Computer/Internet Addictions
Ten Symptoms of Computer Addiction
(by
James Fearing, Ph.D.)
 Self Diagnosis
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A demonstrated "loss of control" when trying to stop or limit the amount
of time on the computer. (Breaking promises to self or others. Promising to
quit or cut down and not being able to do so)
-
Being dishonest or minimizing the extent of the time you stay on the
computer, or covering up or being dishonest about what activities you
participate in when on the computer.
-
Negative consequences experienced by the computer user or his/her
friends or family as a direct result of time or activities spent on the
computer.
-
Participation in high risk or normally unacceptable behaviors when using
the computer. Compromising your morals and values based on the opportunity
to remain anonymous and protected on the computer. (a good test for this is
to ask yourself if your spouse, partner or family would approve of what you
were doing on the computer)
-
An overdeveloped sense of importance for the computer in ones life.
Defending your right to use the computer as much as desired, regardless of
the fact that people in your life are feeling left out and neglected.
(denial of the problem and justification; not being able to hear or feel
what the other people are saying regarding your computer behavior)
-
Mixed feelings of euphoria (a "rush"), combined with feelings of guilt
brought on by either the inordinate amount of time spent on the computer or
the abnormal behavior acted out while using the computer.
-
Feelings of depression or anxiety when something or someone shortens
your time or interrupts your plans to use the computer.
-
Preoccupation with the computer and computer activities when you are not
using the computer (thinking about the computer and its activities when
doing something else; i.e. having a family dinner, working on project
deadline etc.)
-
Finding yourself using the computer at times when you are feeling
uncomfortable, irritated, or sad about something happening in your life. (
feeling uncomfortable in your relationship, so you will self medicate and
"hide out" on the computer) Using time on the computer to become externally
focused outside yourself as a way to avoid facing what is happening in your
life, and avoiding feeling the appropriate feelings inside yourself. (self
medicating)
-
Experiencing financial concerns or problems in your life as a result of
money being spent on computer hardware, computer on-line charges, or any
other costs associated with computers. (Spending money on computer related
items which should have been allocated to other normal living expenses)
If you said yes to one question you may have a problem with computer
addiction. If you said yes to two questions, there is a good chance you do have
a problem with computer addiction. If you answered yes to three or more, you are
demonstrating a pattern of behavior which would suggest that you are addicted to
your computer and/or the activities on it.
About the Author:
James
Fearing, Ph.D., C.C.D.P., President and CEO,
National Counseling Intervention Services (NCIS), Incorporated.
13911 Ridgedale Drive, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55305
Dr. Fearing can be contact at the following locations:
Telephone 1-800-279-3321 or 612-512-0000
Fax: 612-512-0099
Email:
drfearing@nationalcounseling.com
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Real Solutions
for Overcoming
Internet Addictions
Virtual Addiction
Help for Netheads,
Cyberfreaks, and
Those Who Love Them
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