Is Web-surfing Driving You to Distraction?

EDITTECH INTERNATIONAL ^ | 8/15/03

[leadpencil1]

In the US, researchers have discovered that people who spend more than 30 hours a week online, were getting divorced from spouses and were fired from jobs as a result of distractions. The researchers suggest that excessive Internet use that harms personal relationships or affects work performance could be classified as a new psychiatric disorder.

In the journal "Depression and Anxiety," University of Florida psychiatrists propose criteria for establishing a disorder marked by extreme Web surfing, e-mailing or other online time. In the publication "Current Psychiatry," UF researchers presented five points to help practitioners understand patients' Internet use. They correspond to the acronym MOUSE: More than intended time spent online; Other responsibilities neglected; Unsuccessful attempts to cut down; Significant relationships discord; Excessive thoughts or anxiety when not online.

[leadpencil1]

How long do you figure you "surf". I figure maybe 18 - 20 hrs per week in total for me.

[maxwell]

Hmmmm... Probably at least two hours a day. More or less depending on how boring/demanding work is.

[Tijeras_Slim]

I surf until I feel like I'm flying down a long tunnel and see a bright light and hear long-departed relatives calling to me, then I log off. It's worked so far.

[Constitution Day]

All Freep and no play makes Jack a dull boy
All Freep and no play mskes Jack a dull boye
All FrEep and np plll mzkes Jack a dull boy
Akk Freep snd np plly mlkes JJck q dyll boy

[Gabz]

Oh good-grief - another class of victims........I can see the sharks circling.

I spend a minimum of 8 hours a day online - surfing is necessary for research.

[Tijeras_Slim]

You seem to be FReep-deprived.

[Crusader21stCentury]

A new reason for applying for disability payments and eventualy SSI.
LOL

[leadpencil1]

Also helps me uderstand why I have "lost" 3 jobs in the last 5 years. Its the internet's fault!

[Constitution Day]

You seem to be FReep-deprived.

I just got back from a week at the beach yesterday. The computer stayed home.

[DannyTN]

I surf a lot. I even put the program ENUFF on my work computer and set it up with a sign on that limited me to 30 minutes internet usage every 4 hours. However I'm still tempted to sign on as administrator instead of using the program.

[Thisiswhoweare]

Look out, this might be a new legal defense condition beyond one's control. Laugh if you will, this is how they all start.

They'll soon say it's an illness or an addiction and the person is not to blame. After all, being bored to death and turning to outside stimuli gets a lot of people in trouble.

[boxerblues]

hmmm must be something wrong with my browser as it has FR permenently on my screen...cant surf

[meanie monster]

I just wanna be "in the know" and this is by far the best site for that. I do spend too much on-line though. My puter is one of my most valued things. So I guess I should take the blue pill now.

[NetValue]

Too much FReeping can lead to blindness...until the liberal point of view disappears entirely.

[Redcloak]

All Freep and no play makes Jack a dull boy
All Freep and no play mskes Jack a dull boye
All FrEep and np plll mzkes Jack a dull boy
Akk Freep snd np plly mlkes JJck q dyll boy

Now I understand what drew me to this thread.

[Rebelbase]

"Too much FReeping can lead to blindness"

Ain't going there~!

[Tijeras_Slim]

I figured it was either a vacation or that bench warrant. :)

[Just another Joe]

Guess that makes my tagline pretty contraversial, huh?

[Hank Rearden]

I used to pick up Depression and Anxiety at the newsstand. You oughta see the centerfolds.

[Fury]

Is Web-surfing Driving You to Distraction?

What?