More net alert!
Is it just me or does everyone think internet addiction is something that needs a lot more attention in our community?
Yesterday I talked about a study just conducted at Stanford University School of Medicine, which found that "more than one out of eight Americans are exhibiting signs of problematic internet use".
The study found, internet addicts are exhibiting similar behaviour to alcoholics.
In particular, doctors point to people hiding their nonessential internet use and using the internet to make themselves feel better.
I was inundated with people wanting to tell me their stories (which I thought was funny…because they were obviously on the internet…lamenting internet addiction).
A woman called Cindy told me her sister was divorced by her husband because of the enormous amount of time she spent in front of her computer. Cindy says over time her sister would stay on the internet so long that she wouldn’t get out of the house to do the groceries, missed doctor’s appointments for her kids and forgot to pay bills.
We got a call from a lady yesterday who said her 21 year old nephew has ruined his life playing world of warcraft. She says he has dropped out of uni and is receiving counselling but his psychologist says he is so addicted to WoW it is too early for his parents to insist he stop playing the game yet.
And one email I got confirmed that, Erin from Caloundra told me that when her friend removed the computer from her house to stop her son’s addiction, he completely lost control, when he found out the computer was gone for good his body actually went into convulsions before he began throwing tables and chairs around the house.
Nicola from Golden Beach says she controls the net with an oven timer…each kid gets half an hour each. End of discussion.
But yesterdays response made me realise there is a problem out there. So if you’re worried about yourself or someone in your family, NetAlert is the Australian government body which offers a free telephone helpline …the number to call 1800 880 176.
Yesterday I talked about a study just conducted at Stanford University School of Medicine, which found that "more than one out of eight Americans are exhibiting signs of problematic internet use".
The study found, internet addicts are exhibiting similar behaviour to alcoholics.
In particular, doctors point to people hiding their nonessential internet use and using the internet to make themselves feel better.
I was inundated with people wanting to tell me their stories (which I thought was funny…because they were obviously on the internet…lamenting internet addiction).
A woman called Cindy told me her sister was divorced by her husband because of the enormous amount of time she spent in front of her computer. Cindy says over time her sister would stay on the internet so long that she wouldn’t get out of the house to do the groceries, missed doctor’s appointments for her kids and forgot to pay bills.
We got a call from a lady yesterday who said her 21 year old nephew has ruined his life playing world of warcraft. She says he has dropped out of uni and is receiving counselling but his psychologist says he is so addicted to WoW it is too early for his parents to insist he stop playing the game yet.
And one email I got confirmed that, Erin from Caloundra told me that when her friend removed the computer from her house to stop her son’s addiction, he completely lost control, when he found out the computer was gone for good his body actually went into convulsions before he began throwing tables and chairs around the house.
Nicola from Golden Beach says she controls the net with an oven timer…each kid gets half an hour each. End of discussion.
But yesterdays response made me realise there is a problem out there. So if you’re worried about yourself or someone in your family, NetAlert is the Australian government body which offers a free telephone helpline …the number to call 1800 880 176.
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