Why is it so easy to be addicted to the internet?

Well I think the internet was created to get information and there is so much information on it that you just never run out of things to look at. I know exactly what you mean though, I can spend hours just browsing on the internet and I don’t get bored. But don’t look at it so vegetatively, it really is a very useful tool.

There’s a difference between liking something and being addicted to it.
You say you eat while at the computer, and you feel bad spending so much time on it.
But if you had to go a day without the internet, would you go crazy?

I’ve grown up with people telling me that computer games (My beloved hobby) are a destructive addiction. But I’ve never felt anything resembling addiction.
I can (and have, and will continue to) stop playing them cold turkey and not feel any “pain” for it. I’ve still been a well-functioning human being while under the “siren’s song” of World of Warcraft, or other games.

And if you DO truly encounter the pain of addiction related to the internet, that’s a personal problem you need to work out, not a problem of the internet itself. It does not emit any addicting substances as far as I know.

I agree with @Sarcasm, there is a difference between liking something and being addicted to it. It’s all a matter of degrees.

it sort of reminds me of the people that won’t try new foods because they claim they are allergic to it. Then when you ask them if they have ever eaten it, they say no. How can youknow you are allergic to certain foods if you’ve never eaten them? If you are just scared to try new foods, just say so, don’t lie about it.

I’m not exactly sure how they work, I’ve never done one, but there are allergy tests out there. I was told that they make a big grid on your back, and subject each little square to different substances. I don’t know how common these are or how many different things they test for, but I know they exist.

I don’t want to blame the internet for my bad behaviour. I guess it just appeals to my addictive personality. I don’t think internet by itself is bad or anything.

Because it’s so fun!

Because Fluther is on it!

porn?

Part of it is the instant gratification that you get. Whatever you want to know is just a few clicks away. There are all kinds of games that are immediately available. If you are feeling lonely there is always someone available to talk to.

You can blame it on your brain’s reward center and the urge for instant gratification. But you got a huge cortex capable of making rational plans like delayed gratification will be beneficial later in life. “I will have a better job and be financially more secure.” So when the urge comes, remind yourself about your rational plans and you will learn how to resist the urge.