Disease inventors

So, Jerald J. Block thinks that internet addiction should be an oficially recognised psychiactric disorder. Here are the warning signs:

1) excessive use, often associated with a loss of sense of time or a neglect of basic drives, 2) withdrawal, including feelings of anger, tension, and/or depression when the computer is inaccessible, 3) tolerance, including the need for better computer equipment, more software, or more hours of use, and 4) negative repercussions, including arguments, lying, poor achievement, social isolation, and fatigue

Well, you may have noticed that I haven't been writing so much here these past couple of months. This is because I have a terrible addiction. I made a mistake. I thought I'd go out and get a life -- just a little, what harm could it do? The trouble is, it's so addictive. I looked up the symptoms, and the news isn't good:

1) excessive interaction with other people, often associated with a loss of sense of time or a neglect of basic drives,

I went for an after work drink last Thursday. Suddenly it was two in the morning. It was only when I woke up that I realised I had not eaten since the previous lunch time.

2) withdrawal, including feelings of anger, tension, and/or depression when friends are inaccessible,

I spent a few months living in the middle of nowhere in Dorset while unemployed. Everyone I knew was doing fun things in far away cities, while I sat around wondering what the point was.

3) tolerance, including the need for railcards, event organisation, or more hours of use,

I added the Nature Network London pub meet, London Skeptics Lectures, and the flickr midsummer allnighter to my Google Calendar this weekend. Never been to any of those before.

4) negative repercussions, including arguments, lying, poor achievement, social isolation, and fatigue

I upset somebody by not replying to a message from them in time, I lied about writing at least two pieces for the blog per week, I've been failing to keep up with a long running debate on a forum, neglected to contact my American friends on MSN or Skype for weeks. I've spent so much time reading books on buses that I have trouble keeping up with the new items in my Google Reader.

I am seeking help, and hope to be able to spend a more healthy amount of time online soon.