Mother Lode

As I scratch the surface of this internet addiction thing, articles are coming out of the woodwork. Check out this self diagnosis quiz from the Ontario Lawyers Assistance Program located at:

http://www.olap.ca/internet-addiction.html

Are You Caught in the Net?

How can you tell if you are already hooked? Perhaps you spend a little too much time online. Does that automatically mean you are addicted? No. The volume of time alone is not the best way to diagnose the disorder. We can't say, for instance, that ten hours per week is okay, but that the eleventh hour is a sign of an addiction. Instead, you must evaluate your online usage against the following set of behaviors that characterize the basic warning signs of Internet addiction:

Do you feel preoccupied with the Internet; i.e., do you think about previous online activity or anticipate your next online session?

Have you repeatedly made unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop Internet use?

Do you feel restless, moody, depressed, or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop Internet use?

Do you repeatedly stay online longer than originally intended?

Have you neglected sleep, proper diet, or exercise just to surf?

Have you experienced eyestrain, back strain, or carpal tunnel syndrome because of your Internet use?

Have you jeopardized a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of the Internet?

Have you lied to others to conceal the extent of your involvement with the Internet?

Do you use the Internet as a way of escaping from problems or feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression?

Answering "yes" to five or more of the questions suggests that addiction is present.