Reading for Wednesday, June 22

 Please read this article for class on Wednesday:

Internet Addiction - A Growing Problem

The New York Times has reported a problem that many of us have but don't know about – Internet addiction. According to reporter Tara Parker-Pope, millions of us are addicted to being online. This is a growing problem that makes us more forgetful and impatient. Various reports show how technology is changing people. Psychologist Dr. Elias Aboujaode says: “More and more, life is resembling the chat room.” He said we are living in “virtual lifestyles”, which is negatively affecting our real-life relationships. Nicki Dowling, a psychologist from Australia, said in a recent study that 10% of young people have what she called “Internet dependence”.

There are some signs that you are addicted to using the internet. One is if you check your e-mail before doing other things. Another sign is if you go online to feel happier or always look forward to using the internet. Addicted people often say "just a few more minutes" when someone wants them to get offline.

Vocabulary:

Addiction/addicted - when you like something so much you need it all the time

Dependence - same as addiction; when you need to do something all the time

Psychologist - someone who studies the human mind

Virtual - not real life; something in a game or online

Source: http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1006/100610-internet_addiction.html