Maltese <3<3<3 (949 hits)
Category: RomanceRating: 1.34 on 30 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by Axolotl (View user info) at 2007-02-01 13:49:29 EST
Internet Addiction
What is Internet Addiction?
Internet Addiction is a growing concern in the Information Age. Internet access is a vital part of the modern world and an important tool in the education of our children. It is present in schools, homes and even shopping malls. Mastering the use of the internet is likely to be an important skill for those entering the job markets of the future. In addition, it is a highly entertaining and informative medium. However, these very qualities also make it an enticing escape for many users. The internet offers 24-hour access to a world of constant stimulation and alluring anonymity.
An internet user can be anyone he or she wants to be in an online chat room, or play thrilling and challenging games against other players from all corners of the globe. With the click of a mouse, one can enter a different world where the problems of the real world are no longer present, and all the things one wishes he or she could be or experience are possible.
Like addiction to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or caffeine, internet addiction is marked by symptoms of increasing tolerance, withdrawal, mood changes, and interruption of social relationships. Children and adolescents who have become addicted to the internet will require increasing amounts of time online in order to feel satisfied.
When they do not have access to the internet, they may have symptoms of withdrawal, which include anxiety, depression, irritability, trembling hands, restlessness and obsessive thinking or fantasizing about the internet. While online they may feel uninhibited and experience an increased sense of intimacy. Relationships in the real world may be neglected as those in the virtual world increase in importance. Academic performance is likely to suffer.
The term "internet addiction" actually refers to a broad range of behaviors. Researchers in the field have identified five different types of internet addiction:
• Net-Gaming - Net-gaming encompasses a variety of different internet activities. Individuals may participate in online games or Multi-User Dungeon Games (often called MUDs), visit virtual casinos, or become obsessed with e-auctions, online trading or online shopping. This type of addiction can be especially expensive as these individuals may rack up charges on a parent's charge card or internet bill.
• Cyber-Relational Addiction - Online relationships in chat rooms become more important than relationships with family and non-internet friends. In addition to spending time chatting online with these new acquaintances, long-distance charges may accumulate as the conversations begin to enter the non-virtual (real) world. Concerns that the individual may attempt to meet an online acquaintance in person should be taken seriously, as there is no way of knowing who someone met over the internet really is.
• Information Overload - The amount of data available on the internet is virtually unlimited. Some individuals may become obsessed with tracking down certain types of information and organizing it. Surfing the web and conducting extensive searches of online data bases may become an all-consuming activity, reaching obsessive-compulsive levels.
• Computer Addiction - While not a true internet addiction, computer addiction shares a lot of the same qualities. Computer games that can be played without access to the internet can also become addictive to some individuals. This may also happen with games played on such platforms as Sega and Play Station.
• Cybersexual Addiction - Pornography is easily obtainable on the internet. While a variety of parental control software has been designed to limit the types of internet sites to which children can have access, many pornographic sites are designing ways around this software as quickly as the newest controls are introduced. A determined internet user may get access to pornographic websites despite the use of the most sophisticated parental control software. Adolescents who have a cybersexual addiction typically spend time viewing, downloading or trading online pornography. They may also participate in adult fantasy and/or role-play chat rooms, typically with members much older than themselves. These kids may even be enticed to send pornographic pictures or videos of themselves to other online users.
Warning Signs of Internet Addiction
• Loses track of time while online
• Sacrifices needed hours of sleep to spend time online
• Becomes agitated or angry when online time is interrupted
• Checks email several times a day
• Becomes irritable if not allowed access to internet
• Spending time online when should be doing homework or chores
• Prefers to spend time online rather than with friends or family
• Disobeys time limits that have been set for internet usage
• Lies about amount of time spent online or 'sneaks' online when no one is around
• Forms new relationships with people he or she has met online
• Has become more tired and irritable than he or she was before the internet was a part of his or her life
• Seems preoccupied with getting back online when away from the computer
• Has lost interest in activities that were enjoyable before he or she had online access
• Is irritable, moody or depressed when not online. Mood improves when he or she logs back on
User Reviews
Submitted by homer42 (user info) at 2007-02-06 17:32:34 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
????
Submitted by forky (user info) at 2007-02-02 13:39:58 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
who is computer?
Submitted by Caulaincourt (user info) at 2007-02-02 10:42:30 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
i'm not addicted but i certainly suffer from screen sucking.
i have no incentive to log on the web, except when i'm absolutely bored (like i am now :-)) nor do i think about it when i'm not in front of my computer. but like television, once i open it up, i become a zombie and will get sucked in for hours.
i think the majority of people are prone to get addicted to the web, or tv. but if you have activities outside your home, spending 5 hours in front of a screen will seem a lot more stupid than if your life revolves around coming home from work and entertaining yourself until you fall asleep.
