Internet Jones

Are you among the one in eight who show signs of "problematic Internet use?"

A Stanford researcher, Elias Aboujaoude, MD., reports that a small, but growing number of Internet users are starting to seek medical help, complaining of unhealthy attachments to the virtual world.

"He said these patients' strong drive to compulsively use the Internet to check e-mail, make blog entries or visit Web sites or chat rooms is not unlike what sufferers of substance abuse or impulse-control disorders experience."

This sounds bad.

According to preliminary research, the typical affected individual is a single, college-educated, white male in his 30s, who spends approximately 30 hours a week on non-essential computer use. While some may hear this profile and assume that a person's Internet "addiction" might actually be an extreme fondness for pornography, Aboujaoude stressed that pornography sites are just one part of the problem.

Researchers found 69 percent of those polled were regular users. 14 percent found it hard to stay away from the Internet for several days at a time. Nine percent hid Internet use from their families. Six percent said relationships suffered as a result of their Internet Jones. The study was conducted in 2004. The researchers didn't even get to see this.

I have to say, that I'm a prime candidate for rehab.  I assume the clinic has wireless.

HOOEY!  I could sit and watch the idiot box or choose what I want to read or see via the internet.  I still read because the culture of the book is dying and we need to save it.  What else would I do?  Go outside?  Pfffffff...

"I have to say, that I'm a prime candidate for rehab.  I assume the clinic has wireless".

That's funny stuff Dan!

I'll be in the seat right next to you over at Digital Betty Ford.