Internet Addiction

Nov. 3, 1999

The Internet has changed almost every aspect of our lives, but new studies suggest that people are becoming addicted to the World Wide Web. In today's Family Now report, News Specialist Ruth Todd gives us the signs of Internet addiction and what you can do to prevent the Internet from taking over your life.

Steve Davis and his wife got on-line three years ago. But it wasn't long before their marriage began to deteriorate.

Steve Davis: "SHE COULDN'T TEAR HERSELF AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER. IT WAS A CRUTCH FOR HER TO GET THROUGH THE DAY. AND AS A RESULT OF THAT, IT ALTERED OUR LIFESTYLE. WE DIDN'T DO ANYTHING HARDLY. WHEN I DID TAKE HER OUT, SHE WAS DESPERATE TO GET BACK."

Davis admits his marriage started to fall apart when he became addicted to pornography on the Internet. He still finds it challenging to stay away.

Steve Davis: "I HAVE NO ATTRACTION TO IT AT ALL. BUT I KNOW THAT I'M SUSCEPTIBLE TO THAT, JUST LIKE ANY OTHER ADDICTION, FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE."

A recent study shows more than 11 million people have become addicted to the net--- proof Psychologists say-- the affliction is becoming more and more common.

Don Strassberg/ U. of U. Psychology Professor: "IT IS A VERY HABIT-FORMING EXPERIENCE. I THINK THAT THERE IS SO MUCH INFORMATION AND IT'S SO EASILY ACCESSIBLE THAT IT JUST CAPTURES PEOPLE."

If you're worried you might becoming addicted to the net-- here're a few tips.

• Ask your internet provider to limit your time online
• Sign up with a provider that filters out sites you don't want to see

Net Addiction.Com