The Source Posted August 12, 2006 Share Posted August 12, 2006 Forum Addiction: From Another Perspective I remember seeing this thread somewhere on Lucasforums, but I couldn't track it down for some reason. For the past few weeks, I have been trying to control my visits to this site. Since college starts backup again in a few weeks, I learned something very interesting from utilizing the forums while in school. For the longest time, I couldn't figure out why my opinion offends many of you. I finally realized the answer, and I would like to give you my thoughts. - I am not a tribal thinker, and I don't think the same way as everyone else. My opinions are justified to me as an individual, and my beliefs are based upon my perspective of the world. (We are all unique, and we are justified in our opinions and perspectives.) When you get in deep with a forums community, I noticed that people start to loose their individuallity. If you find yourself agreeing with everyone, you should take some time off. Here are some potential benefits of regular online forum participation: -Intellectual exchange -Learning new ideas and refining old ones -Enjoying community membership -Influencing the forum's evolution -Contributing to others -Making new friends and contacts -New business leads -Keeping up with current events -Learning about new opportunities Here are some potential negative effects of excessive forum usage: -Reduced concentration and focus -Reduced productivity -Chronic procrastination -Increased pessimism and/or apathy -Being distracted by endless debates and idle gossip -Gradually substituting tribal group think for your own intelligence Impaired social skills, neglected relationships, and a weakened social circle (a consequence of substituting online socialization for face-to-face conversations) -Reduced energy (forum participation is sedentary compared to more active social outlets) -Reduced self-esteem -Career and income may suffer (including loss of employment) -Forum addiction I found the above information on another site, and I have to agree with what it says. If you find yourself loosing your individuality, take some time off to straighten yourself out. If you don't have your life together off line, you don't really have a life at all. I am personally going to take a whole lot of time off from this site. Starting midnight tonight, I will be departing from the forums. I have nothing against anyone who visits here. I have made some really close friends, and I have had such great fun in conversations. I have been visiting this site way too much, and I need to collect some of my uniqueness back. If you are interested in finding out more about 'Forum Addiction', here is a small piece I found online: http://www.stevepavlina.com/articles/effective-online-forum-usage.htm The writter of the article was a gammer-forums visiter, moderator, and administrater. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emperor Devon Posted August 13, 2006 Share Posted August 13, 2006 For the longest time, I couldn't figure out why my opinion offends many of you. I finally realized the answer, and I would like to give you my thoughts. People disagree with each other a lot here, but it in no way means your opinions are considered offensive, Mac. I have been visiting this site way too much, and I need to collect some of my uniqueness back. If you are interested in finding out more about 'Forum Addiction', here is a small piece I found online: http://www.stevepavlina.com/articles/effective-online-forum-usage.htm *Deposits two cents* I just read that article, and I have to disagree with it, especially the 'fasting' part. At one point in late May this year, my former computer suffered some very serious problems, and I was unable to go on the internet for several weeks, the required amount of 'fasting' time. If found it had no effect on my individuality. It was a bit annoying that I couldn't go online, but LF isn't a very large part of my life, and I was slightly irritated at most. Unless you would consider any online forums a major part of your life, I don't think it's a matter to worry about. That article seemed to be implying that visiting forums and debating there is unproductive, but in truth, almost anything you enjoy is unproductive, from sleeping in late to playing KotOR to reading books. The only things in people's lives that could be considered productive are going to work, eating, and sleeping. Those things alone make for a very dull and uninteresting life. Even retirement, which people look forward to, could be considered unproductive. What might be more worrisome is the amount of thought this person has put into the matter. If you like forums, then visit them, but why on earth would you put so much thought into such an unimportant matter in your life? So far, I have found that visiting LF has been a good thing for me. I've learned how to mod and enhance my KotOR experience, I've gotten into many thought-provocking debates, and the comments made by some of the people here often make me laugh daily. If you want to leave, then do so. It'll probably be a good experience for you to realize how small a role LF plays in your life. But I fail to see how posting your opinions and debating them online instead of in person will make you lose your individuality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Posted August 13, 2006 Share Posted August 13, 2006 I'm definitely addicted to forums, I'm on here and many other forums for a good part of my day, but it doesn't really bother me. It's not like I'm not getting out or anything because I play sports, and it's just something that helps me relax and that I enjoy doing. Perhaps I have seen 1 or 2 of those 'downsides' but I have met so many friends on here and I keep up way better on current issues by posting on forums. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Source Posted August 13, 2006 Author Share Posted August 13, 2006 I have meet so many good people here. But, I have to gain control over how many times I do use these forums. From my experience, I find myself returning every other night, or every night to just post something. My post isn't geared towards a single person, and I will visit from timie to time. Most of what I am talking about is how I fight with some of those negative affects. I thought the post would be good, so others who may be suffering from their weirdness may find something useful in it. I love coming to these forums, and I have gain a cool set of acquantences (sp?). One of my other problems is that I find myself obsessing over petty issues, which contibutes to the need to post something. I think 'Forum Addiction' is a legit problem faced by myself and others. Maybe someone can gain some insight into their own version of 'Forum Addiction'. or- They will be inspired to look up more information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
