The second step is admitting the problem is beyond your control
Last week at the library I found a pamphlet which posed some interesting questions:
Have you ever decided to stop surfing the Internet for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple of days? A couple of days? Good luck!
Do you wish people would mind their own business about your Internet usage -- stop telling you what to do? _People don't poke their noses in much. They probably should. _
Have you ever switched from one Internet activity to another in the hope that this would keep you from getting carried away? And how: web forums to e-mail to LJs to news sites to Ask Metafilter...
Have you ever had to have an eye-opener upon wakening during the past year? Fortunately, I don't have Internet at home. But you had better believe I check my websites as soon as I get to an Internet terminal.
Do you envy people who can surf the Internet without getting into trouble? And how. Why am I not like most people? Why can't I take it or leave it?
Have you had problems connected with Internet usage during the past year?
_I have a wheelbarrow of missed deadlines to attest to that. _
Has your Internet usage caused trouble at home? _I'll say. My late nights have caused conflict with my roommate. _
Do you ever try to get "extra" Internet time at a terminal because you don't get enough? _ Sometimes. My biggest problem is that the Internet flows freely when I am working, because I have a workstation right in my office. _
Do you tell yourself that you can stop using the Internet any time you want to, even though you keep overdoing it when you don't mean to? _ I used to. All the time. _
Have you missed days of work or school because of Internet usage? _ Fortunately, I have not missed teaching a class. But I have missed many volunteer commitments because I got home too late and couldn't get up in time. _
Do you have "blackouts"? _ Every day, kid. Hours disappear and I don't know where they go. _
Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you did not use the Internet? _ Sure. Now try getting me a job that does not require me to have access to the Internet but is suited to my education, interests and/or skills. People think the Internet helps productivity, so they make it available everywhere. You can even get it wireless in libraries now! _
Let's see. 12 questions. Nine definite YES answers. The pamphlet says that if I score four or more yes answers I am probably having problems with Internet usage.
If people took web surfing as seriously as they took alcoholism maybe I would be in luck.
Livejournal URL: http://pnijjar.livejournal.com/5266.html
Mood: helpless