? Net addiction is no joke, say mental health professionals. by Tom Spring, PC World January 14, 1999, 3:00 p.m. PT BELMONT, Mass. -- It started when he broke the bank while bidding at online auctions. Then it escalated as the hypnotic black hole of cyberspace sucked him in deeper. Online games, cybersex, and suicidal thoughts haunted him. Eventually he became so obsessed with the Internet that life had little meaning beyond it. Despite therapy and warnings, this …showed first 75 words of 891 total…

…showed last 75 words of 891 total…familial, educational, or work obligations.  Lying to family members, coworkers, fellow students, therapists, and others about the amount of time spent on the computer.  Risking loss of significant personal relationships, career access and advancement opportunities, financial stability, and educational accomplishments.  Failing at repeated efforts to control computer activities.  Showing physical signs such as carpal tunnel or other repetitive stress injuries, backaches, migraines, poor care of physical condition (such as eating irregularities), or poor personal hygiene.