I want to start this thread to understand the chat compulsion behaviour that other people have ( that is if they do). For me, lately, I've been frequently visiting chatrooms and spending almost 10 hrs/week chit-chatting with strangers. Is it just me? Or do you guys spend a fair amount of time at chatrooms?

Well, I should'nt say I'm lonely cause I do have a boyfriend who doesn't know that I visit chatrooms. Is it fairly odd that I'm visiting chatrooms without his approval? or is it acceptable? I feel the guilt in me and have been trying to stop! But, I don't why I have suddenly  started seeking comfort talking to strangers.

I'd love to hear your input on this.

Transparent Eyes

Having a boyfriend has nothing to do with chatrooms.. You are not cheating on him.. unless you are totally flirting with unknown people and start developing a crush on them. But a friendly chit chat doesnt really matter! And yes, chat addiction is for real... but you will get out of it sooner or later.

it just hit my mind, how beautiful you could be ?

with those transparent eyes that u have !!!!

transparent_eyes,

it seems you already have undergone some online research on this. Since you already feeling guilty of what is happening, it will harm you in your emotional health. Stop that habit. Chatting (or surfing any sites frequently for no reason) is addiction. If you are not teen, and still spending 10 hrs a week on chat, then it is something not usual.

Dont trun on computer if there is not any real work to do. Get couple of good books and read them. Go to library and read whatever you want. That is the best way to avoid this addiction. Every single minutes you spend in chatting can be used to learn something, which can change your life in positive direction.

Thanks for all of your responses!

Rhythm, I don't have a crush on anyone in a chatroom. However, I feel I talk to strangers more than my BF at times.  Partly, because we have a long distance relationship and its hard for both of us to come up with a fixed time to talk. Whenever I'm off work , it is time for him to sleep-time difference. So, we normally talk over the weekends.

ANS, I do read books, and work 40 hrs/week which keeps me fairly busy. However, I've started considering CHATTING as a treat for my self. Whenever I'm done with a onerous task or tough day at work, I tend to seek comfort at the end of day talking to strangers- as a treat. It is not like I'm flirting with them-just regular random guffs which brightens up my day! I really don't know if this IS the definition of addiction!

Are you chatting with a different set of people each time or do you have some "special friends" that you chat with more than others?

Don't sweat it if it's the former case.

Also, strictly for investigative purposes :D, what chat rooms do you go to? You nickname? And finally, do you prefer flowers to candy? See where I'm going with this? ;)

Chat room addiction is only during teen age or may be from 16-26. offcourse there is some exceptions.

i have been a victim of chatroom addiction...when the sajha ShoutBox first came, i was spending more than 10 hours a day chatting with strangers...i was not studying for my final, instead, spending my time in SB...(i am not trying say that SB is not good)