Internet Addiction

BY DAWN JORDAN

With all your friends and family on facebook, MySpace or Twitter it’s easy to say “It’s hard to walk away. I just can’t walk away.” If this is how you feel about your daily relationship with your computer, then chances are you’re addicted. Internet addiction is real — over six percent of Americans may already be addicted. No single behavior pattern defines Internet addiction. If you’re unsure whether you’ve become an addict or not, here are eight warning signs to look out for:

 * Losing track of time while on the Net

* Checking your e-mail inbox more than a few times a day

* Surfing the Net starts to affect your career, education and/or relationships

* Giving up or reducing social and recreational activities to surf the Net

* Feeling like you are “missing out” when you’re not online

* When confronted, constantly denying you’re spending too much time online

* Spending less time eating meals with family and friends and more time eating in front of the computer

To find out more about Internet addiction and how to kick the habit, check out www.netaddiction.com or www.addictions.org. Sites like these can offer counseling and programs to help with Internet addiction.