Internet Addiction Surfing in Deep Waters
Internet addiction is an increasing problem around the world as access to the Internet becomes increasingly simple. Those suffering from this condition spend hours of their time searching the Internet or chatting in chat rooms, destroying personal relationships. The cause varies, though it affects people of all ages and all races. For some, it is brought on by the need to feel accepted and loved. A sufferer searches for acceptance by other people on the Internet. While on the Internet, the person can take on a façade and pretend to be someone he is not. Often, the Internet addiction becomes so powerful that the person views his on-line “friends” to be his only friends. This results in a loss of relationships with “real” people. This serves to continue the spiral as the person spends more time on the Internet to gain acceptance. A sufferer will feel sad and empty inside if he can’t spend time on the Internet. He will even begin to feel restless if he goes for a period of time without checking his e-mail. For a sufferer, even an hour spent away from e-mail can result in anxiety. An Internet addiction can present itself in chat forums, instant messaging, and e-mail. But, it can also be in the form of on-line video games. Many sufferers will spend excessive numbers of hours on the Internet. They may even forsake sleep – going to bed late and getting up early – in order to surf the net. This condition can result in broken relationships and it can also cause financial ruin. The sufferer will often develop poor work habits as they attempt to go to work with little sleep. Or, they call off work in order to satisfy their Internet needs. Though the Internet provides a wonderful resource for people around the globe, it must be monitored to prevent harm. Also read our article about
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