Don’t be trapped by the ‘Net’

By Chene Walz

Computers, new technology and the Internet create opportunities for communication, research and creating that are immensely valuable. Working regularly with a computer and use of the Internet are also requirements for many students. However for many individuals, the connection to the Internet — no pun intended — extends far beyond what is healthy and into addictive territory. Some find themselves in the presence of the all-mighty monitor instead of attending class, sleeping, working on school projects, tending to responsibilities, and even in the place of socializing in person. It may provide the only escape from stressors. Like other addictions, the Internet can come to represent a relationship over which one has no control.

Kimberly Young, Ph.D., is the author of “Caught in the Net,” which conveys the results of her three-year study of Internet abuse. Below is an Internet Addiction Test, parts of which Young includes in her book. The test can also be taken online at www.netaddiction.com. In completing the test, only consider the time spent online for non-academic or non-job-related purposes.

How often do you find that you stay online longer than you intended?
How often do you neglect household chores to spend more time online?
How often do you prefer the excitement of the Internet to intimacy with your partner?
How often do you form new relationships with fellow online users?
How often do your grades or schoolwork suffer because of the amount of time you spend online?
How often do you check your e-mail before something else that you need to do?
How often does your productivity suffer because of the Internet?
How often do you become defensive or secretive when anyone asks you what you do online?
How often do you block out disturbing thoughts about your life with soothing thoughts of the Internet?
How often do you find yourself anticipating when you will go online again?
How often do you snap, yell or act annoyed if someone bothers you while you are online?
How often do you lose sleep due to late-night log-ins?
How often do you try to cut down the amount of time you spend online and fail?
How often do you try to hide how long you’ve been online?
How often do you choose to spend more time online over going out with others?
How often do you feel depressed, moody or nervous when you are off-line, which goes away once you are back online?

If you think your relationship with the Internet may be causing problems in major life areas, call the health and wellness department at 525-6971 to speak with a counselor. As with other addictions, you can get the support and tools you need to break the cycle.

Walz is a counselor in the health and wellness department.