Technology

What is it that robs us of an ongoing spiritual formation? Why don't we have time for the most important relationships in our lives... family, friends, Jesus?  Why don't we have time today for prayer, daily Mass, works of Mercy?

With access to instant information and instant communication, the internet has given us many benefits. It has also opened the way for new addictions, like compulsive online gaming, gambling, pornography, shopping and social media use.

An addiction is defined as, "compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal".  What makes the compulsive need to be on the Internet any different than using any one of those drugs? Nothing.

Internet addiction can be all-consuming, taking time and energy from our responsibilities and closest relationships. In this way, internet-based addictions have similar consequences to other addictions in how they can harm individuals and families.

Some signs of internet addiction include:

• Staying online longer than intended.
• Losing track of time while online.
• Increasing, extreme amounts of time being spent online.
• Using the internet to escape problems. 
• Eroding relationships.
• Work, household and family responsibilities go unmet.
• Eating and sleeping patterns deteriorate.