Addiction: Like I said, I’m not sure that addiction is the right term. But here’s a thought… if most of the content on the web is created by a small minority that produces massively more than the average user, then surely they must be the ones who are addicted?

In that case, is it true that most of the content on the web is created by people with some behavioural problem? So…. most ‘normal’ people must be spending most of their time online consuming content created by loonies.

In that case, is it true that most of the content on the web is created by people with some behavioural problem? So…. most ‘normal’ people must be spending most of their time online consuming content created by loonies. Posted by TaiwanChallenges 09 September 2009

Tiny numbers of narcissistic weirdos and show-offs creating most of the content for everyone else? Wow – that sounds just like mainstream media. Who’da thunk it?

The Digital Revolution series – presented by awesomeist Aleks Krotoski – starts next Saturday January 30 at 8.30pm on BBC2 and looks like a rare opportunity to learn something worthwhile whilst watching TV. And it should be interesting to see how the public discussion emerges/convenes during and after each episode – especially on twitter @bbcdigrev, and at the BBC’s interesting and participatory website.The Digital Revolution series – presented by awesomeist Aleks Krotoski – starts next Saturday January 30 at 8.30pm on BBC2 and looks like a rare opportunity to learn something worthwhile whilst watching TV. And it should be interesting to see how the public discussion emerges/convenes during and after each episode – especially on twitter @bbcdigrev, and at the BBC’s interesting and participatory website.

Comments at the website are ace – which augurs well.

Another commenter at the Digital Revolution blog has posted a watchlist of “Signs of Internet addiction” quoting (and augmenting) an Internet addiction rehab clinic in Seattle called – wait for it – The ReSTART Center. ReSTART say that having three of the following symptoms suggest abuse, and five or more demonstrates addiction.

Try it ;-)

• Increasing amounts of time spent on Internet. (First thing you want to do on awakening, last thing you do before sleeping etc.)
• Craving more time on Internet, restless/frustrated when not there.
• Obsessive checking of mail accounts/sites etc.
• Losing track of time.
• Internet interfering with job and school performance.
• Heightened euphoria while on Internet.
• Neglecting family and friends. (Preferring time on a PC to human contact, frustration if interrupted.)
• Spending any time away from the Internet thinking about what you’ll do when back on it.
• Failed attempts to control behaviour.
• Withdrawal from other activities.
• Changes in sleep patterns.
• Weight changes, backaches, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, reduced physical activity.
• Feeling guilty or ashamed of behaviour.
• Lying to others about amount of usage.