I made 50 new friends this weekend! We had the most amazing discussions on health, parenting, celebrities and politics. And I didn't even have to leave my house; all I had to was surf the Internet.
It's mind-boggling, but there are chat rooms and forums for just about everyone. But the explosive growth of the Internet has spawned a new clinical disorder that researchers have only recently begun to examine: Internet addiction.
The Web is the world's largest source of information. Since its inception in 1973, Internet use has skyrocketed. There are now 203 million Internet users in the United States ; that's astounding when you consider that our population totals 296 million.
Filling a Void?
Scientists say that Internet overuse is an actual form of addiction, much like overeating, alcoholism and gambling. While lost online in "cyber-communities" for large blocks of time, people are neglecting to spend time with their family, socialize with friends, exercise and even work. Recent studies indicate that the Internet is addictive not only because it's fun, but because many users are experiencing an actual form of clinical addiction.
Addiction can occur even where there is no physiological dependence. According to researchers, an activity is addictive when it has a negative impact on some other important area of your life. Internet abuse is increasingly being cited as a contributing factor in the disintegration of marriages and families and the collapse of promising careers, researchers say.
The single greatest risk factor in Internet abuse is boredom, according to Dr. Maressa Orzack of the Computer Addiction Services center at Harvard. If someone is lonely, the Internet--with its endless stream of information and chat rooms--fills a need, she explains.
Fantasy Role-Playing
Chat rooms, whether they're used for romantic encounters, or just to talk to other people, is the number one temptation. Online gaming is another draw. These activities provide the ability to recreate one's identity–a key attraction of the Internet. Because there is no direct communication on the Web, an insecure person or a person with low self-esteem doesn't have to be concerned about others' opinions of them. On the Internet, you become the persona you create. This enables users to modify their identity, work positions and marital status.
But the most disturbing problem is the damaging sociological effects. Indeed, some users spend so much time online that they withdraw from regular society. They escape reality into a culture with no real boundaries or existence. According to recent research, dependents reported significant negative changes in their lives because they simply lost control over their ability to limit their time online.
As Internet overuse rises, the number of horror stories increases. In Ohio , a mother was arrested for neglecting her three young children because she was spending 12 hours a day online while her kids were locked in a room in a filthy apartment.
Obviously, this is an extreme example, but there are many other such cases. If you're concerned about Internet abuse, look for the following symptoms. There's nothing wrong with enjoying the Internet. Technology exists to enrich our lives. But as with anything, just don't go overboard.
Do These Symptoms Sound Familiar?
You neglect family activities, social events and work responsibilities to spend time online;
You constantly anticipate your next online session;
You lose track of time spent online and compulsively check email;
A friend, partner or boss has complained to you about your Internet use;
You skip meals or skimp on sleep to be online.
Samantha Chang is the executive editor of TheImproper.com, a lifestyle publication based in New York. Previously, Samantha was the associate editorial director at High Net Worth Inc. and assistant managing editor at Crain’s InvestmentNews.
A business and lifestyle journalist for 12 years, Samantha is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University Law School. She enjoys running, cycling and music.
» left by susan from sacramento (272 days 1 hour ago.)
true--Internet addiction can be as all-consuming as any other kind. Respond to this comment
» left by James P Krehbiel(1,382) James P Krehbiel (272 days ago.)
Samantha,
Well done and very true. I see this pattern in my practice alot. I am most concerned about kids who play violent video games. There is evidence that kids are not hard-wired to be able to effectively distinguish fantasy from reality. Although I am not sure of cause and effect, many of the school shooters were avid aggressive video game users. Respond to this comment
» left by Samantha Chang(128) Samantha Chang (266 days 14 hours ago.)
Hi James, you raise an excellent point about the connection btwn video games/violence. Thanks for your insight! --S. Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (271 days 15 hours ago.)
I agree but am also somewhat an internet addict myself! Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (271 days 10 hours ago.)
I obsessively check my email throughouth the day Respond to this comment
» left by April Lorier(5,165) April Lorier (267 days 4 hours ago.)
Good article, Samantha! Yes, internet addiction is the addiction of the year, now. There are some days when I just do not want to turn on the computer. So I take my dog, get in the car and drive out in the countryside. What a difference to be out in reality, smelling real fragrances and hearing real sounds! Brings me back to reality in the the most pleasant way possible.
Thanks for sharing this article, Samantha! Respond to this comment
» left by Samantha Chang(128) Samantha Chang (266 days 13 hours ago.)
Hi April, believe me: I can totally related to not wanting to turn the computer off. It's esp. difficult when you're a prolific writer like yourself (and many others on SW). But as long as you can step away sometimes and give yourself (and your eyeballs) a break from the screen, it's all good. How could we survive w/o the Internet anyway?? Thanks for your comment. Cheers, S. Respond to this comment
» left by suan thom from nj (267 days 2 hours ago.)
hi samantha,
excellent article. you write very well. i am a 12 hour a day junkie, however, it is only temporary, i believe! and it has saved my sanity for the past 9 months, waiting for different court appearances while going through a divorce. i don't know what i would have done if i couldn't write. i am sure, though, that once over, i will spend less time on my computer. at least i'm doing something constructive by sharing my experiences with others, but it needs to slow down eventually. thanks for a solid article,
best regards,
sue Respond to this comment
» left by Samantha Chang(128) Samantha Chang (266 days 14 hours ago.)
Hi Susan, I think we're all guilty of bring Internet overusers, esp. writers. And I don't think qualifies as being a junkie. The main thing is to not Internet use interfere with our day-to-day lives. But let's face it: the Internet is a source of lots of great information, so it'll never go away anytime soon. Cheers, Samantha :) Respond to this comment
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