Internet Addiction on the Rise

Dr. Robi Ludwig, Psy.D. http://drrobiludwig.com/book/ was on the Laura Ingraham program today.  She discussed internet addiction, saying:

"It's hard for many of us to imagine getting through the day without the convenient use of the internet. Internet access has made our lives so much easier, in so many ways. But for some, the internet is toxic. Internet addiction is on the rise; especially among younger generations--so much so that it's been recommended as a separate disorder in the 2011 DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition). Those who are addicted to the internet plan their whole day around using the computer. There a gender difference too. Women tend to find themselves addicted to shopping sites like eBay and on-line chatting sites. Men are more likely to get addicted to porn and gambling sites. This is an area rich with research opportunities, so the best forms of treatment are still unknown and being studied. Currently psychotherapy, medication management, support groups and psychoeducation are the most popular forms of treatment. It has been established that there is a connection between depression and internet compulsivity and addiction." 

She said that some feel more closely connected to their online "friends" than they do with their own families.  If this is the case, she says it is an addiction. 

Your thoughts?  Are the top posters at TOL internet addicted?  Is the TOL experience healthy or unhealthy?  A good thing or a bad thing?

Response to comment [from a "Christian"]:  "I am an addict too."

Ok, but is it a healthy or unhealthy addiction?

Response to comment [from a Christian]:  "Hi. My name is Newman and I've been addicted to TOL for a while.  (You say) Hiiii, Newman."

Internet Addiction on the Rise