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Saturday, February 20, 2010

Are we addicted to the Internet?

Daphne and I were musing the other day about why we enjoy spending sooo much time on the web, browsing beautiful blogs and websites. It reminded me of a project my research students completed about 3 years ago. The students found this interesting survey by Dr. Kimberly Young (a leading researcher in the field of internet addiction), entitled, the “Internet Addiction Test”. You can take the survey here: http://www.netaddiction.com/index.php?option=com_bfquiz&view=onepage&catid=46&Itemid=106

When I first took the test three years ago, I scored 32 - nowhere near “addiction” status. The web was a place of work for me, not for fun. I took the test, today. I'm still not "addicted" but now scored 42....interesting.

Electronic social networks allow us to share a small part of our personal lives without having to mop the floors. We can invite friends in for “electronic tea” without worrying about whether or not the house is clean. And, we don’t have to synchronize our watches to visit. We can come in, chat, go about our business, then come back to chat some more. Never before have we been able to share so many beautiful things with those who enjoy similar passions. A pretty table setting, a lovely light fixture, an elegant china pattern, ahhhh....so many pretty things to share with just a click of the mouse. Maybe Internet addiction isn’t such a bad thing after all, is it?

Warmest regards,
Lynda

11 comments:

The Stylish House said...

Daphne and Lynda,
I was blogging around this afternoon and discovered your site. Your wonderful purses caught my eye. They are so funky and fun! I'm a follower now and look forward to keeping up with you. I enjoyed my visit.
Cathy

she dreams big! said...

You nailed one of the reasons why I blog right on the head! Especially the 'not having a clean house' part! That's because I spend too much time on the computer! Thanks for the tips on Canton. I'll be in to say hi next week!

FILIGREE MOON said...

Fun and funny post! So true. ~ Angela

Debra@CommonGround said...

I don't think I qualify as "addicted", but it sure has changed my life and spend a lot of time here. I think the best thing is finding so many "like-minded" people. It's just amazing how many there are of us! and making great friendships!
Debra

gail said...

Hi! Thanks for visiting my blog too! I love this post. I dont know if I am addicted but I sure love looking arouond blog land and visiting with everyone. It makes the world seem like a smaller and more cozy place. lol
Have a great week and happy creating!
Gail

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Hi Lynda Sweetie...
Thank you for stopping by my blog today. I was so tickled. Always love new visitors, and I have signed up to follow your blog. I can't wait to see what you share next. I went to the link you provided, and I received a score of 71. I could be in trouble. Ofcourse my job is an IT Specialist, so I spend most of my time on-line for my job. I am always creating something new and develop on-line courses for a living.

For me it is like having so many wonderful pen pals. When we were kids we had to wait long periods of time for letters to come, now we can send it instantly, now that I love, plus I get to learn new crafts and share, and I get to travel all over the world to places I have only dreamt about. I so enjoy it.

I pray you had a beautiful day and will have a wonderful evening. I hope you will sign up to follow my blog as well. Country hugs sweetie...Sherry

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Oh my goodness! You have great style! I see we have a mutual friend, the wonderful Sherry from Country Wings....she is the most beautiful soul. Thank you for coming; please, you are welcome to come and put up your feet, take in some French frivolties and dream....

Paris Hotel Boutique said...

Thanks for following my blog!

I can honestly say that I am 110% addicted to the computer! Don't even have to take the test!!

Blue Creek Home said...

What an interesting post!
I have been thinking about the time I spend on the computer. It's a lot, but I don't work, and I take a lot of breaks to cook, or take a dog out, or sew a pillow. I think it keeps me motivated.
I'm off to take the test. Oh, I already have test anxiety!!!!

Rhonda

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I have to agree with you, Lynda! While it has become an addiction to me {I'm sure I'd score higher than a 42}, I find that the benefits have outweighed this. I'm not someone who has a whole bunch, or even one or two, girlfriends. Yet here in blogland, I have hundreds! People I can ask for advice, share my joys and projects with, and even if I need a pick-me-up get some kind words. What great friends!

ashlina {the decorista} said...

hahaha....amen!
your blog is adorable. im in love!