CJ: Hi Rodessa, thanks for stopping by. 58% isn’t too bad; I’d think that’s about normal, actually. We all do a lot when we’re online and these quizzes can make it seem worse than it really is! I mean, if you’re blogging and on Skype, that’s just another form of conversation. How’s it any different than writing a letter or talking on the phone?

I’m not a big MySpace fan myself; I guess I’m more of the Facebook crowd. But I love Google Talk and Meebo, and I’m addicted to blogging. The online dating hasn’t worked much for me, though. Tried it once and it scared me right off it, so I’m still happily single.

CJ: When I first started I used to keep a close eye on my stats too, so I understand the interest, particularly now you’ve got Flickr stats too! I didn’t used to dream about them, though. Cool.

I don’t know if there’s a psychic connection but there’s definitely a unique connection that forms between people online; it’s like the relationship between a reader and writer and it wouldn’t surprise me if you get some kind of vibe from that. I’m quite good at predicting when my emails will arrive now as I know the times people are online; it’s not so different from that.

Not long ago, this discussion would have meant very little to me. I was a casual internet user and even felt at a loss for content to browse when I was online! But then I started my blog, and oh how things have changed. All of a sudden I realise the rest of the world is out there on their computers too, and that connection makes sitting here in front of my monitor almost irresistably appealing. My girlfriend, on the other hand, doesn’t get it one bit, and I’m reduced to sneaking in for a quick browse when she’s in the shower or talking on the phone. I’m constantly wondering how many people have visited my site, or whether someone’s left a comment. It’s reached the point that I will wake up at night and become anxious, wondering what’s transpired in my absence! Am I becoming on of those obsessive geek-types I used to laugh at in documentaries, locked in their dark rooms all day? Only my rsi can save me now…

Wow, I feel like I just went to an AA meeting

CJ: Hi Mike, thanks for the compliment! It’s just a modest little blog but I’m quite proud of it. And I was so happy stumbling across your cartoons; I think anyone who can make people laugh has a real gift. And I’ve got nothing against a few bum gags myself.

Then again, maybe I am addicted and just don’t know it! I wonder if there’s a Netaholics Anonymous?

It will be interesting to see how having my own computer changes my internet habits.

CJ: Wow, congrats, TVB, that’s the lowest so far! And hope you enjoy the notebook. I switched to a notebook two years ago and have been very happy with it. They’ve come so far now that it’s actually more powerful than my old PC.

I can see why you’d need one now; it’s hard sharing computers now with so much of our lives moving online. My mother bought her first computer last year and her habits have changed a bit but not too much; knowing she can use it whenever she wants to has actually freed up her time, in a strange way. So you might not notice too many changes overall.

I couldn’t resist the quiz part, but I think I take a bit of issue with the results. This result would lead one to believe that because I’m not on the internet much that I must be a leading a full and busy life somehow….. but it doesn’t take into account the original solitary occupation. Reading. If I substituted the word book for the word internet then I’d have to say that it would be a 100% addiction!
(And, honestly, this confounds people who know me because I’m also ADHD – the internet should be a form of natural habitat for me!)

I think, going back to your original post, that the online community has become a legitimate form of socialization for many. It has the same power to form friendships, allies, business partners and relationships as many small villages. I don’t see that being involved in that is a negative or unhealthy thing – unless you start replace previously held priorities.

It is, as is almost all things, a matter of balance.

You must keep the foundation of who and where you are to have any stability in reaching out for more. If your foundation is strong then any form of life tools will be adapted in and be used to strengthen the core of who you are. There shouldn’t be any guilt in that. As for the ones who have unsteady foundations (addictive or obsessive personalities) the internet itself doesn’t make or break that. It just provides a means for them to express that outward.

CJ: That’s true about reading. I suppose the difference is that we choose to read, which makes it more of an obsession than an addiction, but it’s definitely something that takes up a lot of my time too! What’s interesting is that for a long time the net was 80% text based and content had to be read, so it’s only been since visual media has become more widespread that net addiction has become worse… if the net were still text based I wonder if we’d still have noticed the rise in addiction? Or maybe it just reflects the number of people who are online now.

Thanks for stopping by again, Jule. Do you have a blog of your own at all? I’d love to have a look.