A Test for Online Addiction

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Going online to the Internet can be a world-broadening experience. Going online all of the time could mean you're more interested in escaping your reality. Test yourself here to find out how much sway computers hold over you.

Simply click on the appropriate button then, when you have answered all of the questions, click the Total button. You can print this form and manually apply the values shown to the right for each answer.	Not Applicable 0	Rarely 1	Some times 2	Fre- quently 3	Very Often 4	Always 5
1. How often do you find that you stay online longer than you intened?
2. How often do you neglect household chores to spend more time online?
3. How often do you form new relationships with fellow online users?
4. How often do you prefer the excitement of the Internet to intimacy with your partner?
5. How often do others in your life complain to you about the amount of time you spend online?
6. How often do you check your e-mail before something else that you need to do?
7. How often does your work suffer because of the amount of time you spend online?
8. How often does your job performance or productivity suffer because of the Internet?
9. How often do you become defensive or secretive when anyone asks you what you do online?
10. How often do you block out disturbing thoughts about your life with soothing thoughts of the Internet?
11. How often do you find yourself anticipating when you will go online again?
12. How often do yoou fear that life without the Internet would be boring, empty, and joyless?
13. How often do you snap, yell, or act annoyed if someone bothers while you're online?
14. How often do you lose sleep due to late-night log-ins?
15. How often do you feel preoccupied with the Internet when offline, or fantasize about being online?
16. How often do you find yourself saying "just a few more minutes" when online?
17. How often do you try to cut down the amount of time you spend online and fail?
18. How often do you try to hide how long you've been online?
19. How often do you choose to spend more time online over going out with others?
20. How often do you feel depressed, moody, or nervous when you are offline?
				Totals:

What Your Scores Mean

	20 - 39 points ...	There's nothing to worry about here. You're considered an average user of online services.
	40 - 69 points ...	The Internet may be having an adverse effect on you and your social life. There may be cause for concern here.
	70 - 100 points ...	The Internet is altering your reality. At this level of response you are showing an addiction to the Internet. Taking action now is very important for your personal health and happiness.

If you are scoring high on this test, can we offer to be of assistance? We have people who will listen and help you bring this under control.

Parents - to order "Monitoring the Mouse - Protecting Kidz Online," an indepth informational packet on protecting your children from online hazards, send $1.00 and a stamped self addressed envelope to FindingStone at the address below.

For a complimenatry initial consultation, print the results of your stress test and bring it with you.

This test is adapted from Myrna Ruskin Associates, Inc. (212) 355-0538