Submitted by rad1101 (user info) at 2007-02-02 03:55:23 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
• Cyber-Relational Addiction - Online relationships in chat rooms become more important than relationships with family and non-internet friends. In addition to spending time chatting online with these new acquaintances, long-distance charges may accumulate as the conversations begin to enter the non-virtual (real) world. Concerns that the individual may attempt to meet an online acquaintance in person should be taken seriously, as there is no way of knowing who someone met over the internet really is.
---------
BUAHAHAHAHA
oh.
:(
Submitted by JoeyG (user info) at 2007-02-02 03:46:34 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Hello everyone, my name is JoeyG, and I am an alcoholic.
Submitted by apollo88 (user info) at 2007-02-01 22:37:58 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Oh, well, of course, everything looks bad if you remember it.
-- Homer Simpson
El Viaje Misterioso de Nuestro Homer
Submitted by Sacrilicious (user info) at 2007-02-01 22:26:35 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
What's the internet?
Submitted by TheUniter (user info) at 2007-02-01 20:45:05 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by locksly (user info) at 2007-02-01 16:47:55 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I think jaypeg hit a perfect score and had a melt down, he alt crtl delted himself
Submitted by Axolotl (user info) at 2007-02-01 16:08:22 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Apparently Method snagged User 30,000, just like he grabbed 10,000.
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2007-02-01 16:05:12 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
User 30,000?!?!?!
I can remember when anyone with a number over 2,000 was hated!
Submitted by messmind (user info) at 2007-02-01 16:02:02 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
No Comment
Submitted by CaptainThorns (user info) at 2007-02-01 16:01:06 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
LIES, ALL FILTHY LIES
Submitted by kaos-king (user info) at 2007-02-01 15:48:01 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2007-02-01 15:30:27 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
.BMP'S WORK NOW?!?
I DEMAND TO KNOW WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE!
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2007-02-01 15:12:59 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
<i>Test</i>
Submitted by i_can_get_you_a_toe (user info) at 2007-02-01 14:59:00 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Aren't you the guy that wrote the uber history posts? they didn't seem like no two minute jobs.
Submitted by Sinistral (user info) at 2007-02-01 14:38:25 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2007-02-01 14:31:00 (#)
Ranking: 2
WHOA!
BULLETED LISTS!
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2007-02-01 14:31:00 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
WHOA!
BULLETED LISTS!
Submitted by Maltese (user info) at 2007-02-01 14:27:00 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
1. How often do you find that you stay online longer than you intended?
5 = Always
2. How often do you neglect homework or things your parents have asked you to do to spend more time online?
0 = Does Not Apply
3. How often have you preferred to be online when you had the opportunity to be with friends instead?
2 = Occasionally
4. How often have you formed new relationships with people you have met online?
3 = Frequently
5. How often do your parents or friends complain to you about the amount of time you spend online.
1 = Rarely
6. How often do your grades or school work suffer because of the time you spend online?
0 = Does Not Apply
7. How often do you check your email?
1 = Rarely
8. How often does your job performance or productivity suffer because of being on the internet?
3 = Frequently
9. How often do you become defensive, moody, or secretive when anyone criticizes you for the amount of time you spend online?
1 = Rarely
10. How often do you block out disturbing thoughts about your life with thoughts of the internet?
3 = Frequently
11. How often do you find yourself anticipating when you will go online?
4 = Often
12. How often do you fear that life without the internet would be boring and joyless?
4 = Often
13. How often do you snap, yell, or act annoyed if someone bothers you while you are online?
5 = Always
14. How often do you lose sleep due to late-night log ins?
3 = Frequently
15. How often do you feel preoccupied with the internet when offline and fantasize about being online?
2 = Occasionally
16. How often do you find yourself saying, "just a few minutes more" when you are online?
4 = Often
17. How often do you try to cut down the amount of time you spend online and fail?
3 = Frequently
18. How often do you try to hide how long you've been online?
1 = Rarely
19. How often do you choose to spend more time online over going out with others?
1 = Rarely
20. How often do you feel depressed, moody, or nervous when not online, which goes away once you are back online?
3 = Frequently
After you've answered all the questions, add the numbers you selected to obtain a final score. The higher your score, the greater your addiction and the problems your internet usage causes. Here's a guide to help measure your score:
49 points (borderline addict)
20 - 49 points: You are an average online user. You may surf the internet for long periods at times, but you have control over your usage.
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2007-02-01 14:15:32 EST (#)
Ranking: -1
And that was my first review of the day, I think. I must have been "well rested".
Had a busy morning.
Submitted by JonnyX (user info) at 2007-02-01 14:14:09 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2007-02-01 13:50:34 (#)
Ranking: 0
You two dorks will be fighting each other for seats in the first row of the class.
