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| NetNews-- Asia | November 13, 2001 |
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INTERNET ADDICTION Well! Everything that glitters is not gold! Even the Internet is not an exception! As we know, the Internet has its advantages and disadvantages. It has been reported that many Internet users surf the news websites, chat rooms, games and other websites seeking temporary relief from depression, anxiety and loneliness, and they quickly pour out their strongest feelings, secrets, and desires. By the time they realize the severe consequences of relying on a “faceless community”, it is too late and consequently, “Internet addicts” experience sheer disappointment and pain. The combination of unstructured free, and unlimited Internet use, breeds severe addicts within college communities and among school students, who are just beginning to awaken to the seriousness of dropping grades and ruined social lives. Unlike physical addictions like alcohol, smoking, cocaine or any other drug, Internet addiction does not require total self-restraint for a healthy and life-enhancing recovery. Many employees with “on-the-job” Internet access are abusing the privilege by spending hours and hours sending and receiving personal emails, perusing newsgroups, socializing in chat rooms, and playing interactive games. Managers either know or suspect what is happening in their offices. As a result, some employees lose their jobs and there is a growing climate of misunderstanding and distrust. Are you an Internet addict? Find out using the following self-help test.
Well! You know the answer. The fact is, the Internet provides an escape from reality and everyday problems just like alcohol or drugs. Chat geeks may assume that their on-line relationships are the same as the real thing. The new breed of Internet addicts become so engrossed and enmeshed in on-line activities that they may neglect their health, relationships, jobs, and other responsibilities. Having talked about the negative side of the Internet, we should not forget that the Internet is an amazing source of information. Students, teachers, researchers and engineers use it as an investigative tool. Physicians use it to learn more about uncommon diseases and the latest medical developments. Ordinary folks use it for shopping, banking, bill-paying and communicating with family and friends. People all over the globe use it to connect with individuals of other countries and cultures. The Internet has opened up a whole New World! Hence, it is important to look at the pros & cons of the Internet and make sound judgments. As with many of life's pleasures, moderation is the key. Parents should learn how to monitor their children’s Internet use and ensure that it doesn’t become a source of wasted time, distraction, and obsessive behavior, perhaps more pervasive and destructive to young minds and psyches than television. Time management techniques and careful planning should be implemented to help users regain control of their time. There are many outside resources available to treat this “addiction,” and which can help Internet junkies stay on track and use the Net without abusing it. Some of the sites mentioned here can be of great help to treat Internet addiction.
Do remember thatOur recovery is OUR OWN responsibility and no one else's! Addict should try and underline psychosocial issues often coexistent with this addiction (for example, social phobia, mood disorders, marital dissatisfaction, job burnout, childhood sexual abuse). The following practice may help you to moderate use of Internet.
An awareness of the basic symptoms is important. Finally, the addict needs to take steps to resolve the addiction itself. The Internet is not the enemy of humankind just because people become dependent on it. It has many important and necessary benefits. It is fast, ecologically sound, convenient, and informative. In many ways, it makes our lives much simpler and more convenient. How could I share my thoughts with you without Internet? Amita Narayanan |
