Where does one classify web addiction? Is it a virtue or a vice?

I think it becomes a vice the moment it takes over a life – that’s me. I eat standing up, cannot tear myself away from the computer to run necessary errands, have reduced household responsibilities to the minimum and my bird flew away  because I did not spend much time with her. Social life has been reduced to the minimum. Live-social life that is, because my friends on the computer have proliferated.

As I peek through the volumes of books that pile up on my desk and reduce my glimpse at the world through my den window, I wonder what happened to my dreams of traveling, taking leisurely strides in the neighborhood or at least basking in the sun on my patio. Alas, the computer beckons to me as soon as I wash my face in the morning. It has become the center of my universe, behind which I have barricaded from extended family, group activities, volunteerism, down to self care. I embrace it every morning like a long lost lover, with pregnant anticipation of what will today’s surprise be?

Sensational news, fresh acquaintances, commentators, fans, information, mental exercise, pages of history. . . are buried in the galaxy of information. I fly to worlds yet undiscovered thanks to the courtesy of friends,  I listen to music I would never have a chance to hear, I receive letters from readers unknown, and I am so engrossed in what I do that I am startled by the telephone or door bell. These chimes pull me back from my flights of fancy to the mundane necessities of life: the gas man eager to check the meter – I could gas him for interrupting me; the UPS man - love him for reminding me that there is a package at my door; the solicitors – thank you, I don’t need new windows, new gardeners, new faith, new avenues for contributions. Please don’t disturb me when my Muses are on.

I know I will be arrested soon by the Sanity Police to be imprisoned as a computer junkie! In the meantime . . . What’s that smell! Oh, gosh, the roast is burning. Stop the d… fire alarm! I’m coming! There goes my Muse.