Are You Addicted to the Internet?

I'll admit that in my home, overuse of electronic media is just as much of a problem for me as it is for my children.

Since I've been talking about television, and trying to reduce the role it plays in our lives, I wanted to share this article about internet addiction that I found at Why Homeschool:

Why moms are at risk for Internet addiction

Do you use the web as a means of stress-relief? Would you find it hard to stay away from the computer for a few days? Have you ever tried to downplay your amount of computer use to your loved ones?

If any of the above is a problem for you, consider the author's suggestion:

Try keeping a journal of how often you go online for a week. Then assess what you're missing out on when you do it -- sleep, family time, work?

Also note in your journal what was going on each time you decided to sit down at the computer. Was it right after a fight with your husband? Were you bored? By figuring out the triggers that send you seeking refuge online, Moore says, you can come up with alternative activities that help you deal.

I won't say my internet usage has crossed the line and become an addiction, but I know message boards, blogs and social networking have replaced activities that are more important to me.

When my children grow up and leave home, I want them to remember a mom who chats with them - not her online buddies, and I am taking steps to make that a reality.