Internet addiction

[Haltickling]

I had to move last weekend, and my Telecom/Internet provider only plugged me back in today. During the 4 days of forced abstinence, I realized how addicted I have become to the damn thing!

Oh, I know, get a life and all that. My own fault. Anybody else with guilty feelings about excessive internet addiction? 😉

 

[Limeoutsider]

I know Im addicted, but I was only gone for 48 hours

 

[milagros317]

I'm definitely addicted, but I don't feel guilty. It's cut down on my TV watching, which is passive. At least here I am interacting with people, some of whom I've gone on to meet in person.

 

[BigJim]

When I bought my new Uber-Puter I was without net access for nearly a fortnight. All I can say is it felt like someone with no kidneys being denied access to a dialisis machine.

 

[Krokus]

Well, I'd rather be doing this than watching tv, thats for sure. 😀 😉

 

[AffectionateDan]

I'm NOT addicted!

I'm NOT, really! I can quit anytime I want. I just don't wanna. 😛

(hugs computer) MINE! You can't take it away from me! We understand each other! We're connected! Get away! We don't need your help! You're just jealous of us! Yeah, that's it! 🙄 😀

 

[BigBrownEyes]

Yeah, it's hard to believe that we all survived before we discovered the internet. I can even remember my pre-net life. I think I was happier😀

 

[WraithTickler]

*Strokes DSL cable softly like a certain golden ring*

Oh my T-1 one, my T-t, my own, my preciousssss.

I admit freely to being a high speed internet addict. After too many years on AOL, I''ve grown to love T-1 and the freedom it offers. I'm usually on the computer in my dorm and usually talking with friends on it from up here, back home, or at a couple other websites I frequent. I realize I am addicted, but I chose to bask in it, rather than worry. The worrying I save till finals week...

 

[BOFH666]

Hmmm, I was about to post a strong denial, but a quick glance around the bedroom and shows:

Web Server * 2
FTP Server
Development Server * 2
Uber-spec games machine
Slightly less uber-spec games machine for guest use
Small cluster of Pentium Pro boxes I'll get working 'any day now'
One monster Dell server on loan from work to do Win2003 web development 'compatibility testing' (hey, it's important to know your new web app will run in the background with a dedicated Quake 3 server running at the same time, 'kay?).

so I guess that scuppers that argument then. Cue the "I bet you're single" jokes... 😀

 

[TKpervert]

I am NOT addicted.
I just spend lots of time here because I can't help it.

 

[sugarmouse]

i m addicted!!! but yeh i think its much better than watchin tv..i dnt even have a tv lol!!! and i use the internet for uni work and stuff..not jus gossiping and faffing about🙂

 

[dskodj]

Well..im not addicted I wouldnt say. The computer/internet world brings me business and also can make new friends with common interests as well as do a bunch of shit to my profession. I can say I havent watched much TV since Sci Fi Channel took Hulk off..thats all I really watched LOL..TV sucks these days..like most of everything in the film and music world since that dawn of the 90s in my oppinion😀

DJ Jimmy M

 

[The Pianist]

I might be addicted, cause using the internet is something I do once everyday... almost without fail... but it comes second place to most other things... especially going out with people in person.

But mind you... after I've come home from going out with those people... I do often still use the damn thing even if its 3am.

 

[sugarmouse]

I might be addicted, cause using the internet is something I do once everyday... almost without fail... but it comes second place to most other things... especially going out with people in person.

But mind you... after I've come home from going out with those people... I do often still use the damn thing even if its 3am

me 2 lol

 

[Myst]

*hugs computer* MIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINE, NO ONE CAN TAKE IT AWAY FROM ME, NO ONE, NOOOOOO ONNNEEEEEEEEEEE *computer falls and breaks*

😱

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO *camera pan to view of planet earth* OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

WHY DO THE GOOD ONES DIE SO YOUNG?!!?!?!?


