keep my computer off more. If feels really refreshing to get away.

  • 74 Posted by iridium190 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:24PM EDT Report Abuse

    I'd like to discuss this further in a chat room.

  • 75 Posted by silconscave on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:23PM EDT Report Abuse

    Hah! A little backfire there. Posting a things about internet addiction, on the internet...

  • 77 Posted by iridium190 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:24PM EDT Report Abuse

    I'd like to discuss this further in a chat room.

  • 78 Posted by ky_grnii on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:55PM EDT Report Abuse

    No one enjoys being alone and for many it is not an addition but an escape. They can turn to friends "online" and tell them things they wouldn't normally tell, even to a close friend. With an addiction once you have treated the problem you have to abstain...is there anyone that could give up this technology forever? I doubt it...As with all things you have to be aware that it is a tool and it is power. it gives people a sense of belonging in a world that is anything they want it to be. Fantasies, dreams or escapes...a little can be a good thing, but abuse of anything goes over the line...

  • 79 Posted by kendall_lenore on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:49PM EDT Report Abuse

    Great article. Where can I get that food/drink keyboard cover? A lot of folks at work are asking. This would make a great Christmas gift.

  • 81 Posted by golfspaz74 on Fri Nov 3, 2006 2:45PM EST Report Abuse

    I think the internet is a form of entertainment like the TV. Are there people that are TV addicts? I am sure there are, but being on the net for hours is the same as watching TV for hours. There are people that I am sure are obsessed with it, but that I am sure is a small percent. It is just how things are going. With the internet on our phones; the world is a net addict. I admit, when I am home I am on the net - but when I am on vacation or out for a weekend; I do not care about the net - I am busy having fun.

  • 82 Posted by xtlugia@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:53PM EDT Report Abuse

    Man I scored a 57 so they say i suffer some that is so untrue i got a 4.125 and im a high school senior with a good social life but LOL i do carry a dell axim x51 with me when i cant carry my laptop i always have my razr for textes and when im at home im on my super powered DESKTOP :D

  • 83 Posted by j_rokofdoc on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:45PM EDT Report Abuse

    THIS IS VERY TRUE.. I SPEND A LOT OF TIME ONLINE.. NOT ONLY FOR HOMEWORK BUT FOR ENTERTAINMENT REASONS.. MY BIGGEST ADDICTION IS MYSPACE.. IM SURE EVERYONE READING THIS EITHER HAS ONE OR KNOWS SOMEONE WHO HAS ONE.. MYSPACE IS SO ADDICTING THAT I GO ON IT BEFORE SCHOOL, AFTER SCHOOL, AFTER WORK N BEFORE I GO TO BED.. HEY! AT LEAST I DON'T DENY IT LIKE MOST PEOPLE DO.. WELL FOR THOSE WHO READ THIS U CAN SEND ME A MESSAGE ON MYSPACE.. myspace.com/urlatincasanova

  • 84 Posted by vstankovic70 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:38PM EDT Report Abuse

    Funny thing about Serbia and the internet addiction. A favorite activity in Serbia (I am Serbian so I would know) is hanging out in coffee shops day in and day out with bunch of friends, chatting endlessly about nothing, and doing nothing productive. That's called "Blejanje". I think they are concerned that internet addiction might take over "Blejanje" addiction! I think they also need treatment centers for this addiction.

  • 85 Posted by xpunk_rock_poetx on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:53PM EDT Report Abuse

    Half of these sign's are found in everyone who even owns PC this is a cyberage people do spend more time on their PC's because you can do almost everything from it at this point pay bills , chat with family, etc.. etc.. i do agree you should alteast do a couple other things but to lable this is a addiction is just silly its just giving people a crutch to use because their now *screams* internet addicts. And as far as telling people to watch tv instead isnt tv alot worse all you do is sit there and stare blanking into the screen getting spoon fed endless media advertising and other useless junk atleast online you are talking to other people and using your mind. Ill admit i spend alot of time online i play World Of Warcraft and also talk to family members who live far away from myself among other things but i still do other things when theirs things to do like go to concerts and plays etc.. but this article is just silly in every way. and i love the 8th step so that means EVERYONE is a addcited because if they wont admit it they must be in denial *rolls eyes*

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