Internet Addiction: A Growing Problem

Would you consider your self addicted to the internet? Researchers say that 31 million Americans adults show signs of compulsive internet usage. However, America is not the only country with citizens "suffering" from this internet addiction. China is one, in their internet addiction center they are adding 260 more beds for their new in patient program. The CBS news reported on a Boot Camp for internet-obsessed teenagers in Beijing, China.

Internet Addiction has been defined as any compulsive behavior related to the internet that interferes with your normal life. Stressing out your off-line relationships, messing up not only your life but also the people you love.

It has also been called Internet compulsivity and internet dependency. I call in no self-control. "Addicts" think the internet and their virtual world is more important then real life. Willing to do anything to be able continue the unhealthy behavior.

While some experts may dispute the idea of Internet addiction as a real disease, in China it has the government stamp of approval. There doesn't seem to be any relief in sight since most people use the internet for work (At work) and own a computer at home. More then 30% of businesses in the US report having to fire/discipline employee's for "surfing" on the job. I know many people that shop on Ebay.com while they should be working. Some people are weird enough to watch porn at work; I just wonder why those people think they will not be caught. They have to know by now that your boss can watch your every move. Duh!

There are different types of internet addition. The most common is Cybersex and Cyber porn, it accounts for nearly 60% of "addicts". Couples have to redefine Cheating thanks to online affairs. Some do not consider chatting and cybering as cheating. Bringing about "emotional affairs", which are just as bad as sleeping with another person.

Multi-user role-playing online games is a fast growing industry, also a fast growing problem. I have heard of at least two news reports about parents neglecting their kids to play. One couple spent 10 hours a day playing an online game. When the cops got there, the infant was dehydrated and knocking on deaths door (the infant is fine now).

Gambling is as bad as the rest. Now illegal in most states in the US, but that does not stop people from doing. Nor is it hard to find a casino online. I do not know if there are any numbers on how much money is lost to online gambling in the US, I am sure it is a lot.

Ebay.com, a great place to waste time and money. Yes it is fun and exciting when you win an item, especially if you were bidding against some one else. But, 8 out of 10 things for sale on there is crap. I have seen a lint ball, and people buy it. Compulsive shopping is nothing new, it has just made worst since the birth on of internet because you can

shop 24-7. This is not just a women's problem either, men can be just as bad.

Survey shows that more then 50% of people addicted to the internet are also addicted to something else like alcohol. Suggesting these people are just easily addicted. That is called an "addictive personality".

With that in mind, who should be blamed? The person or, the internet? I say the person. We don't blame Budweiser for alcoholics. It is the same thing with the cyberspace.

The same survey also showed that they suffer from emotional problems, like depression and anxiety, using the Virtual world to escape the real world.
I don't think the internet caused this; it just gave those people a place to go, to feel like they belong.

The crazies have always been here. As long as they are not hurting kids, and the Government don't give these people disability for it, let them spend as much time as they want.

Next, we will be hearing about online church junkies, now that you can worship online. Personally, I think that is stupid.

I heard of a 28 year old Korean man that spent 50 hours non-stop in a internet café before he collapsed and died of dehydration in 2005. You know if that happened in the US that man's family would be suing someone. I want to know why the café let him sit there for 50 hours. That is just crazy.

If you think you have a problem, go to the website that I have in the links part to take a test. If the internet is interfering with your life, get help.