There are some serious tests for internet addiction,
some can be
found here and a report from Oct. 2006 here. Though I have answered some questions on these tests in the affirmative, most don't
apply to me.....yet. I do spend a lot of time in front of the
computer these days, though. So I came up with this test for myself,
which I may be adding to:
When was the last time you felt the warm sun on your face?
When was the last time you took a brisk walk or went to the
fitness center or went hiking or canoing?
Have you seen (and smelled) any real flowers lately (not
just ones on wallpaper - web or otherwise)?
How many "real" friends do you have? When was the last
time you got together?
If you got cancer, who would help drive you back and forth
to the hospital for treatments?
How many of your "friends" would go to your memorial service
to mourn your passing?
How many of your "friends" would go to your husband's or
mother's memorial service to support you in your loss?
(Would any of your "internet friends" attend a memorial service;
would you attend theirs?)
Are you having the kinds of life experiences that would make
good stories to tell your grandchildren?
Have you reached out to any people who don't have access to the internet lately?
Are your life experiences and personal contacts diverse and
not limited to those at church?
From a news story (AP) on Oct. 20, 2006
"The survey of 2,500 adults found between 6 and 14 percent of online users report some form Internet compulsion. The computer addicts admitted neglecting work, school and family -- as well as food and sleep to hang out online.
The Stanford research team focused on signs that people had an uncontrollable compulsion, especially for cases in which people used online interaction to substitute for real interaction with people in the non-online world.
One Stanford psychiatrist said habitual Internet use sounds almost like a substance abuse problem. The researchers said more study is needed."