Here’s a surprise, I may be addicted to the internet.
According to a recent CNNHealth.com article called Why Moms Are At Risk for Internet Addiction, you may be at risk if your internet usage includes the following:
-Being online while your family sleeps
-Reading the news online
-Using the internet to foster your real life friendships
-Reading blogs or writing your own blog
Are you addicted too? I know I am guilty of all of the above and more.
In the article author Rachel Mosteller says that moms like me are “contributing to a growing global addiction.” She states that psychiatrists are moving to recognize the internet as an addiction just like alcohol dependency which would make it an official mental disorder.
A mental disorder?!? I find that insulting. I’m online a lot both personally and professionally but I don’t think my use of the internet should be classified as a mental disorder. Why is a mom’s reliance on technology any different from that of a digital native?
I am more likely to sit down at the kitchen table and open my laptop to read the news online via The Washington Post or CNN’s homepage than turning the pages of the actual paper that is thrown on our front steps each morning. Rather than picking up the phone to arrange a playdate or to call a babysitter for a night out, I message on Facebook. I select greeting cards from sites like JacquieLawson.com rather than in the Hallmark aisle, purchase clothes for my kids from a bookmarked list of favorite online retailers, browse iTunes for favorite music, and commonly turn to Google for directions and to answer my questions. When Captain Computer was hospitalized in December, I relied on mobile Twitter and Facebook to update concerned friends and family through my iPhone in the absence of wifi. And there’s always the online bill paying and ability to fill my virtual grocery cart for Peapod deliveries. Is this so wrong?
Besides my personal use of the internet, I also rely on it professionally as an on online course instructor, freelance writer, and community manager for an online professional community of teachers. And my day job as a Technology Magnet Coordinator doesn’t exactly keep me away from the internet either. It is my job to work with students to create podcasts, update our school website, find appropriate websites to enhance classroom instruction, and I teach kids how to use the internet.
Oh and the blogging…Well it’s my creative outlet and far cheaper than therapy.
So obviously I’m hooked. But what do I do?
The CNN article suggests that I keep a journal of how often I am online for a week. Do you think I should create a Google doc so I can update it at home, work, and wherever else I have access to the internet? If so, I’ll be sure to write that in my journal too. *sarcasm*
But would I really want to have a detailed account of every single minute I’m online? I think not. I’d rather blog about it. Or Tweet. Or wax poetic on my Wall.
An abbreviated version of this post can be found at DC Metro Moms.
Thanks for reading Tech Savvy Mama through your feed!
Original post by Tech Savvy Mama
©2012
Very funny. I mean if we don’t go online when our family is asleep, when should we do it? Is it better to do it when our children are awake (not that I don’t do that too!)?
If being addicted to learning, creating, writing, reading, discovering, connecting and building relationships means I’m sick and need help, then so be it!
Nice post, Leticia.
I’m so addicted to the internet. And I’m ok w/ it.
Or, perhaps, “I like to do it a lot”. But that doesn’t get you media attention.
Well, I guess I’m addicted, too. Let’s create a support group. Wait. We already have a support group–on-line!!!
Oh yes- I’ll start a journal to write about how long I write on the internet-
that makes complete sense 🙂
Elwood- The whole article was just so sensationalistic I just had to comment!
Margy- Exactly! It’s hard for me to get anything done while the kids are awake!
Tyler- Thanks!
Jodifur and Smiling Mama- Admitting it is the first step! Glad I have you as part of my support group!
BananaBlueberry- I took it to the next level by making it an online journal but really…perhaps they should have suggested the Internet Rescue Camp like the ones profiled on PBS Digital Nation.
To see the video about Internet Rescue Camps in South Korea, click here and under Video on the right side of the screen look for the one about the rescue camps.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/digitalnation/
Just another example of old school not recognizing new technology.
It’s a TOOL, people. Use it if it works for you; stay outta my internet if it doesn’t.
I don’t think you’re addicted — you’re just using the tools available to you!
GUILTY!
But nowadays the Internet is just part of parenting. Like you said, email is how parents plan playdates, stay informed, help each other. I think it’s made our community more village-like and less isolating.
I sure as heck watch less TV, and according to the sensationalists in the 80s, moms were addicted to sitting on their butts watching Donahue and Days. Now we’re sexless zombies up all night on Facebook and neglecting our dudes and kids.
Instead of zoning out with a one-way box, now we’re interacting for entertainment. And the Internet helps parents spend MORE time with their families with its telecommuting options!
GREAT post!
Uh oh, I am addicted to. THe being online while family is sleeping is better than while they are awake right?
I think I already commented over at DC Moms, but I’m coming by here, too because I compulsively read blogs….