REDJOHNNYMIKE Posted August 13, 2006 Share Posted August 13, 2006 If you think the forum is trying to kill you, or is showing up at your door with flowers and a coil of rope, then you should probably take some time off. Unless you would consider any online forums a major part of your life, I don't think it's a matter to worry about. That article seemed to be implying that visiting forums and debating there is unproductive, but in truth, almost anything you enjoy is unproductive, from sleeping in late to playing KotOR to reading books. The only things in people's lives that could be considered productive are going to work, eating, and sleeping. Those things alone make for a very dull and uninteresting life. Even retirement, which people look forward to, could be considered unproductive. Sex is supposed to be "productive";) Does anyone think that "Influencing the forums evolution" is somewhat related to MacG's main issue of loss of self-identity? The users are the soul of the forum, by truly "influencing" the forum, you are influencing it's users. For the forum to evolve, you must be affected by those who you communicate with through it, wether that results in an excessive loss of individuality depends on the situation and the characters of those invloved. If you excessively agree with everyone you may have an incredibly weak will, or you could simply share the same opinions on a given subject. I see this happen everyday in "reality" wether the person I'm observing is hanging out with a group of trusted friends, hypnotically viewing random media, or simply staring at a painting. It's an aspect of the physics of life and not limited to online forums. You only need to learn to evaluate every little piece of information that enters your mind and compare it objectively with what you already believe to be true and then analyze it for useful information, process it for storage, and if necessary compose a response. Aside from a basic "sin nature" (which I believe to be heavy influence on this lack of discernment) this is one of the main problems with the world today, wether it's some guy duped into thinking strapping a bomb to his chest and murdering other humans is an instant ticket to an eternity of horny virgins, or the guy who lets the people on the other side of a television or newspaper dictate his view of life. Faith in a higher power and a complete rejection of the way you think I should see things keeps me sanely insane and gives me as much peace of mind as my mind can comprehend. People are stupid...far too stupid to fix stupid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Char Ell Posted August 13, 2006 Share Posted August 13, 2006 @ MacLeodGR - All I will say is: hope you find whatever you're looking for. I seem to recall this isn't the first time you've taken a leave of absence from LF. If you think that you're addicted to forums and such an addiction is a bad thing in your life then it's probably a good idea to not participate. IMHO participation in online forums like LF doesn't equate to much in the grand scheme of things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commander Obi-Wan Posted August 13, 2006 Share Posted August 13, 2006 I am a member on my different forums, and my daily rountine consists of posting on them. I've grown so used to it. I usually come on when I am not busy with friends or helping around the house or at school. But, I've just grown in the routine if I have time. Though, some of those benefits whether it be negetive or positive haven't really effected me. Maybe with the procrastination, and it does contribute to me finding some new friends, but otherwise, they don't really effect me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maverick5770 Posted August 13, 2006 Share Posted August 13, 2006 I visit probably at least every other night, but it doesn't bother me when i can't go online. I still go quadding, hang out with my friends, read and play video games. My sister thinks i'm addicted to the forums, but I don't think I am. I don't experience those negative effects, except for apathy, but thats a kinda normal for me anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Samnmax221 Posted August 13, 2006 Share Posted August 13, 2006 I will simply state that I am slighty addicted, I leave LF in the background of whatever else I might be working on for large portions of the day. It has worsened my sleeping habits, hell I should be sleeping now. Oh well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jae Onasi Posted August 13, 2006 Share Posted August 13, 2006 Well, anyone can be addicted to just about anything. If someone's posting because it's a compulsion, then it's a problem. If someone's posting every night because they feel like they like contributing to the community, that's fine. I'm not worried about the people who say "I need to take a break because I'm concerned this is taking over my life" and then they take the break. The people I worry about are the people who say "I can walk away from this any time I want" when it's patently clear that they can't. On the whole this has been a fun trip for me--I've learned about mods and writing (I never had a clue that I'd actually be able to write something novel length and that it would be so much fun). I've also learned new words like 'pwned' and 'hentai', neither of which were part of my vocabulary a year ago. And no, I don't have any hentai on my computer, thank you. I'd like to keep my license so I can work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mav Posted August 13, 2006 Share Posted August 13, 2006 Mac, if you feel you need to take time away from here, do so. If there is something I know for sure about these particular forums, it is this; when or if you return, you will be greeted as though you never left. I've taken a siesta or two, or a few from these forums, and although not for the same reason as yourself, I can say with confidence that we'll see you back again. As per online forums being addicting, I'm sure they can be, but at least with a forum addiction you wont wake up one day with a needle if your arm or in a restricting suit in a room with white padded walls. