U.S. Full Of Internet Addicts

According to a Stanford University study as many as 1 in 8 computer users in the U.S. are addicted to the Internet in an unhealthy way. Many internet users hid their use of the medium from family, friends and employers similar to the ways alcoholics hide their drinking problems. The study concluded this could be a serious and growing problem.



I've got to admit I'm curious as to how this study reflects on the members of ATS. Are we as sane and rational as we all seem to think? Or are some of us just satisfying our addiction?

From what I gathered from the article and comments about it, the study excluded gamers for the most part.

[edit on 18-10-2006 by Astronomer70]

[edit on 18-10-2006 by UM_Gazz]

Ok well it seems like the internet is the only place we can get REAL information... so the people who are NOT addicted to the internet are the sheeple who seem to think that the rest of us are addicted to the internet.

Sounds like propaganda to me.

You know, I had a bet with myself that a post saying essentially what yours did would be the first response posted. I don't know if I'm glad I won my own bet or not, but from a personal viewpoint I tend to agree with you.

Having said that though, I can see where excessive use of the internet while at work would be a cause of concern.

[edit on 18-10-2006 by Astronomer70]

1. Not only is my name "Infoholic", I am an "Infoholic"

2. I admit to the world that I'm an Infoholic.

3. The internet thus far is the only media source that allows you and I the ability to exercise our 1st Amendment Right without censorship.

For a comprehensive listing of all your rights, go Here.

But never fear, the government is in the works of putting the kibash on this, too.


Enjoy!

I say this study is in contempt.
To bad I'm not in a place of political power, I could call them idiots,
and make these people look bad.

You can't be addicted to the internet, you can be addicted to some-
things on the internet, like porn I suppose, but you can't be addicted
to it in general.

I spend alot of time online, in fact now that I've done the calculations,
I actively use the internet about 60 hours a week.

Does it mean I have a problem?
No, it most certainly does not.

In fact I'm much morew intelligent and sociable and happier because
of the internet.

I've gone through periods of time where I have'nt had access to the
internet, after a day, I start feeling isolated, and unconnected from the
world, in other words I become uncomfortable.


Oh, and only two hours out of the week is spent on porn, just because
I know someone will be curious.

The Internet/WWW is the most amazing invention in my lifetime and I have seen a lot of inventions during my 70 years on this planet. For the first time since TV was introduced, people can become involved in breaking news, current events, politics, or what-have-you, when and to the extent they personally desire. You don't have to be rich to participate, you don't have to have an extensive education, or anything else--except a computer and a connection. As long as you make good sense in discussions people will listen to and respect you regardless of your age, race, religion or net-worth. It's great and it's good for the world.

Perhaps the internet is an addiction for some people (myself included), but I don't believe that anymore than a handful of people have a harmful addiction. Unlike drugs I can actually learn on the internet, socialize with people who're much more intelligent than those in reality, all of which can be applied to reality in a beneficial way.

For example; my government class spends about half the class periods going over current events and I've become one of the most respected students from the knowledge I've aquired at ATS. I've actually managed to make a few new friends in reality thanks to some of the social skills I've picked up on the internet. So overall I'd say that the internet for me, and probably for most people, is far from a negative influence.

I tend to agree with annestacey.

The internet is basically the only place where one can get unfiltered, unedited information from just about anywhere in the world. Sure, there is alot of BS out there, and one must use discretion. However, for the first time in history, humanity has a wellspring of instant information that is not filtered or controlled by the governments or powers that rule them.

The internet is a very dangerous thing to those out there who are trying to keep a doped out populace complacent, content, and calm through a heavy dose of mind numbing tv programing, amusements, entertainment, ect. The internet is a world of its own that the powers that be cannot seem to get a monopoly on. Thats why they come out with crap like this. To make people think that feeding a curious, hungry mind or interacting in new ways with people from around the world is unhealthy and abnormal.

Perhaps some of that extra time spent on the internet is time that was formerly spend veging out in front of a tv, going to movie theaters, or shopping. There are many things you can do online now. Even socializing.

Nah, this sounds like a good thing to me. The only problem i see is spending too much time online means less exercise which is bad for your health.

Beyond that, I see no problem.

This is nothing but an ugly, vicious smear, probably spread by bored politicians addicted to negative campaigning.

I spend no more than twenty hours a day on the internet and I could give it up in a heartbeat, my last heartbeat maybe, but a heartbeat nonetheless, and furthermore, I don't care who knows it. Well, maybe my girlfriend and my psychiatrist, but the rest of the world, who cares?

This study is nothing but lies, damned lies and statistics.

The only problem i see is spending too much time online means less exercise which is bad for your health.

Actually, you get more exercise on the internet than watching TV, first you're typing and moving the mouse, so there's more movment involved than just using a remote control.

That, and with people like me, you have just randomly stand up and
walk around for 20 minutes thinking about something.

But I get the basics of what you're saying.

You just have to be responsible is all, like me, I do a body mech
(weights and stuff) class in school everyday, and outside of school
I do exercise as well, in fact before I go to bed each night, I do 50
jumping jacks, sit-ups and push-ups.

"I Can Quit Anytime!"

I just can't get over the irony of discussing this issue on the Internet.

For my part, I don't care if it's an addiction or not.

Just keep it coming.

I'll tell you when I've had enough.

I'm a social surfer. I swear. I mean it. Prove I have a problem. No - just stay out of my business.

I only surf when I want to, not because I need to. Leave me alone.

Hmmm.

The essential conspiracy angle:

This story is setting the stage to justify tighter Internet controls. Like, we gotta help all those poor addicts. Not.

I almost posted this sorry on ATSNN myself, but then I thought about the way people use the internet on this site and thought, what is so bad about that.

We are getting informed about world events, get to exchange ideas with people all over the world, and get to express your own opinion about world news that, if you just read a newspaper, you couldn't do.

Addicting, maybe, I guess it is just the way you use the internet if it is good or bad.



[edit on 18/10/06 by Keyhole]

Yeah! I can stop posting whenever I want! I don't actually have a problem.

Just one more post... really, just one more post man!

Oh buggers. I quit the internet several times a day.....yeppers, I just walk away. Look, i'll do it right now.

See. I went to the bathroom and then stopped by the fridge and the whole time i didn't even think about what was happening online.

Addicted....Jeeesh.....

This is just another money grubbing shrinks new idea for a 12 step program.

I can see it now:

"I'm wupy, and i'm an internet addict."

Everybody types in, "Hi wupy!"

A Friend Of The Other Bill

Originally posted by mrwupy
"I'm wupy, and i'm an internet addict."

Everybody types in, "Hi wupy!"

Or to protect your anonymity, maybe we should call you Mr. W.

Oh the silliness never ends. I use the internet for the same reason I use books and newspapers...to learn...to escape the everyday...and I, like so many of you, can quit anytime...seriously. I mean it...

Internet junkie...and damned proud of it. It's fairly obvious that these researchers have a lot of time on their hands.

How predictable! A forum full of Internet addicts dismissing in mockery the very notion that their addiction is even plausible!

I'm not addicted to the Internet. The Internet is addicted to me.

EOP

We're addicted to the Internet

Like we're addicted to oil.

Brilliant.