Internet Addiction

As members of the LDS church, we are able to avoid a lot of the addictive behaviors that are available in the world. For example, we don't drink, don't look at pornography, don't gamble, don't smoke, and (many members) don't even drink soft drinks with caffeine. The other day I was talking to a friend of another faith about addictive behaviors; he plays poker on the Internet and was of the opinion that although some people ruin their lives gambling, it is possible to gamble responsibly. At first, the conversation didn't seem to apply to me; don't I avoid all additive behaviors altogether? However, upon further reflection, I realized that the answer is no. With the Internet, it is possible to get addicted and ruin our lives - without breaking any commandments. Responsible Internet usage is a must in today's society; it is important for all of us to recognize the danger and realize that we are not immune.