[originaltext]W: Our high-tech society offers new high-tech addictions like onl

W: Our high-tech society offers new high-tech addictions like online games, social networks, etc. But is Internet addiction a relatively new thing, Dr. James?
M: Well, some people have been involved with the Internet for years and may have been addicted for a while. It’s certainly growing on college campuses.
W: How does it present itself?
M: Well, some of them have issues like relationship problems, or problems mamtaining their grades because they are spending so much time on the Net.
W: But I think the computer is a very positive thing. I myself have a strong urge to go surfing on the Net whenever I have time. How do I know when my impulse to go online will turn me into an Internet addict?
M: Uh... I’m not sure the exact amount of time is really the issue, but I think if it begins to affect other areas of your life, such as your work or school performance or your relationships with other people, then that’s a warning signal. One of the problems with the Internet, is that people start developing relationships over the Net and they are very different from relationships that you have on a face-to-face basis, and you start losing some of the skills that make relationships successful. And I think a real important thing is to examine what’s going on with you when you are not on the Net. If you are beginning to feel anxious or depressed or empty or lonely and you know you really look forward to those times when you can be online to be connected with other people in that way, then, I think, a serious issue is starting to happen.
W: What if you start giving up other things, like going out for a walk... is that a symptom?
M: Well, people have to make choices every day about the different activities that they’re going to do. I think it’s helpful to have some sort of balance in your life. If you can, spend some time on the Internet and then take a walk at a different time of the day. In fact, one of the things that we suggest in the group is to somehow break the pattern. Go out and take a walk, and then come back before you get back online.
W: So that’s how we can avoid Internet addiction. Thank you very much, Dr. James.
M: Thank you.
1. Where is Internet addiction growing fast according to Dr. James?
2. What are the harmful effects of Internet addiction?
3. What urge does the woman have when she has time?
4. What is a warning signal of turning into an Internet addict?
5. How can one avoid Internet addiction?