Internet addiction

[Blzer]

Can anyone explain it? Can you at least explain your addiction?

I chose this as a speech topic for my computer science senior seminar class, and I wanted to get different people's opinions on it to form a consensus about it. Like... what drives you? Is it a prominent procrastinating tool or time killer? You know, all of those kinds of things.

I mean we even have a skin while "at work" so we're not caught browsing here. Obviously it's growing tremendously and I need to collect some data on that (if anyone knows credible sources that I could find these things let me know), but I just wanted to get your explanations on how you spend your time on the Internet, whether you just use a computer or if it's a PDA or gaming console as well (online play), and pretty much if it's a luxury or a requisite to your everyday activities.

If anyone can help out that would be great.

[gopadres]

It is necessary in my daily life. I use it to do my banking and pay bills, communicate with others, entertainment, access various info, and I use it in my profession. I admit that I spend too much time browsing and looking at unnecessary stuff, like Youtube. I'm usually on twice a day for about 30-40 minutes. It doesn't interfere with other activities and when I'm not on, I don't think about the next time I'm going to be on. But I also couldn't do without it so it's definitely a requisite. I use a computer for the internet, and PS3 for online gaming, no browsing.

[Heelfan71]

something I have been thinking about lately as I spend too much time in front of a computer. 90% of the time it is out of habbit or boredom. I seem to have the laptop sitting open next to me even when I watch TV. I have been making myself use it less often and turning it off and have noticed I feel better and my stress level is lower. Plus I get more done too.

[Whitesox]

Well a huge one for me is procrastination.

Another thing, having a laptop makes it much easier for me to access the internet. Another family member is usualy always playing World of Warcraft, rendering the computer useless for me. But with the laptop I can take it anywhere in the house and go online, which also makes it easy for me to watch tv while browsing. (Like I am now )

[raidersbball20]

I mainly use it because it can be done for all aspects of life basically

[mjb2124]

I'm in front of a computer for work 10-12 hours most days at the office. Needless to say, when I go home, I stay away from the computer unless work calls.

I used to go home and jump back onto the internet and surf OS and many other sites, but I almost never do that anymore. I've found getting away from the computer has many perks and am enjoying the other things in life more (ie: golfing, attending my nephew's t-ball games, walking around the park with my wife etc...).

[~LiverpoolRed~]

Quote: Originally Posted by gopadres

It is necessary in my daily life. I use it to do my banking and pay bills, communicate with others, entertainment, access various info, and I use it in my profession. I admit that I spend too much time browsing and looking at unnecessary stuff, like Youtube.

Ditto.

I don't even bother picking up a newspaper or watch the evening news. I can just surf and read the local news, weather forecasts, sports, etc.

[mgoblue]

Quote: Originally Posted by mjb2124

I'm in front of a computer for work 10-12 hours most days at the office. Needless to say, when I go home, I stay away from the computer unless work calls. I used to go home and jump back onto the internet and surf OS and many other sites, but I almost never do that anymore. I've found getting away from the computer has many perks and am enjoying the other things in life more (ie: golfing, attending my nephew's t-ball games, walking around the park with my wife etc...).

Yeah, I have a laptop I keep in the living room to check e-mail and whatnot, but I don't really surf the net much at home (maybe a bit on the weekend, but don't really check that much). I'm not on OS as much on the weekend either, unless the football games are kinda boring.