I am NOT addicted to the internet!

[Broken Arrow]

According to this article, there are 8 factors to look for in internet addiction. They are as follows:

1. Lying about how much time is spent online.
2. General decrease of physical activity and social life.
3. Neglecting obligations at home, work, or school to spend time online.
4. Spending too much money on computer equipment or Internet activities.
5. Feeling a constant desire to be online when they're away from the computer.
6. Going online to escape real world problems.
7. Disregarding the emotional or physical consequences of being in front of a computer all day.
8. Denial of the problem.

I don't think I meet any of these criterias except possible #2. However, I am trying to expand my real life a bit more. Either that, or I am severely mired in #8.

I can quit anytime! Really!

[tinapbeana]

1. Lying about how much time is spent online.
What if you live by yourself and don't talk to anyone anyways?

2. General decrease of physical activity and social life.
What if you were always an anti-social couch potato?

3. Neglecting obligations at home, work, or school to spend time online.
What if you were always a slack-arse bum who let housework pile up?

4. Spending too much money on computer equipment or Internet activities.
What if you only use free public computers, or the one at work?

5. Feeling a constant desire to be online when they're away from the computer.
Maybe no one else 'gets' you.

6. Going online to escape real world problems.
Better than drinking!

7. Disregarding the emotional or physical consequences of being in front of a computer all day.
Carpal Tunnel is a way of life.


OK, so far every teenager I know qualifies as addicted to the internet. And 99 out of 100 college kids, too

8. Denial of the problem.
It ain't just a river in Egypt, baby!

[Broken Arrow]

Ahem. Tina, is there something you would like to say to the rest of the support group? You can't make progress in Internet Anonymous until you actually admit you have a problem.

[tinapbeana]

yeah yeah yeah... next thing you know, you'll be saing the internet is just a gateway technology. it's just one step away from pdas, blackberries, blue tooth, and mp3 players right?

[poundwise]

Isn't having an Internet Anonymous group on a forum akin to holding an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in a bar?

[tinapbeana]

Originally Posted by poundwise

Isn't having an Internet Anonymous group on a forum akin to holding an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in a bar?

i completely deny that there is a problem with that!

[demiGod031]

2. General decrease of physical activity and social life.....
Isn't "surfing" on the net considered a physical activity? Decrease in social life? You're kidding...hehe

[Gruntina]

Originally Posted by Broken Arrow

Ahem. Tina, is there something you would like to say to the rest of the support group? You can't make progress in Internet Anonymous until you actually admit you have a problem.

My name is Jennifer and I am an Internet Addict!

[Bookie]

8. Denial of the problem.

So if you say you don't have a problem, you do have a problem.

OK, may we then assume that if you say you do have a problem that you don't have a problem?

I'll bet Google can find the answer! *Reaches athletically for his mouse*

[aurielle]

Does reaching for the mouse count as exercise?

[tinapbeana]

mo, but i vote that typing over 60 wpm should!

[toys]

Originally Posted by Broken Arrow

4. Spending too much money on computer equipment or Internet activities.

Define: too much.

[Broken Arrow]

Originally Posted by tinapbeana

yeah yeah yeah... next thing you know, you'll be saing the internet is just a gateway technology. it's just one step away from pdas, blackberries, blue tooth, and mp3 players right?

*Checks his gadget collection* Uh oh!

Isn't having an Internet Anonymous group on a forum akin to holding an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in a bar?

HEHEHE! Good one. Bottoms up!

I'll bet Google can find the answer! *Reaches athletically for his mouse*

Hehehe. Another good one. However, I'm going to wait until someone set up a poll to see what the concensus thinks.

[LuxLiving]

I vote that Broken Arrow gets an exemption for his winning the Conspicious Consumption Award!