Are some of us internet junkies?

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I’ve been feeling a little uncomfortable lately about the amount of time I spend on the internet. I’m inclined to downplay my time spent online to family and friends and often justify it by saying it’s an educational tool/pastime similar to watching tv/method of communication etc. While all these things are true, I think I know I’ve crossed some line but I’m attempting to deny it. It’s strange, because I know in my case (as I’m pretty sure is the same for a lot of you) it would appear that I have a fairly good social life, plenty of friends, a wonderful partner and child, vast range of interests etc and would not in any way conform to the stereotypical geeky image of a compulsive net user. I absolutely do not intend any maliciousness in this statement and apologise unreservedly if anyone feels insulted. I’d really like to know how others feel about this.

― Saskia, Monday, 29 July 2002 00:00 (twenty-three years ago)

Honest answers/opinions would be great.

― Saskia, Monday, 29 July 2002 00:00 (twenty-three years ago)

It's a combination of timekiller (trust me, I really do need it at work on the slow days) and social thing for me. And having dwelt on the net to one form or another for almost a decade, it's just another part of my life, part and parcel, and why not? :-)

― Ned Raggett, Monday, 29 July 2002 00:00 (twenty-three years ago)

One of the hallmarks of "addiction" is whether or not your relationship with the object interferes with your relationships with people. You sound like you have no problem in this department.

That said, if you're not comfortable with the amount of time you spend online, there shouldn't be any shame in reviewing how you use the Web and whether that can be streamlined.

― j.lu, Monday, 29 July 2002 00:00 (twenty-three years ago)

Reviewing might be straightforward but it's actually disciplining yourself to cut down that's the problem, at least in my case. For example I can honestly say I detest these message boards, but I simply cannot stop myself from returning to them.

― David, Monday, 29 July 2002 00:00 (twenty-three years ago)

Well, funnily enough, part of my initial post is untrue, I'm not in the least bit uncomfortable with my time spent online, it's others who are. My phoneline is constantly engaged in the evening and I'm getting a severe rollicking from others about it. I just instinctively suspect that the amount of time spent online is unhealthy but I'd be perfectly happy to ignore this instinct. This is part of the reason why I suspect it's veering towards addiction (too strong a word? maybe not) because the thought of having to reduce my time online induces feelings of ermmmm well, panic I guess. Self appraisal - How do I know if I have a problem with my internet use? Here: http://www.virtual-addiction.com/appraisal.htm I know it's hardly a scientific approach but worth a glance nonetheless.

― Saskia, Monday, 29 July 2002 00:00 (twenty-three years ago)

i like things that interfere with my relationships with people. people are a fuckin pest.

― unknown or illegal user, Monday, 29 July 2002 00:00 (twenty-three years ago)

well, it's pretty insane but if I have other things to do i will do them. I'm only when I'm not terribly busy.

― Julio Desouza, Monday, 29 July 2002 00:00 (twenty-three years ago)

having dwelt on the net to one form or another for almost a decade

Jeez, you've been on it that long? It's like you invented it or something.

― Leee, Monday, 29 July 2002 00:00 (twenty-three years ago)

I really have a hard time swallowing the terms addiction and internet as in IAD. I dont even wanna open that bloody can of worms or I'll go off on a rampage.

― Mr Noodles, Monday, 29 July 2002 00:00 (twenty-three years ago)

If anything it's those pesky real-world people who interfere with my internet! I am a communication junkie [today alone: ILE, artofthemix, Diaryland faves-list, online marketing tutorial, emails, discussion- lists, mixtape, letter, IRC, text-fite, phone messages, zine and even a couple of ol' fashioned conversations!] and proud. Mmm, instant gratification.

― petra jane, Monday, 29 July 2002 00:00 (twenty-three years ago)

It's like you invented it or something.

Oh, I'll let Al make that claim. And I'll let Tad defend it. ;-)

― Ned Raggett, Monday, 29 July 2002 00:00 (twenty-three years ago)

J.Lu you love DEUS! As do I!

Depends on my mood. Sometimes, I guess, a little too much. But who cares, right? Net junkie= cyber potatoes.

― nathalie, Tuesday, 30 July 2002 00:00 (twenty-three years ago)

I've been using the net as a time killer far too much lately (I could read a book instead, is how I feel). But not to the extent that I exclude family and friends coz I wanna go on the net. I'm considering an ILX break, but don't reckon I could manage it.

― jel --, Tuesday, 30 July 2002 00:00 (twenty-three years ago)

Like Mr Noodles, I have a hard time with the term addiction but if I’m totally honest, a feature of addiction is that when the subject of addiction is removed, withdrawal symptoms are experienced, and this for me is the case. No matter how much I try to deny this is the case, I know for me this is true. For example, I can be out at a pub/restaurant, having a good time and on at least a couple of occasions during the evening, getting home to use the net will cross my mind.

To be honest, I’d rather ignore all of this but because it’s been put up to me by a couple of people, I really want to be honest about it and examine the whole subject. Does anyone feel that it might be choosing to “opt out” of real life for short/long periods? And if so, why? It is escapist really, isn’t it? I know for example, music and tv are methods of escape also but I don’t believe they are as exclusively isolating as the net.

I don’t want to wreck anyone’s buzz here but Jel’s honest assertion that even though he/she feels a break from ilx would be a good idea, avoiding it could prove difficult. Apologies once again if this is making anyone feel uncomfortable but I’m really appreciating the honest discussion about it.

― Saskia, Tuesday, 30 July 2002 00:00 (twenty-three years ago)

I don't have the interweb at home, and sometimes I regret it, but it's also a bit of a relief. You get so sucked into little things that really don't matter, and just hinder you non-stop. There are things which can enrich you but the danger is that you fall into a rut you can't get out of. For example, things people say on IRC becomes the most important thing in your life, whereas a mere week away from the damn channel you can get some real perspective on it, probably the same with IM, ILx... actually, certainly the same with ILx.

I'd say if it's stressing you out, delete the programs you think yr wasting a lot of time on. You can always download them again after a week, and see what happens. I bet you will relax soooo much.

― Sarah, Tuesday, 30 July 2002 00:00 (twenty-three years ago)

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