Am I Addicted to Digital Devices or the Internet?
Adult Test
Instructions:
Enter the number that you identify most with for each question. Add the total score to determine if your relationship with your digital devices is problematic.
0- Never or rarely
1- Occasionally (seems to be able to control it).
2- Often (several times a week, but for a long time).
3- Always (every day, and for a lot of the time).
Score
_____1. You use and stay on the Internet longer than you intended to when you sit down in front of your computer.
_____2. Your work suffers from how much time you spend on the Internet.
_____3. How often does your spouse or someone else complain that you spend too much time on the Internet?
_____4. How often do you neglect or forget your chores or other duties because you are spending time on the Internet?
_____5. You become defensive whenever anyone asks you what it is you are doing on the Internet.
_____6. How often is your sleep affected by your being on the Internet? (Because it robs you of sleep or you cant get to sleep)
_____7. During the day, do you spend time thinking about or find yourself anticipating when you will be able to get on the Internet?
_____8. How often do you get mad when someone bothers you when you are on the Internet?
_____9. When your computer or the Internet is “down,” do you get angry or upset to the point where others can see it?
_____10. Do you tent to check your email compulsively- i.e., more frequently than necessary?
_____11. Do you feel that you prefer the excitement of the Internet to the intimacy you can enjoy with your partner, spouse, or friends?
_____12. Do you find that while you say to yourself, “I’ll stop now,” you continue working on the device?
_____13. Do you find that when you are sad, down, anxious or moody, going on the Internet lifts your mood?
_____14. If you had to choose between the Internet and any other social activity, how often would you choose the Internet?
_____15. Do you find that you now have more friends or contacts on the Internet that you do in real life?
_____ TOTAL SCORE
Interpreting the Score:
10 or Below: Doubtful that you have any Internet addiction
11-20: You have the beginnings of addiction and my be more hooked than you realize
21-30: It is clear that you are addicted to some aspects of the Internet, and it may be doing harm in your social and personal life.
Over 30: Your Internet addiction is severe enough that you should consider getting professional help for overcoming it.
Frejd, S. & Hart, A.D. (2013). The Digital Invasion: How technology is shaping you and your relationships. Grand Rapids, MI: BakerBooks.
