Online Addictions

Are you spending more time on your computer and in cyberspace than you are in real-life situations? Are you neglecting your coursework, friends, family, health and sleep in order to surf the web, chat or gamble online or play computer games? Do you need a daily “fix” from your computer or the Internet, or feel deprived if you are unable to log on regularly? Do you spend too much money on online auctions or gaming, or get caught up in different aspects of the technology itself, like coding?

These phenomena go by many names: computer addiction, cyber addiction, internet addiction. Notice the one word they have in common? Addictions cross a line into harmful behavior.

Keep in mind that socializing face to face is fun, necessary and rewarding on many levels, so make sure to keep up your in-person contacts. But if you suspect you are compulsive about certain aspects of cyberspace, or are experiencing symptoms similar to those mentioned, consider talking with a counseling professional. Ohio State offers counseling services to students and faculty and staff.

Here are some links on computer addiction that you might find helpful, or you can conduct your own web search on terminology that applies to your situation.

• http://www.caslon.com.au/addictionnote.htm
• http://www.warningsigns.info/computer_addiction.htm
• http://www.rider.edu/~suler/psycyber/cybaddict.html