Are You an Internet Addict?

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What is Internet Addiction Disorder?

Internet addiction disorder (IAD) is excessive computer use that interferes with daily life. It becomes a compulsive behavior that completely dominates the addict's life. Internet addicts make the Internet a priority more important than family, relationships, health and work. Just like gambling, excessive gaming, a growing sexual addiction or compulsive shopping. It is suggested that most people online who think they are addicted are probably suffering from a desire to not want to deal with other problems in their lives. These problems can be depression, anxiety, stress, unemployment, health a disability problem, or a relationship problem. Though there is no suggestion about someone trying to make a living online.

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Internet Addiction is Like a Drug

Could It Be Making Us Dumber?

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The internet becomes a particular kind of stimulation to the point where obtaining a steady supply becomes the sole and central focus of their lives. Mental health professionals are split as to whether or not internet addiction is real. There are sites online to help with addiction. What is disputed is whether people can become addicted to the Internet in itself, or rather to the stimulation and information that the web provides. Who is to say that Internet addiction is no different than being a Couch Potato. In my mind, there is more stimulation in cyberspace. Therefore more brain activity is used than sinking in a chair and staring at the tube.

Some studies suggest that 5 to 10 percent of the population have IAD. The current Internet population is nearly 50/50 in terms of proportion of men to women. Research on which of the sexes has more of an addiction is unclear. Gender has influences on the type of internet interaction that men and women seek. Men tend to seek out dominance and sexual fantasy online, while women seek out close friendships. Men are more likely to become addicted to online games, cyberporn, and online gambling, while women are more likely to become addicted to chatting, instant messaging, eBay, and online shopping. Though in the social networks that I belong to, there seems to be an equal split of men and women.

What Makes the Internet So Addictive?

The Need to Interact with People

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Social interactions are top on the list. Socialization is what makes the Internet so addicting. Social networks are growing by the handful. We all have this need to interact with others. Whether it is e-mail, a forum, chat, or an online game, people are spending time exchanging information and support with other people like themselves. Even if you have an online business, you spend time advertising in a form of socializing to send traffic to your site.

If you feel that you need help consider consulting with a local licensed psychologist, social worker or counselor, specifically one with experience treating addictions.

Don't Stop Now

Stay Glued to the Computer

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Take the test and add to the Duel. See further below where you can add your blog, CafePress and Zazzle shop, Websites and take another internet addiction test.

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Confessions of An Internet Addict

I Can Stay Away From the Computer Any Time (that I am sleeping)

I have been accused of having an internet addiction. The first thing I do after I wake up is turn on the computer. Of course I need to check my email and websites. (Ebook Tree Saver, Embrace the Hill, Sandyspider.com just to name a few.)

What about PayPal? Did anyone buy from my one of my astores as this one Popular Books From A to Z or Half account? What about my many Cafepress shops or one of my Zazzle shops? Let's not forget about the social networks that I belong to. Many that have fallen to the wayside. To name a few that I am still active on Squidoo, Twitter, Facebook, Digg and Redgage. Then some that I haven't been so active, but get a small payment every month like this one from Big Crumbs

What about the comments? Did anyone leave one for me?

There is no way that I can let a day go by without checking the essentials on the internet. Does that make me addicted? Of course not!

A while back, I made a conscious effort to stay away from the computer. After all there was the house to be cleaned, laundry to do and errands to run. (Only a woman can relate to this or a very extraordinary man. Know where can I find one?)

During one day that I decided to put aside the computer and concentration on my surroundings. The day went on as I caught up with some of the things that I had let slide. Did all the errands, chores and even baked a Pineapple Upside Down cake. Something that I hadn't made in years, but done so from the constant badgering...I mean a request from a special person in my life that would really appreciate something I hadn't made for him in years. Not like I don't set a time for cooking. (Although at times the dinner gets served late.) I even set time aside time to walk the dog. And to top it all off, I escaped that look. You know the look...the one given from your family members and drives hard into your very soul...it gives you some sort of guilt complex. Maybe, just maybe you are wasting your life away searching for something inside the box.

All right! I confess...it hadn't been 24 hours. But from the hours of 1:30 am to 10:30 pm I was free. Free of sitting in front of the white screen, typing away, searching for life inside the box. Free of going through the thousands of messages in my email. Free of the disappointment I often feel when I haven't made the money I had hoped for online, or not receiving the right comments and messages.

Oh yeah! I am not an internet junkie! There is no problem here!

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No Need to Study Before Taking the Test

Internet Addiction Test

Do You Have a Problem?

Do you have an internet addiction? I found this online test developed by Dr. Kimberly Young, called The Internet Addiction Test (IAT) is a 20-item questionnaire that measures mild, moderate, and severe levels of Internet Addiction.

I had planned on putting the entire test on here, but it is easier to find out your level of addiction to go right to the site. Just right click the link to open it in another tab. This way you won't leave this site. Internet Addiction Test.

