As with any form of addiction, there are patterns of behavior and behavioral changes that can be observed. If you, or someone you are close to, show more than 3 of the following it is possible that you / they are becoming Internet junkies.

This may seem harmless compared to drug or alcohol addictions as the physical impact is limited to lack of exercise. However, if unchecked, Internet addiction like any other addiction can impact negatively on one’s relationships, work performance, family life and emotional well-being.

Signs of Internet Addiction:

Social and Personal Effects:

*Friends / family comment negatively on the amount of time you spend online.

*You lose interest in spending time with ‘real’ people, preferring to socialize with your online buddies.

*You make up excuses or lie about the amount of time you spend on the ‘net.

*Your find your spiritual connection with God / your higher power is being compromised, especially due to online porn, gambling or other activities which go against your personal value system.

*You sneak home early from social events to get online – or maybe even decline invitations to go out as you don’t want to miss time on the Internet.

*You become sneaky about being online, finding places and times when your family won’t know what you are up to – e.g. Internet cafes etc

*You stay up late or get up in the night to go online in private. This in turn affects your sleep patterns.

*You have become moody or withdrawn, or increasingly irritable with your loved ones.

*You’ve tried to spend less time on the Internet but have been unable to resist logging on.

*You lose interest in sex with your partner.

Work-related Effects:

*Your work performance goes into decline

*You spend excessive time online during work hours

*You stay behind after work to ‘surf’ the ‘net.

*Your colleagues experience your change in behavior as you become withdrawn.

*Business owners should watch out for reduced productivity, a decline in job satisfaction and in profit margins and a general decrease in efficiency.

As with anything in life, one needs to strive for balance. If you think you or a loved one has a problem with Internet addiction speak to a counselor – preferably one who has experience in the field of addiction. Once you have your compulsive behavior under control you will be able to enjoy time online without letting it take over your whole life.

Remember to live here and now in the real world. Virtual reality still cannot compare with the real thing!

Get out there – go climb a mountain, have coffee with a friend, take up a photography course – get real. The Internet is an awesome tool which can enhance your life - not a replacement for living on this amazing planet.

Go on take the test to see if you are addicted to the net…