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.

[Judith Anne]

HAHAHA, someone should start an intervention thread for addicted FReepers, and ping all the usual suspects. of course, the addicted ones wouldnt need to be pinged. that would be truly ironic.

That would be me...;-D

[Dallas59]

I call him "Gus"...

[Rte66]

46???? I've played so many times on so many different computers over the years, I don't know what my big total is, but my longest win streak is 28 and I just keep crapping out at 27 time and time again.

Since I developed asthma 2 years ago, it is my only "biofeedback" - the only thing that can calm me down and get my heart rate and breathing somewhat regulated, since I don't have medical attention for it. That is, if I'm around a computer and it's already on.

What are the chances?

[FreedomPoster]

He sold it to AOL Time Warner some time ago, back before the dot-com crash. It's now just Time Warner; CNN is under the TBS unit here:

http://www.timewarner.com/corp/businesses/index.html

[thoughtomator]

In an effort to break this insidious addiction, I'm buying a couch and a TV tomorrow.

[Question Liberal Authority]

My favorite part of the internet addiction quiz:

For immediate help, visit our Virtual Clinic which provides affordable and confidential counseling

Isn't that like curing a pornography addiction by having a roomful of naked women tell you how naughty you've been?

[beaversmom]

Hello, my name is beaversmom and I'm a FReepaholic.

[SheLion]

Ruh-roh!
Look for a tax sometime in the near future to help with medical conditions caused by this addiction. Remember tobacco?

I'm not addicted.  I swear to Gawd!  LOL

[beaversmom]

I would give up our TV and phone before the computer/internet.

[Uddercha0s]

"I need another 12 step program."

I think you can attend one online :-D

[Uddercha0s]

The real question is, do you IM each other with the links?

[Salem]

[wolfcreek]

I think they're preachin to the choir! It's not addiction just a obsessive hobby.

[Bear_Slayer]

I lost a $70k job because of FR.

I'm the better man for it.

[listenhillary]

Thanks for the mammeries

[sweetliberty]

You know it's time to turn your computer off and read a book when:

• A friend calls and says "How are you? Your phones have been busy for a year!"
• You forgot how to work the TV remote control.
• You see something funny and scream, "LOL, LOL."
• You meet the mailman at the curb and swear he said "You've Got Mail!"
• You sign off and your screen says you were on for 3 days and 45 minutes.
• You fall asleep, but instead of dreams you get IM's.
• You buy a laptop and a cell phone so you can have AOL in your car.
• Tech support calls YOU for help.
• You beg your friends to get an account so you can "hang out."
• You get a second phone line just to call out for pizza.
• You purchase a vanity car license plate with your screen name on it.
• You say "he he he he" or "heh heh heh" instead of laughing.
• You say "Scroll Up" when someone asks what it was you said.
• You sneak away to your computer when everyone goes to sleep.
• You talk on the phone with the same person you are sending an instant message to.
• You look at an annoying person off line and wish that you had your ignore button handy.
• You start to experience "withdrawal" after not being online for awhile.
• "Where did the time go??"
• You sit on AOL for six hours for that certain special person to sign on.
• You get up in the morning and go online before getting your coffee.
• .....You end your sentences with.....three or more periods.......
• You enter a room and get greeted by 25 people with {{{hugs}}}and **kisses**.
• Being called a "newbie" is a major insult to you.
• You're on the phone and say "BRB."
• Your teacher or boss recommends a drug test for the blood shot eyes.
• Your answering machine/voice mail sounds a little like this...."BRB. Leave your S/N and I'll TTYL ASAP".
• You need to be pried from your computer by the Jaws-of-Life.

[savedbygrace]

Come and get me, copper!

[sweetliberty]

You know you've been on the computer too much when you get a letter from your doctor like this:

Horace Duhnno
12 Connect Street
Webville, OH 24487

Dear Mr. Duhnno,

Upon reviewing the test results and x-rays regarding your symptoms discussed during your examination on 5/18/99, I have been able to determine the cause and treatment for each of your symptoms as follows:

The inability to straighten the fingers on your right hand is not the result of the work related accident in March. The x-rays reveal the same curvature in the bone structure that is associated with holding your mouse. Please use the keyboard and function keys for a period of at least 7 days, allowing the muscles and tendons to heal.

The results of the blood work has revealed the cause of your stomach disorder is styrafoam consumption. Although this is an expeditious and effortless way of eating, please avoid over heating this material to prevent consumption of the product.

The culture we did on your urinary system has confirmed that the repeated infections are the result of failure to relieve yourself as we discussed. Please excuse yourself from the chat room and frequent the bath room when necessary. If the antiseptic cream is not healing the zipper injury you experienced during your hasty return to the computer, please contact the office for a different medication.

Please adhere to the diet we provided. The meals consisting of potato chips, pizza, and coffee have your potassium level high and we "must" get it under control with proper dieting.

The examination of your eyes and the MRI revealed no causes for the headaches. After giving great thought to your lengthy conversation about your friends and time spent in the chat rooms, might I recommend that you reduce the 6 - 7 hours of chatting per day to a lesser amount of time. This should eliminate the visual strain and stress headaches.

As a treatment for your depression, you might consider establishing more than one email address to provide the volume of incoming messages you seem to be seeking. Also, establishing an ICQ account would provide you another means of instant messaging and increase your "buddy list".

As suspected, the tenderness in your abdomen is a hernia resulting from carrying your computer to technical support and will require immediate surgery. We have scheduled admittance on 6/2/99. As per your request, I have contacted the hospital and am sorry to report that they have no facilities available for internet connection in the recovery nor private rooms. Therefore, it appears that the megafire wireless access will be necessary in order for you access the chat rooms during your hospital stay. Also, public relations has advised they are unable to fulfill your request to notify your "buddy list" once the surgery is complete. Nurse Forshey feels that is a request beyond their capabilities and extends her apology.

The hospital and my staff will be contacting you for additional information necessary for your surgery, so please have your phone line cleared and be prepared to accept incoming calls between 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Dr. J. T. Gates, M.D.

[proudofthesouth]

LOL!! I can relate! I once played Free Cell for 12 hours straight without any breaks.

[Lando Lincoln]

Damn....I just noticed the sun is up.