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HerbieZ Posted August 13, 2006 Share Posted August 13, 2006 Im only on this forum and my clan forum, i liek this one because i know you all play Kotor and someone on here (forgot his name) has the same geeky dreams for the future that i do. Which i likes very much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Q Posted August 13, 2006 Share Posted August 13, 2006 Mac: I've read a lot of your posts (the TSLRP thread comes to mind) and I know that you don't mean to offend anyone. The fact that it bothers you when you do confirms this. Here's my 2 cents (that's probably what it's worth, for that matter): It's not your opinions that offend, just the rather indelicate way you express them (I have the same problem). This, along with that fact that you repeat said opinion in the same rather blunt manner even after you get a negative response (sometimes SEVERAL negative responses). My advice to you is this: When you get a negative response, take a step back, think about it, apologize, and try a different approach (politely, of course!), or drop the subject entirely. Most of all: Don't post impulsively! Think before you type, and proof-read what you've typed before you post it and consider how you would react if someone was saying what you are about to post to you. A little empathy goes a long way towards oiling the gears. I'm posting this because I have been plagued with this very problem my entire life and I was absolutely clueless as to why I was pi**ing so many people off (in normal conversation, not online!). It's something I have to work at every day to keep on top of. By the way: I hope this post doesn't pi** YOU off! On topic: While I think that anything carried to an extreme is negative, I find that forum discussion can be very therapeudic. Even the most inane discussion here involves a sharing of ideas, and that's not a bad thing at all! It's especially good for the socially inept (like me!), because it's socializing without the physical interaction, and if there's a topic that doesn't interest you, you can just skip it and move on without offending anyone. Q Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niner_777 Posted August 14, 2006 Share Posted August 14, 2006 Yes, I may be slightly addicted, but with my upcomming thirty hours of football a week, I should be active enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Posted August 14, 2006 Share Posted August 14, 2006 Yes, I may be slightly addicted, but with my upcomming thirty hours of football a week, I should be active enough. Pfft, you've got it easy, I've had that **** for a week already Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JediKnight707 Posted August 14, 2006 Share Posted August 14, 2006 Ah hell, try playing four soccer games in two days, then have a two hour practice the next day Hard on a thirteen year old OH WELL! For quite awhile I was seriously addicted to this place. I got up to like 6 posts a day (quite a stretch to my current ppd) and I was here like 24/7. Then one day, I woke up, and without that "morning pee" that everyone's got, I went straight to the computer to see if anyone had replied to anything I saw interesting. I was here for like 3 hours, then realized that I had to pee so bad that I had to stagger to the bathroom I think I peed for like an hour straight. After that, I started to realize that I was becoming somewhat addicted and made myself go cold turkey. Since then, I've tried to monitor how long I come here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lynk Former Posted August 14, 2006 Share Posted August 14, 2006 I'm addicted to this forum and my forum, but I do more and put more into my real life than I ever have into a forum XD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jae Onasi Posted August 14, 2006 Share Posted August 14, 2006 JK707 gets the 'Over-Sharing Award' for the day. If it's interfering with your ability to get other stuff done, then it's an addiction. If it's not, then it's a hobby. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diego Varen Posted August 14, 2006 Share Posted August 14, 2006 I'm also definitely addicted to forums. The Staff are helpful and the people I've met are really good to talk too. Once School begins again (On 6th September 2006), I only come on at 3:20PM and after in my timezone. I'm here at least everyday (Except for Christmas, etc, because I'd rather celebrate the occassion). Does anyone else not come on the Forums at Christmas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
REDJOHNNYMIKE Posted August 15, 2006 Share Posted August 15, 2006 I don't know if it's addicting or not, but I like forums (Ahto in particular) for their whatever whenever topic change conversion options, when I have four conversations with three different people at the same time in real life it tends to confuse people (absolutely no idea why?) so this feels more natural to me. @Jae, I never got one:( *sniffle* I think I was here Christmas. It's usually the "family movie day" and I'm just not comfortable watching movies with my family (completely unexplainable, must be their taste in movies or incessant talking "I KNEW IT WAS HIM THAT DONE IT!!!!!":xp: ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jae Onasi Posted August 15, 2006 Share Posted August 15, 2006 ^ @Pottsie--I think I was here on Christmas to wish everyone Merry Christmas. @RJM--that's 'cause if you over-share any farther, you'll get banned. Besides, you got the "Memo on RJM's Brain". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diego Varen Posted August 15, 2006 Share Posted August 15, 2006 ^ @Pottsie--I think I was here on Christmas to wish everyone Merry Christmas. Oh yeah, I will be too. I meant I won't be on the Forums Christmas Day and I doubt I won't be on Boxing Day either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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