Growing concern over Internet addiction

cnn ^ | 5/20/06

[LouAvul]

For some, the Internet it has become an addiction, adversely affecting their lives and their family's lives.

While not yet defined as a true addiction, many people are suffering the consequences of obsession with the online world, warns Dr. Diane M. Wieland, who treats patients with computer addiction in her practice in Lansdale, Pennsylvania.

For some people, the Internet may promote addictive behaviors and pseudo-intimate interpersonal relationships, reports Wieland in the journal, Perspectives in Psychiatric Care. "Such cyberspace contacts may result in cyber disorders such as virtual relationships that evolve into online marital infidelity (cybersex) or online sexually compulsive behaviors," she writes.

"Obsession with and craving time on the computer results in neglect of real-life personal relationships to the point of divorce," Wieland says.

The prevalence of Internet addiction is hard to gauge at the moment, Wieland notes. Extrapolating from prevalence rates of other addictions, she thinks that 5 percent to 10 percent of Internet users will most likely experience addiction.

Signs and symptoms of Internet addiction include a general disregard for health and appearance; sleep deprivation due to spending so much time online; and decreased physical activity and social interaction with others. Dry eyes, carpal tunnel syndrome, and repetitive motion injuries of the hands and fingers are common.

[TexasTransplant]

I can quit FR any time I want

TT

[KoRn]

I can think for far worse things to be addicted to. =)

[tongue-tied]

hey look...a story about my ex!

[bannie]

..and here WE are!

;-)

[woofie]

uh oh

[pcottraux]

I'm addicted. And I'm not changing, no matter what anyone says or does. I looooove being addicted...

[Jaysun]

I can quit anytime, I just do it because I like it. Besides, I'm not hurting anyone and where else can one find such a huge variety of quality animal porn?

[peggybac]

The internet isn't my problem - FreeCell is.

I need another 12 step program.

[MJY1288]

Much like talk radio, we are dominating the net when it comes to alternative NEWS, so be prepared to see more of these types of stories in the future. I'm quite sure that John McCain will team up with another liberal like Fiengold to restrict our rights to free speech on the Internet, much like what they tried to do on CFR, but much like CFR they will fail

[TexasTransplant]

>>>>"uh oh"<<<<

You Too?

TT

(even Larry the Cable Guy suggested in his Act that he should Sue Penthouse for Carpal Tunnel or whatever Syndrome)

[woofie]

There is something about the double click...

[LibWhacker]

One man's addiction is another man's hobby.

[tongue-tied]

yeah but we're not cybering. hehehe Or maybe I should say I'm not. I don't know what you other folks do on the internet for (checks watch) 8 hours.

[Zeppelin]

"Hi, I'm Bill, and I'm addicted to the internet."

(Now I need about a dozen responses that say "Hi Bill!" before I post again) =P

(Names have been changed to protect the innocent)

[MikeHu]

What -- and nobody is addicted to healthy mainstream media?

[heights]

Cold turkey has got me ...on the run.thirty six hours rolling in pain . Give me my keyboard and free me again.

[MikeHu]

Aren't these Reuters and CNN folks too obvious?

[bannie]

Ok, you win.

:-)

[Berlin_Freeper]

If there was a Democrat in the White House then this "news article" would be about how "the internet is a valuable resource tool for information and education. It also helps bring people together who share common interests and goals in life. And you can find a delicious Chocolate Chunk Cookie recipe like the one posted on this website... etc etc etc"

But since there is a Republican in the White House, the MSM makes sure that you are not allowed to be happy or feel good about anything.

They do this CONSTANTLY about everything under the sun. If they think the internet is bad then it just got worse for them because I just used it to expose the BS game they constantly run. And that my friends is GOOD. :)