It is well known that there are many on-line users who are

seriously addicted to the Internet. This addiction develops

slowly, much in the same way as drugs or alcohol. It is easy

to miss the point when one stops controlling his or her

actions and addiction takes over.

I know being one of those who missed the point a long time

ago. Today I am trying to analyze how this happened and what

the reasons were that brought me into this hopeless condition.

At first, I would occasionally use the Internet just for

fun-to read anecdotes or chat on ICQ.

However even in that innocent time, there were some early

warning signs such as developing the habit of eating in

front of the computer and even destroying my first keyboard

by spilling coffee on it.

As time passed, I established some friendly and even

romantic relationships with other online users and began to

check my e-mail not only in the morning, but in the

afternoon, evening, and even at night on the way back from

the bathroom.

If I only knew how rapidly I was tumbling toward trouble,

I might have done something about it. Unfortunately, as with

any addicted person, I did not notice the things that may

have looked weird to normal people.

Finally, I discovered that the Internet could be used not

only for communication but for making money as well.

Boy, how exciting it was to receive my first e-mail with

the subject “You've Got Cash!“

I suspect that after that day it was impossible to turn the

wheel of my addiction back.

And here I am: having more friends online than in the real

world and running a full time business on the Internet.

There are five computers in my home. They are everywhere

including the kitchen. If someone asks me why I need so many

computers, I won't be able to explain it clearly. Just the

same as people who have a TV set in every room cannot

explain why they do.

Because of my obsession with the Internet, I always travel

with a laptop and stay only in those hotels that offer an

Internet connection.

Even while shopping at the giant warehouse stores such as

Sam's or Costco, I cannot pass by the aisles with computers

without trying to open a few websites. If I don't have a

little extra time, then I just try to open Google or Yahoo

and take a quick glance at their homepages. After that I am

able to continue my shopping in a very satisfied and happy

mood.

Recently things turned from bad to worse. As I was walking

through a new home builder's models looking for a house, I

noticed that fake computers placed for designer's purposes

made me nervous. In contrast, a fake TV or fruit display did

not bother me at all.

Being a right-handed person, I learned to operate the

computer mouse with my left hand, so that I will not be

curtailed from browsing the web when my right wrist hurts.

When I read a newspaper and see the www. anyaddress.com, I

subconsciously try to click on it, as if there was a mouse

in my hand.

If I do not use the Internet for more than a day, I feel

awful like it is the end of the world.

Because there is no such group as “Internet Addiction

Anonymous,” I decided to write about my Internet obsession

hoping that I can find other online users who are suffering

from similar symptoms.