Chatters Anonymous

Mission Statement

Chatters Anonymous is dedicated to helping people who have become addicted to Internet chat by facilitating a better understanding of the difference between the Internet and reality.

If think you might be addicted to internet chat then you need to read this. If you know your addicted to chat then you need to read this. If you know you are not addicted at all then you REALLY need to read this.

After seeing friends and family succumb to this overwhelming drug we decided to try to put a stop to it. We want you to take a step back from your computer, look at what your doing to yourself, to your friends and to your family by spending your life chatting on the computer.

Its more addictive then cocaine, its as easy as breathing, and its more devastating to you than you realize.

How to tell if your an addict.

You know your an addict when…..

1. You'd rather chat than meet people in person because its easier.
2. You stay up past your normal bedtime just to chat.
3. You log in to check your mail, but don't check it until you log off 8 hours later.
4. You give your phone number to people you meet on the computer.
5. Your conversations with real friends are dominated by chat stories.
6. You reveal things about yourself to people who you met online.
7. You feel safer on the computer than you do in real life.
8. Your job / school performance is getting worse.
9. You chat while your supposed to be at work.
10. You neglect real life.

Common Excuses to be "Chatting"

1. Its easier to talk to people online.

--Talking to people in real life is always harder than when sitting behind a computer. But interacting with people in reality helps you deal with things in the real world. The more you chat online, the more out of practice you get in reality.

2. Boredom

--GET A HOBBY! Boredom is no excuse, even for people in the smallest towns. If there is "nothing to do" where you live you should move. Boredom is an excuse for lazy people. There is an entire world to see, smell, hear, touch, and taste.

3. Loneliness

-- Loneliness is a very depressing state to be in, but starting a trend of letting the computer be your support group will only make you the worst of addicts. Computer friends are there for you only when you are online and cannot give the right amount of support and compassion you really need. Not to mention a lack of real hugs. Remember, if your loneliness may lead to depression you may want to seek professional help.

4. "I can be anyone I want"

-- Sure we all wish we were all 5'8" 110 lbs, and have blue eyes, blond hair, the perfect ass, boobs, hair, and every other body part. The truth is that we are who we are. Instead of pretending to be someone else, we should concentrate on being the best of who we really are.

5. "I'm just checking my mail"

-- YEAH RIGHT!! Who are you Santa Claus? That's the most common excuse to spend 8+ hours in a chat room "waiting for the mail". Its probably true to say that you aren't getting gobs of mail from real friends or family, and that the mail you are always waiting for is from people you met online. Read #3.

6. "I'm never on for very long"

-- LIAR! Its time to admit that this isn't true. If you find yourself saying this to yourself then you are simply convincing yourself that its okay to be addicted. If it istrue that you are not on for very long, then its time to take steps to avoid becoming an addict.

7. Its Relaxing

-- This is the biggest trap because it involves so many different aspects. Its easy to sit in a chair, and stare at a screen. You don't have to dress up, put on makeup, take a shower, or even look presentable. You can smoke cigarettes and not offend anyone, or you can purposely offend anyone and get away with it. People in chat rooms will tell you exactly what you want to hear. There is almost no effort in being an addict.

8. You get to meet people from all over the world.

-- Read a book. Watch National Geographic. Take a vacation. Go to New York! There are so many better ways to meet people from all over the world. But the truth is your probably talking to people who live in your area. GO OUT TO A BAR!

9. I can meet people with similar interests

10. Its FUN!

-- Is it more fun than hanging out with your friends? Is more fun than spending quality time with your family? Is it more fun than earning your paycheck and self-esteem? Is it more fun gazing at the stars at night? Is it more fun than reading a good book, dancing to music, or singing a song you don't know well at the top of your lungs? Is it more fun than reality?

What do you think? Leave your feedback below.

Name:   

E-Mail: 
Year:   

Major:  

Comments:


 

Name: Holstein
Major: Educational Studies
Comments:
Do you really think that suggesting an addict should "GO OUT TO A BAR" (see #8) is a good idea? Why substitute one drug with another? Seriously, there are many students who are addicted to going out to B.T's or Mochas Joes, etc... Should I suggest that a bar hopper join a chat room?

Name: Brian
Major: Advertising
Comments:
Chatting can be quite dangerous. Beware.

Name: Corey Sullivan
Major: media studies
Comments:
we need a chat room

Name: Helene Berrett
Major: Biology
Comments:
This is a very interesting article, but you make it sound as though everything about Internet chatting is bad, and that everyone that chats on the Internet has no life. I'd like to see an article about the good points that Internet chatting has, in counter to this one, or an article that brings out both the good and bad points instead of only focusing on the negative.

Name: name withheld
Comments:
couldn't agree with you more... i'm trying to kick this "crack" myself... thank you for your challenge and truth. this is worse than any other drug because it's cheap AND accepted. It doesn't have a surgeon general's warning either. If there is a 12 step or self help group you are aware of, please email me with info, thanks again