Here is the first question. You can answer it here. Once you take the entire testthe test add it to the comments in the guest area and (or) Twitter it below. It would be interesting to find out what percentage has an addiction problem.

Note: My score was 70.

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Internet Addiction or Not

Were You Shocked or Relieved?

Once you take the Internet Addiction Test find your score and see what it says about you.

20 - 49 points: You are an average on-line user. You may surf the Web a bit too long at times, but you have control over your usage.

50 -79 points: You are experiencing occasional or frequent problems because of the Internet. You should consider their full impact on your life.

80 - 100 points: Your Internet usage is causing significant problems in your life. You should evaluate the impact of the Internet on your life and address the problems directly caused by your Internet usage.

Do you have an internet addiction?

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The internet is taking over my life. HELP!

ana_nimoss says:

It's definitely a recent phenomenon, but yeah, I spend way too much time surfing the internet lately.

grandmamarilyn says:

I scored a 70, too, Sandy

Momsbusy247 says:

(head bowed) I am hooked, I probably need an intervention.

Ruthi says:

I scored 65, YIPEs! Actually, not at all surprised, nor dismayed. I'm proud to be a computer addict! Love my net activities and friends!

GabrielaFargasch says:

Yes!! I am a confessed Squidoo addict!!!

No way! Everything in my life is balanced.

A-Redneck says:

I have an internet addiction but it actually works to my benefit. With my illness causing severe fatigue factors working and socializing online allows me to have extra energy to play when I need it. It sure works for me.

Sylvestermouse says:

Wow! I was actually surprised. I scored 39, so I am occasionally online a bit too long. I fully expected to end up with a higher score.

Heather426 says:

only 23. surprise!

sorana says:

I was surprised I only got 49. I've just missed the danger area. :)

Tina ~ Alfiesgirl says:

Lolol...I spend almost all day every day online. Yet my score was just 46...I think it's because my internet usage is not a problem, although I am definitely addicted...or maybe my internet usage is part of my OCD?...I do feel compelled to have the PC on at all times, even if I am not using it I have to "wake it up" when the screen goes into stand-by, so maybe I am not an internet junkie..merely an OCD sufferer who has a few addictions thrown in for...errrm for MYSELF lol

 
view all 42 comments

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Nothing Worse Than a Dead Computer for That Internet Addict

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The Perfect Balance

Since I have online businesses I have to check the internet everyday. But I need to find that perfect balance. The object is to work less hours than an outside job. Not more. Taking a break is good for your health.

Do you have a business or online store?

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Are You Out of Control?

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  • Reply
    A-Redneck Feb 3, 2012 @ 8:37 am | delete
    Great article on Internet addiction. I think the main problem is the stationary position for long periods of time. Exercise gets set to the side and it has to be incorporated in throughout the day.
  • Reply
    Donna Jan 17, 2012 @ 1:30 pm | delete
    It's so important to be aware of internet usage, and be able to identify when usage turns to addiction. There's another great quiz (on track #1) on the following link that I found useful. There's also some great techniques on here for overcoming your addiction, as well. http://onlineceucredit.com/edu/internet-addictions-ia
  • Reply
    ana_nimoss Oct 17, 2011 @ 1:00 am | delete
    Loved the lens! Now, I am going back to more internet time.
  • Reply
    CruiseReady Jun 11, 2011 @ 7:38 am | delete
    Yes, I probably need to get a little more balance. I think anyone seroiously engaging in eCommerce, or other ways to make money on the internet probably needs to make sure they are spending their online time more productively. I know If I were more productive and efficient with my online activties, I would get more done in less time, and lately I'm getting a little better in that regard, but still need to work on it.
  • Reply
    Sylvestermouse May 31, 2011 @ 4:22 pm | delete
    Very interesting indeed! I do love the t-shirt about stalking my real life friends :)
  • Reply
    LisaAuch May 30, 2011 @ 5:08 am | delete
    ....in the beginning of my journey I did indeed think it was a pipedream, and spent more and more time, then I started to make money, and now spend even more and more time online, I do belive the statement that if ou are will to do what others are not, then their will be success for you! i am glad to say, that I have started to take more time "off" the computer and spend at least the weekend a lot mor relaxed, (although I still check in!) My family are very supportive, but only when they realised we could afford more treats, by mum playing around on the computer! ....what a great thought provoking article! Blessed indeed
  • Reply
    sheilamarie May 30, 2011 @ 12:55 am | delete
    Sounds like many of us are online too much because we are trying to make an income, but I wonder how many actually do? Is this just a pipedream?
  • Reply
    marsha32 Apr 8, 2011 @ 1:37 pm | delete
    back again....it's a lot easier for me now to deal with hours at a time not being able to be on the computer than it used to be!
  • Reply
    grandmamarilyn Mar 26, 2011 @ 11:04 am | delete
    I guess I am addicted to the internet because all of my businesses are online. I can't leave squidoo out, either. LOL Oh, love your guestbook sign.
  • Reply
    Momsbusy247 Mar 21, 2011 @ 8:22 am | delete
    Squidoo made me this way!!!
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