Be honest now. I read this article this morning by Lamar Stonecypher, and found it very interesting. And it got me wondering about some things and wondering about my own consumption with being online. Here is the article:
"Are you addicted to the Internet?:
"Are you compulsive in your use of the internet? Do you devote time to your online pursuits that would better be devoted to your family or career? Do you get up in the wee hours of the morning to check your email, or your favorite website?
According to Psychologist Kimberly S. Young, if the answer to one or more of these questions is yes, you might be suffering from Internet Addiction Disorder.
She writes that "the largest [group] of respondents who met this adapted criteria and were most likely to develop an addiction to the internet were middle aged females and those (both men and women) who were currently unemployed or part-time employees."
Here are some signs to think about when wondering if you may actually be an addict:
1) Feel preoccupied with the internet (think about it while offline) 2) Feel a need to use the internet with increasing amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction; 3) Have an inability to control your internet use; 4) Feel restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop Internet use; 5) Use the Internet as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a poor mood (feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression); Are you looking for a social boost or 'fix'? Are you lonely and use the Internet to fill this void? 6) Lie to family members or friends to conceal the extent of involvement with the Internet; 7) Jeopardize or risk the loss of a significant relationships (spouse, children, siblings....), job, educational or career opportunity because of strong desire to be on Internet; 8) Keep returning even after spending an excessive amount of time already used online; 9) Go through withdrawal when offline (increased depression, anxiety); 10) Stay on-line longer than originally intended."
What do you think? Do you think many people are overly addicted and that it's become way over used by some? Especially Christians? Are we online more than we should be instead of spending this time with our Savior, in His Word and following His desire to be with our families? Or do you think you're amount online is fine? That you balance it well and if so how do you plan your Internet time? Do you have a schedule that doesn't affect your home life? If so, what is that schedule?
Great post Sarah!
ReplyDeleteI'm on before the children wake up.
During nap time and when they go to bed.
If I'm on when they are awake it is to research something I/we need or order something.
I definitely thing the world has gone crazy with the internet. If you can't follow me enough on my blog follow me on twitter and if that isn't enough get on my FaceBook. WHAT????????????? There is something seriously wrong that we can't get enough of "you" that we need to be following you around all day.
I'm turned off a bit when I see it on the sidebar of people's blogs. I have very few people in my life that I need to know that much detail about and they all live right here in my home. My dearest friends and I don't keep in touch that much so why in the world would we be doing this with virtual strangers?????
Blogs have been a great way to meet, be inspired by and encouraged by other Christians. For that I am grateful. Sometimes they get to be too consuming and the level of "guilt" for not following a blog or commenting or reading each day is too much pressure that it takes away from the purpose I started to blog in the first place - for HIM!
I did find for a while that I was involved too much with blogging and it did take away from our family life. It was definitely away to keep my mind off of being overwhelmed by all the changes that took place in our lives so fast. I'm glad I went through that though because it showed me how much my family means to me and how much God desires for me spend time with Him alone and with them! Not to mention without Him I have nothing to share on my own blog. If after I do all the other things I need to get done and desire to do with my family - that is where I find time to design stuff.
This is such an important issue and people really don't see it. I can't believe how upset bloggers were yesterday or this week when followers dropped off that they actually posted their "concern" about it. That spoke volumes to my heart about how balance and what matters most!
Hugs and blessings - so glad we met! Again, one reason that the internet is my life has been a blessing! God really has used my blog to introduce me to some AMAZING women like you! Its just a matter of balance and we can all work together to lift our EYES to HIM!
Jill
This is a great post. I have to watch my time on the internet by being selective in what I read or monitor. There is so much out there that my desire to learn can overwhelm me.
ReplyDeleteI seem to go in waves, getting more or less involved as other things heat up or require my attention.
Not an addiction, but definite filler into what can be a busy schedule.
That's a great question. "Everything in moderation," they say right? I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, even surf the internet responsibly. One can be anywhere and be with God.
ReplyDeleteI know there are people who suffer from internet addiction, and it's a critical issue for many families. I am not one of them.
ReplyDeleteI simply don't have the time to be addicted to it... Maybe when I retire.
Guilty, but only to blogging. I am so glad that there are so many Christian bloggers whose posts I read that feed me devotions and the word. That is why I stay off Facebook and other sites anymore. Blogging is enough.
ReplyDeleteOf course there are addicts, but I think that term is over used. I think a lack of self-control is more like it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for everyone's honesty. I appreciate you being real. I wanted to get a wide variety of answers to know your thoughts before I gave my own.
ReplyDeleteSo now, I'd like to share my answer. Unfortunately, I have slipped in and out of addiction; similar to Andy and his 'waves'; I go through cycles. Like Jill mentioned I feel that pressure to keep up with everything. At times I find that I am online way to long replying to friends emails or comments or making sure I do this, that or the other and before I know it hours have passed.
I think that's one of the biggest struggles for Internet Addicts, that time get's lost to easily and before you know it the day is gone.
On the flip side with me I also have times I'm hardly online at all; only being online for just minutes at a time. Such as today. I've stayed offline quite a bit and I feel good about all the things I've done during this offline time. It's been very rewarding spending the time with my Hannah and little Jesse.
Just like Rick said, as the old saying goes: 'Everything in moderation'. So true!! I am a guilty user who has to teach and learn self discipline, trusting that my friends won't disappear on me or take things personally. But if they do, then I need to learn that it's okay.
Because at the end of every day, when I lay my head on the pillow & reflect on things I wonder about the bonding I've made with my kids, my husband, and most importantly the amount of time I've devoted to Christ. If I have any sense of guilt in any of these areas it's usually blamed to being online for to long. So I'm working on making a schedule or routine to limit the amount of time I spend on our laptop. Because like Qtpies7 says 'It's about self control'. I'm thinking (since I've always been a 'night owl') this means most of my online time will be during late hours, after my kids are in bed, after I rest my heart in God's Word, and all other responsibilities are done; it's then that I will probably be online and only then.
Thanks again all of your for sharing your hearts and honesty about this. Please pray for me, and others you may worry about, (like Travis knowing some friends that have this problem) so that we can refocus, reorganize, and reclaim our lives back, without the computer taking control of it.
Love you guys!
~Sarah
Travis I wish I had your answer to give and Mimi your'e so right; being on Facebook and blogging, and here and there....it gets out of control to fast.
Hi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI agree with this blog. Yes, I feel bad when I'm online sometimes because my time could be spent doing something eles, like spending it with my family. Time goes by real fast when I'm online. I decided to blog because it was fun and I could meet other moms and then Christians. I never realized how many people blog and our christians. It is such a great way to witness. I fix my page sarah so you can visit my site.
Love, Becky
What a timely post, and very necessary. I know people who are addicted to the internet to the point where the real world has become nearly irrelevant.
ReplyDeleteAnd I know people, too, who have joined forums and write blogs and do the Facebook and MySpace thing not just to connect with people, but to connect with people for God. They have good intentions at first, but then they get sucked in and can't seem to find their way out.
Even the good things we do can turn bad sometimes. Vigilance, I think, is key.
Really good post :-) Thanks for adding my blog, I've become a follower of yours also.
ReplyDeleteI've only read a couple of your posts so far & I like them very much, I look forward to following your blog.
I'm convicted about spending too much time online, but have a very hard time combating it. I'm thankful for the questions and the comments here.
ReplyDelete