The latest in Internet, website, gadget, and electronic trends.

Fight the Addiction

by Mika Ortega

November 10, 2006

You may be guilt-free when it comes to alcohol or drug abuse, but what about when it comes to Internet addiction? This newly defined problem is becoming widely recognized, even inspiring Serbia to open a counseling center for addicts in the country. Read on to learn of this growing concern and how you can avoid falling into its trap.

It’s safe to say that we’ve all wasted a few hours online out of boredom. Surely you’d agree, there’s nothing wrong with a little harmless web surfing to pass the time, but what about when the periodic Internet use turns into a rather abnormal desire or even need to get online? An online recovery center, NetAddiction.com, calls Internet addiction “a type of compulsive disorder” and a “new form of addictive behavior.” Aiming to help mend “lives shattered by an overwhelming compulsion to surf the net,” NetAddiction.com takes this problem seriously.

Slightly skeptical, though, Gina Hughes of Yahoo Tech questioned the online tests throughout her article Are You an Internet Addict? Remaining unsure of how the process can accurately judge your state and treat such a problem, she remarks, “I won't take that test too seriously,” and continues, “the bottom line is that anything can be harmful when abused.”

The obvious problems associated with the disorder include Cybersexual Affairs, Cybersex Addiction, and Cyberporn Addiction. More surprising, though, are issues such as Obsessive Role Play Gaming, Compulsive Surfing, and even eBay Addiction. All treated by NetAddiction.com, the site offers online evaluations to test where one is being balanced and where their “behavior crosses the line into addiction.”

Whether you choose to live by your new-found knowledge of net addiction or choose to dismiss it completely, consider this: Do you just like the Internet, or do you need it? Visit NetAddiction.com for your free evaluation.

Sources:

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/hughes/6574;_ylt=AidXnxBIE3t3jXE.tmptlvIFLZA5

http://www.netaddiction.com/resources/internet_addiction_test.htm

http://www.netaddiction.com/resources/InternetAddictionTestResearch.pdf

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/afplifestyleserbiainternet;_ylt=Ajqw_R.wlcZ_O.Gs9IOZGyUnLpA5

The latest in Internet, website, gadget, and electronic trends.

Access "In The Chair" From Your Computer Chair

by Mika Ortega

November 9, 2006

Learning how to play an instrument can be tough. Even with patience, hard work, and dedication, mastering an instrument proves to be a challenge that defeats many. In The Chair software, however, makes this task fun and entertaining all while helping its user attain their musical goals. Easy to access, the online computer application may be just what you're looking for to improve your musical talents.

Allowing you to play with a band, In The Chair is a hands-on program that monitors your progress through your computer microphone. Receive feedback on your timing and the notes you're playing, and "alter, remix or collaborate on uploaded sheet music." Reported in Wired News, "the application turns music practice into something closer to a video game."

The site for the software, InTheChair.com also provides helpful lesson plans for music instructors that can help liven up monotonous practices.  With information for students, teachers, and parents, this software site is worth taking a peek at as is the free 30- day trial download.  Free sheet music is available with the download and the real-time technology makes these InTheChair immediately helpful.

Improve your skills of numerous instruments by checking out this "music simulation revolution," InTheChair.com.

Sources:

http://wired.com/news/technology/0,72092-0.html?tw=wn_index_4

http://www.inthechair.com/index.php