[ShannonGB]

Originally Posted by JayG

I'm not addicted but I don't think I will ever live the same way without the internet. I got more than half of my information (news, emails, etc) from the internet. I also play online games from time to time. Me and my friends also have our own website.

I totally agree. I no longer a teen but I can safely say that I was able to go and enjoy childhood without it. Nowadays it is a different story. I feel as if a part of my life does not get lived if I'm not able to go online for at least 2 hours a day. Now can you just imagine how deprived a kid who grew up exposed to the internet must feel if he does not get his online fix?

The Internet is here to stay, it is already a major part of everybody's lives. When I hear the word "addiction" I think of someone getting hooked on a vice or something bad. The Internet is not necessarily a bad thing, it can be a great tool for learning, interacting and communicating (I would really like to think it was intended for that!) If we make the Internet synonymous to these words, wouldn't it be great to say that one is "addicted" to "learning"?

I hope you get my drift!

[mcmama]

Yes, I do get your drift. But addiction is another matter. And online games, social networking, etc can be addictive in a destructive way.

Needs to be monitored by the parent.

[BentSpoon]

Originally Posted by mcmama

Needs to be monitored by the parent.

'Cause after all we are the parents, right? That's where I get frustrated when parents start feeling that they are out of control. Except for a few instances (genetic defects, fighter planes falling out of the sky) we are the ones in control of our children's development. Right? Or am I deluding myself?

[Cathys]

I tweet a lot, addictive