------
now THAT is Classic Shlongy
Submitted by Amontillado (user info) at 2007-02-01 14:08:15 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by sicosemen (user info) at 2007-02-01 14:02:12 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
tHIS dOESN'T aPLLY tO mE.
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2007-02-01 13:59:49 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
• Loses track of time while online ...check. I actually bought a little digital clock for my monitor in case I'm in a game and can't see the windows clock.
• Sacrifices needed hours of sleep to spend time online ...check. Damn conservative blog.
• Becomes agitated or angry when online time is interrupted ...nope
• Checks email several times a day ...check. I have it set to check every 5 minutes.
• Becomes irritable if not allowed access to internet ...Nope...I'm irritable all the time.
• Spending time online when should be doing homework or chores ...nope...I have the internet at work for that.
• Prefers to spend time online rather than with friends or family...nope
• Disobeys time limits that have been set for internet usage ...I'm a grownup.
• Lies about amount of time spent online or 'sneaks' online when no one is around ...check...to make myself look less dorky.
• Forms new relationships with people he or she has met online ...nope...fuck you all.
• Has become more tired and irritable than he or she was before the internet was a part of his or her life ...considering that the internet exploded around the time that I was old enough to join the work force, yes, but not for the implied reason.
• Seems preoccupied with getting back online when away from the computer ...sometimes...if I'm interrupted in the middle of something.
• Has lost interest in activities that were enjoyable before he or she had online access ...check...My stamp collection has fallen into disarray.
• Is irritable, moody or depressed when not online. Mood improves when he or she logs back on ...I'm always irritable and moody.
Submitted by scourge (user info) at 2007-02-01 13:56:35 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I scored a 10.
Submitted by Axolotl (user info) at 2007-02-01 13:50:58 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I scored 31 =)!
All right, I'm off. Gym class awaits me.
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2007-02-01 13:50:34 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
You two dorks will be fighting each other for seats in the first row of the class.
Submitted by Method (user info) at 2007-02-01 13:50:28 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Axolotl (user info) at 2007-02-01 13:49:44 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Internet Addiction Test (IAT)
How do you know if you're already addicted or rapidly tumbling toward trouble? The Internet Addiction Test is the first validated and reliable measure of addictive use of the internet. Developed by Dr. Kimberly Young, the IAT is a 20-item questionnaire that measures mild, moderate, and severe levels of Internet Addiction.
To assess your level of addiction, answer the following questions:
1. How often do you find that you stay online longer than you intended?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
0 = Does Not Apply
2. How often do you neglect homework or things your parents have asked you to do to spend more time online?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
0 = Does Not Apply
3. How often have you preferred to be online when you had the opportunity to be with friends instead?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
0 = Does Not Apply
4. How often have you formed new relationships with people you have met online?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
0 = Does Not Apply
5. How often do your parents or friends complain to you about the amount of time you spend online.
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
0 = Does Not Apply
6. How often do your grades or school work suffer because of the time you spend online?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
0 = Does Not Apply
7. How often do you check your email?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
0 = Does Not Apply
8. How often does your job performance or productivity suffer because of being on the internet?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
0 = Does Not Apply
9. How often do you become defensive, moody, or secretive when anyone criticizes you for the amount of time you spend online?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
0 = Does Not Apply
10. How often do you block out disturbing thoughts about your life with thoughts of the internet?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
0 = Does Not Apply
11. How often do you find yourself anticipating when you will go online?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
0 = Does Not Apply
12. How often do you fear that life without the internet would be boring and joyless?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
0 = Does Not Apply
13. How often do you snap, yell, or act annoyed if someone bothers you while you are online?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
0 = Does Not Apply
14. How often do you lose sleep due to late-night log ins?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
0 = Does Not Apply
15. How often do you feel preoccupied with the internet when offline and fantasize about being online?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
0 = Does Not Apply
16. How often do you find yourself saying, "just a few minutes more" when you are online?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
0 = Does Not Apply
17. How often do you try to cut down the amount of time you spend online and fail?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
0 = Does Not Apply
18. How often do you try to hide how long you've been online?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
0 = Does Not Apply
19. How often do you choose to spend more time online over going out with others?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
0 = Does Not Apply
20. How often do you feel depressed, moody, or nervous when not online, which goes away once you are back online?
1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always
0 = Does Not Apply
After you've answered all the questions, add the numbers you selected to obtain a final score. The higher your score, the greater your addiction and the problems your internet usage causes. Here's a guide to help measure your score:
20 - 49 points: You are an average online user. You may surf the internet for long periods at times, but you have control over your usage.
50 - 79 points: You are experiencing occasional or frequent problems with the internet. You should consider their full impact on your life.
80 - 100 points: You are experiencing occasional or frequent problems with the internet. You should evaluate the impact of the internet on your life and address problems directly caused by your internet usage.