Internet businesses are on the rise more than ever now. Between Google Adsenseon websites earning between a few dollars a month to hundreds of dollars a month to employees working from home via their internet-office our society today would collapse without the internet.  I can’t tell you the last time I walked into a bank. My income is deposited right into my bank account or PayPaland I pay all my expenses via - the internet. Shoot, you can even do your grocery shopping on-line and have it delivered to you. No wonder some of us are becoming Internet addicts. The Internet has become our life’s dependency. 

A couple of articles about Internet addiction have crossed my desk recently. Hmmm, think someone’s trying to say something? Anyway, I found it interesting to read some of the symptoms of Internet addiction (this is not the same as porn addiction). Do you know someone that shows any of these signs?

The below are symptoms from Covenant Eyes:

Have your family or friends complained about the amount of time you spend online?

Are you less involved with your spouse or friends because of your involvement with the Internet?

Have you lied to your spouse or family members about your Internet usage?

Do you feel estrangement in your relationship with God because of your involvement with the Internet (pornography, gambling, etc.)?

Do you avoid social engagements or try to leave such engagements early in order to spend more time on the Internet?

Do you hide your Internet involvement from your spouse or family members?

Do you, your spouse, or family members stay up late, after everyone has gone to bed, so you can log onto the Internet privately?

Have you, your spouse or a family member experienced an increase in moodiness, anger and harsh blaming?

Have you, your spouse or family member tried to stop your involvement with the Internet, but have been unable to do so?

Many people find that overcoming these temptations is virtually impossible on their own. Developing a relationship with another person who can hold them accountable is the most effective way to obtain help. 

A survey found that one in eight Americans may have signs of internet addiction:

– 14% of respondents found it hard to abstain from internet use for several days
– 5.9% said excessive internet use affected their relationships
– 8.2% said the internet was a means of escape from the real world
– 3.7% felt preoccupied by the Internet when offline

Where do you stand? Do you know someone that might be in this situation?

~Diana

I took a survey a few minutes ago and they asked me a strange question. Would I consider responsibly harvesting whales to be all right? What is your opinion?

~Diana

Which would you choose…a sincere compliment or $5 cash?

~D