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addicted to the computer?
Where would you draw the line at saying someone is "addicted" to the computer?
I love my computer 
I'm online A LOT... most of the day at work (I'm a programmer) and then I catch up at night with my personal stuff (unless I get a slow day like today where I can catch up a little bit while at work). I could spend literally all day online if I had the chance. I love reading, participating in forums, and on some nights I burn through 3-4 hours just reading blogs. I also practice some work on my own website/computer, which isn't FOR work, but it helps keep my skills fresh for work, and for me, it's fun I also work "offline"... editing photos, editing videos, etc... which put me "on the computer" but in very different ways.
So how do I honestly assess whether I'm "addicted"... or if I just love my hobby/work? DH hasn't complained about my use yet, but his grandmother made a comment over Christmas since every time she came over to the IL's house, I was on my laptop. Honestly, I was doing major computer time over vacation, but I was taking advantage of the fact that someone else was watching our toddler and reveling in my free time... but now I'm also wondering if maybe she has a point? Or was it just because she's NEVER on the computer, so she just doesn't "get it" about engaging online?
Anyway, that was a long drawn out story just to ask, how would you define "addicted"... and does it affect that definition if your career is in IT/computers?
Re: addicted to the computer?
There's using too much, and then there's addicted. You do sound like you are using the computer a lot, and maybe that's not healthy. I'd consider you addicted if you couldn't help yourself from using it. Like, you see the laptop sitting there and it calls to you. You decide to get off, but then find yourself online for another 30 minutes. You tell yourself you won't use the computer tonight, but then you do. Like, I'm sure many of us are addicted to the Nest. I honestly try not to come on here, but my fingers take over.
I look at it like I do my (self-diagnosed) addiction to food. Sure, lots of people eat a lot. Again, maybe that's not healthy (duh!). But for me, I am literally compelled to eat, even if I don't want to. I want to stop, but don't. To me, that's an addiction. Same thing with alcohol-- binge drinkers aren't necessarily alcoholics. But it can be a sign.
Bottom line: if it is affecting your life negatively (such as taking away time from other things, making you feel out of control, etc), it isn't a good thing. Maybe try to have a few hours of no-tech time. See how that works for you. Sitting in front of computer all day at work is bad enough, then adding home time in, that's a lot of computer time. Free yourself :-)
I like this idea. We have a computer at home that we rarely use because we're on them so much for work with the exception of using the home PC to upload pictures to FB. As soon as I get home, my cell goes in my purse and I rarely get on the computer at home unless there's something I really should do. I do check my cellphone once it goes in my purse every now and again and I'm one of those people that check email/facebook first in the morning. DH likes to tell me that I'm addicted to my phone but its basically a one stop shop for all my news, weather and life updates.
Interesting. Well, if it doesn't take away time from other things... like if I'm still cleaning the house, spending time with DS (I get on the computer after he's asleep, after dinner), I'm honestly not sure I'd say it was negatively impacting my life. So far, anyway
I'd actually say it's IMPROVED my life in some ways... I've met some people online who I've met up with in real life that really mean a lot to me, and I still see my "real life" friends on a regular basis offline. I've also used it as a way to stay closer to my friends out of state... and I've gotten better at work skills, too.
I did think about it a little more, to compare DH and my families... his family got their first computer last year. 2010. So they use it maybe like once every two weeks, and only to see the photos that I've posted of DS on our website (they LOVE keeping up with him that way, since they are all out of town). My family on the other hand, my Dad has 3 computers, and we're always comparing notes on stuff when I talk to him. So he shares my passion for IT stuff. BUT... I see where his "hobby" (he's not in the computer profession) interferes sometimes... the last time we visited their house, he was holed up in his office while my mom and I played with DS. I almost said "hello! your grandson is here!"
So I can definitely notice when time is too much when it's not me
For now, I think I'll take your advice, and try to set a timer... and say at like 10pm, no more computer time. Which works out well, since DH's baseball games are usually over with by then, and he comes back to earth from sports-tv-land. That should give me enough time to check email, catch up on my favorite sites, and maybe do a little "work"
Thanks ladies!
* blog * first baby blog * baby 2.0 blog * twitter *
I think 3-4hrs a night reading blogs is too much
DH is a gamer and is the admin for a gaming server in his non-work time. He loves his computer and all things internet. He works on UI Design at work, and he is capable of coming home from work and gaming/surfing from 7pm - 2am. It has been a point of contention in our relationship in the past, because I feel that he is addicted, he feels he is just passionate about it.
We recently implemented a "no computer until C goes to bed" policy. C goes to bed between 8-10 these days. He's been turning off the computer around midnight every night, so he is still getting 2 solid hours of gaming/surfing in each night.
I think I'm very close to being addicted, but, I'm trying to cut back. For me, I think some of it is a combination of boredom and laziness.... I'm mentally tired after a long day at work, and it's a way for me to unwind.
My goal for the summer is to read some books (even if it is on an e-reader!), do some projects around the house, exercise more, and do some creative arts & crafts projects. Basically, balance my personal time better.
It's hard, though... because, sometimes I feel like in some ways it's really my window to the outside world. I'm busy all day at work. When I get home, I want to catch up on what my friends and family are doing via facebook, etc. And, I want to read the news. I gain a lot of value from those 2-4 hours per day. (eek!)
I think it also depends on what you would otherwise be doing in that time. If you're missing out on important things (and it doesn't sound like you are), then it's something to worry about. But if it's time you'd otherwise spend knitting or watching tv or reading, then it's just kind of a hobby IMO.
I think plenty of Americans spend 3-4 hours a night watching tv but probably wouldn't say they're addicted.
Like pp said, unless it's interfering with other aspects of your life, I wouldn't consider it an addiction. But I do feel like I spend a lot (too much?) time on the computer too. I (obviously!) do some web surfing at work, but check blogs and other stuff when I get home. DH has commented once or twice, and I've tried to cut back. Now I try to only break it out for an hour or so after dinner, and then we chat or watch TV (unless there are things I need to be doing, like uploading pictures or something, that have to be done on the computer).
It is pretty easy to kind of mindlessly click from one site to another - kind of like clicking from channel to channel on the TV. You don't really *need* to be doing it or you're not looking for something in particular, it's just something to do . . .
TTC #2: BFP 12/17/11, m/c 1/7/12 and D&C 1/12/12
baby blog/cooking blog
I'm in this boat. I KNOW I use the computer/the internet a lot and am probably on the verge of being addicted, but I think of it as just another hobby. It doesn't interfere with important things. My brother is a little too into WoW and often cancels going out for various things because of his online "commitments." I'm not nearly that bad. DH and I try not to use our laptops for a while after we both get home. If I was on vacation, I'd be totally fine not having a computer with me and minimal access to my Blackberry.