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Addiction: The compulsive need for, and use of, a habit-forming substance (such as heroin, nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, or other) characterized by well-defined psychological symptoms upon withdrawal. Also persistent, compulsive use of a substance or behavior known by the user to be harmful.
Integral: Essential to a person’s completeness, formed as a unit with another part. In a few short decades, the internet has become nearly indispensable in every aspect of daily life. The more indispensable it becomes, the more impossible it becomes to avoid using it. It has become an integral aspect of life.
Imposing: To establish or apply by authority or force. The extent to which the internet has become integrated into every aspect of our lives suggests a larger power in the background. The internet is being imposed on society. While the internet offers interactive control over what we access, there is less control and fewer options. The internet gives us unlimited choices, and thus becomes almost impossible to stop using.
Isolating: To separate from others. Prior to the internet, life was a family affair. Outings, picnics, shopping, church – everyone hopped in the car and off they went to a family get-together. Even just sitting on the front porch or watching TV was a family affair. The internet, by its nature, is a private, solitary endeavor. One monitor, one mouse, one keyboard, all designed to separate people. In many households each family member has their own smart device.
Inexpensive: Not costly, reasonably priced. The cost of non-stop internet activity 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, searching worldwide is very affordable. It allows nearly half the planet to engage in virtually any activity.
Interactive: Allowing two-way communication. As computers and smartphones have become more sophisticated, they have also been turned into remarkably interactive appliances. No other device in history has allowed so much choice at our fingertips – with instant response and feedback.
Intoxicating: To affect by drug especially to the point of physical or mental impairment. The internet’s addictive nature, almost by design, can be compared to a drug or alcohol addiction. In fact, the addicting internet is feeding us every conceivable addictive activity from gambling – legal and illegal, shopping, game playing, to any sexual fetish imaginable. Without an instruction book or even minimal warnings. The internet is wide open to any unwary, innocent, compulsion-prone user.
This report is not a diagnosis. We hope this information can guide you toward improving your life.
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