Internet addiction

[Parker]

This is definitely me:




A new study suggests internet users who become dependent on being online have showed signs of changes in the brain similar to alcoholics and cocaine addicts. (click)






Signs that you may be addicted:

Losing track of time:

Irritability when interrupted:

Feelings of guilt:

Isolation from family and friends:

A sense of euphoria when online and panic when offline:

Dry eyes, aches, weight gain or sleep disturbances:




Tips for breaking an internet addiction:

Ask yourself, “What am I missing out on when I spend so much time on the Internet?” Write down these activities and decrease your Internet time to pursue some of them.

Set reasonable Internet use goals and stick to them. Take frequent breaks, at least 5 minutes each hour, and do some other activity.

Alter your routine to break your usage patterns. If you spend evenings on the Internet, start limiting your use to mornings.

Seek out friends and acquaintances who “couldn’t care less” about the Internet. Take time to appreciate the fact that all life is not yet online.

Stay connected to the offline world. Visit newsstands, book and music stores, and participate in entertainment such as museums, music, and live theatre. Novels and poetry readings are hard to experience online.

Treat the Internet as a tool. Stay focused on the fact that the Internet is a means to an end. Plan your strategy—whether you’re looking for information or entertainment—with the end in mind and you’ll save valuable time.

[Ender]

I have a few of those symptoms; isolation from family and dry/itchy eyes. However, I do not believe they are connected.

I spend most of my time on the computer working, doing home work, or posting on forums. The rest of my time is spent video gaming, eating, hanging with friends, working in the field, and sleeping :P

[Matter]

Good for me I haven't yet the internet addiction, but I love playing computer games, it takes a lot of my time, but just for fun only.