Study: Facebook Dependency Could Turn Addictive

Spending countless hours on the web is hurting relationships and ruining lives around the country, and according to a new study conducted in the UK, Facebook and Twitter can be as addictive as drugs.

“I’m kind of addicted to it,” said Valena Parker, a longtime Facebook user.

More than a half a billion people and counting are signed up on Facebook.

“I can’t stay away from my phone, because it’s my phone,” said Parker, who spends three to four hours a day on the web.

She has three kids between the ages of nine and 16 — all constantly distracted by computer or cellphone screens.

“They’re either X-Boxing or online,” she said.

“I don’t go on it 24/7,” said Nicholas Negrete, 9, who signed up on Facebook last year, “Probably like once a week.”

Parker said her mood changes when she’s away from technology, and she’s not alone.

According to a study released by the research firm Intersperience, more than half of the 1,000 people it surveyed felt “upset” at even the thought of being deprived of internet connection for a short time.

“It’s unbelievable when I’m at the mall, I will see five teenagers sitting together and they’re all (typing away), said Dr. Amy Austin, a Palm Desert psychotherapist who specializes in addictions.

Austin has practiced in the desert for more than 10 years.

“They’re not connecting. They’re not reacting. There’s no interchange — it’s crazy,” said Austin. “Addiction, of course, could be treated, but first you have to recognize that it’s a problem.”

Young people these days like Negrete were born with computer monitors everywhere.

Others stay away from it altogether.

“It’s a waste of time,” said Matt Phillipsen, who is from Orange County.

There are rehabilitation centers in the United State that are dedicated specifically to internet addiction.