Yeah, im not healthy *psychotic laugh*

 

[dskodj]

LMGDAOF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thats fuckin great!😛

 

[Ticklemmmeeeeee]

You're alllll addicted!!!!!...muaaaa haaaa haaaa!!!!....I'm not though🙂...naah naah🙂🙂

Seriously, as of late I organize my entire bloody life through the computer...I have to check it before I can accept or change an appointment, pay my bills with it, shop on it, and anything else anyone has heard is a downright lie, I want my lawyer!!!....lol 😀

 

[Rapid Assassin]

There's nothing wrong with an internet addiction, as long as it doesn't cut into your work or social life.

 

[sugarmouse]

There's nothing wrong with an internet addiction, as long as it doesn't cut into your work or social life.

i agree with that!! ive got a friend who regularly cnacels nites out or takes he day off uni or work because she wants to chat on the net ..and to me thats going a bit far!! i think one to one contact is so much nicer..

 

[Strelnikov]

A disclaimer: Hal, please understand that this post is not a personal attack on you. I think I know you well enough to understand that you talk about "internet addiction" with your tongue firmly in cheek.

That said, has anyone else noticed that "addictions" have proliferated in the last 30 years or so? It's one more example of the avoidance of personal responsibility for one's actions.

Suppose, for example, that your entire life is consumed in jerking off to internet porn. If that bothers you, then you have a mental health problem - you need to get off your ass and get professional counseling. If it doesen't bother you, then wear it out, my friend - it's cheap, convenient, and you never have to go home in the cold.

But in either case, don't whine about it.

Strelnikov

 

[Haltickling]

Strelnikov, you're absolutely right about my tongue position ( 😛 ) when I wrote this. And you're right, too, that "addictions" are used too often as a poor excuse for irresposible behavior.

However, it's not as simple as you see it: To be 100% responsible for your actions would mean to keep 100% control over mind and body, for 100% of your adult lifetime. Most humans are not built that perfect. One weak moment may get you addicted, and then your control is gone. Many people have a latent tendency towards addictions, only a few can resist ALL temptations, be it alcohol, sex, tobacco, gambling, or drugs. So it's unfair to say it's your own fault, stop whining. Do you think that this attitude will help one single addict to get rid of his addiction?

An don't forget: Don't praise virtuosity for a lack of opportunity...

 

[BigJim]

..and to me thats going a bit far!! i think one to one contact is so much nicer..

No kidding!

 

[Strelnikov]

Quoting Hal:
"Many people have a latent tendency towards addictions, only a few can resist ALL temptations, be it alcohol, sex, tobacco, gambling, or drugs. So it's unfair to say it's your own fault, stop whining. Do you think that this attitude will help one single addict to get rid of his addiction?"

There are true addictions, and then there are pseudo-addictions invented to avoid taking responsibility for one's actions.

No, I'm not perfect - like Hal, I have a nicotine addiction. But I recognized pre-alcoholic symptoms in myself years ago, and took steps to deal with it. It's possible, with proper motivation. I seldom drink any more. It's called taking responsibility.

A good friend of mine is a long-time alcoholic, seldom visibly under the influence but always with a drink close at hand. He drinks a quart of bourbon a day, every day. He has been committing suicide on the installment plan for longer than most TMF members have been alive. There's not a thing I can do for him unless he wants to deal with his problem.

His problem. He has to take ownership, and then decide to do something about it. So far, he hasn't done so.

Pseudo-addictions, OTOH, are responsibility-avoidance mechanisms. Someone who says they are addicted to sex, gambling, shopping, fattening food, what-have-you, is describing their behavior. If it causes a problem, it's a mental health issue - the individual needs to quit whining and get professional help to deal with it. If it's not a problem, their whining is actually a form of bragging.

In both cases, the individual needs attitude adjustment in the form of a swift kick in the ass. In either case, I'm not interested in hearing about their problems until they decide to help themselves. That's harsh, perhaps, but I refuse to be the straight man for a game of "poor little me."

Strelnikov