Those computerholics

Everyone out there probably knows someone who has this disease. Maybe you are one of them who has become stricken with this addiction.  Do you spend more than 1 hour a day on your personal computer (non-work related)? Then you are what I call a computerholic.

I recently read a little survey about what personal items people could not do without. As you might have guessed, the cell phone, blackberry and personal computer came out on top. It seems these days that more people are ditching the television in favor of the laptop or desktop for their favorite form of entertainment.  I can say that I am one of those many millions who are following that trend.  I have nothing against watching television but sometimes it seems like the same old stuff is on, over and over.  I find it very difficult to spend more than an hour watching a television program unless it is a very good game or movie.  Now when I am on my computer,  I feel like I have access to many more ways of entertaining myself.  I am like many millions of people who have a Facebook and MySpace account.  I check up on what my friends are doing without even picking up the phone! Those two sites can become very addicting, believe me! And soon within the next week or so, I will be joining Twitter.  Besides many social networking sites, there are so many things to look at on the internet, news, sports, weather, games, chatting, YouTube, music, blogs. The list is endless.

Unfortunately, some people spend way too much time on their computer and forget that life does exist away from the computer screen.  Instead of wasting a nice fall afternoon indoors in front of the computer, get out and take a nice long hike in the woods. You will certainly burn more calories!!  Or spend time actually doing something constructive in your life. Like clean the garage or the house.  Sitting in front of the computer can be the biggest waste of time for a person. There is so much more to experience in life!

Addiction to the computer is a growing trend in this country especially with younger people. I just think that it is important to have some balance in your life.  I spend 8+ hours at work looking a computer screen. Sometimes the last thing I want to do at night is turn on my computer.  I always find that having certain activities and hobbies outside of my work prevent me from being bored and thus logging onto my computer constantly.  Being busy with a number of hobbies is always the best cure for this disease.