A recent survey by the American Psychological Association found that almost 6% of Internet users were addicted to the World Wide Web. With new “addictions” being discovered all the time, it makes you wonder what is next. Have they researched TV addiction? How about book addiction?
The questionnaire asked if the participants used the Internet to escape from their problems, tried unsuccessfully to cut back, or found themselves preoccupied with the Internet when they were no longer at the computer. The same types of questions are used to determine gambling addiction.
Most of the questions above could apply to television watchers as well. Individuals use it to escape their problems. They give up other activities so they won’t miss their favorite show. They can’t seem to limit their time spent watching television. Since that behavior is so common, most people don’t see it as a problem or an addiction.
I’d like to see more “book addicts”. Wouldn’t you rather have addictive personalities turned onto reading rather than to drugs? Just imagine, if teenagers after school couldn’t wait to get a book instead of seeking out their local drug dealer.
At what point does an addiction become a problem? When an addiction disrupts a marriage, leads people to commit illegal acts or to spend too much money, then it definitely is a social problem. Some people try to hide their addictions. They realize their behavior, whether it is excessive drinking or drug use, is not socially acceptable.
If they were reading addicts, no one would try to change their behavior or ask them to get therapy. Reading, even in large amounts, is generally viewed as a positive activity. Everyone would admire such a wide background gained through reading. Maybe I am a binge reader. Sometimes I go weeks without reading, while at other times I devour several books in a row. I might read late into the night, not able to put the book down until the very end. I know I’ll be sorry in the morning when it is hard to get out of bed. A novel is sometimes so compelling that I just can’t tear myself away. Reading a really good book creates the desire to read more.
I hope therapists never label it as a psychological disorder. Libraries would become those dens of iniquity where the reading addicts get their fix. Books would carry labels warning “CAUTION: this book could lead to addictive reading”.
Maybe a ten-step program could be developed. People would attend the meetings, stand up and say, “My name is ___, and I am a compulsive reader”. When they felt the urge to read, they could call another member who would help talk them out of it. Until that time, enjoy reading as much as you want.