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Internet Addicts As Ill As Alcoholics?

suntac writes to mention an article on New Scientist, reporting on a Stanford study of internet addiction. The study finds that the U.S. is 'rife' with internet addicts, who may be as addicted as alcoholics to their sweet sweet net connection. From the article: "Nearly 14% of respondents said they found it difficult to stay away from the internet for several days and 12% admitted that they often remain online longer than expected. More than 8% of those surveyed said they hid internet use from family, friends and employers, and the same percentage confessed to going online to flee from real-world problems. Approximately 6% also said their personal relationships had suffered as a result of excessive internet usage. 'Potential markers of problematic internet use are present in a sizeable portion of the population,' the researchers note." While obviously allowing relationships to suffer so you can surf eBay is a problem, where is the line between relying on the internet for news and information and addiction?

4 of 260 comments (clear)

  1. misreading by cabinetsoft · · Score: 0, Offtopic
    Internet Addicts As Ill As Alcoholics?
    I just red that that as "Internet Addicts As FREE As Alcoholics?" ... Ill -> III -> 3 -> Three -> Free
  2. RE:First post by mlwmohawk · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    You got the first post, now don't you wish you posted something more profound? :-)

  3. Re:First post by rucs_hack · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    you miss the point.

    You're typical first post addict is so concerned with getting there that all they have time for is the short 'first post' sentance, or even just 'fp' before the need for a cigarette and a kleenex kicks in....

  4. Re:First post by Cyclometh · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    I remember once, back in the dim and misty, I wrote a post that happened to be the first, but wasn't a "first post". There was a lot of astonishment that the first post contained actual content. I've been away for awhile but I note that the "first post" dreck seems to have been somewhat modulated.