By Karen Devine, News Channel 3 Anchor
kdevine@kesq.com
PALM SPRINGS - The social networking site has drawn quite a crowd, and now the term "Facebook Addiction" is being thrown about.
Could it be true? Are people getting hooked to the point they need help?
"I can't say I'm addicted," said Facebook user Kate Spates. "I see people get addicted to games and stuff. I can't even imagine having that kind of time."
Communicating has never been easier, and Facebook has become the top social networking site that helps people touch base. It starts out innocently enough with people reconnecting with friends from the past. Then you start adding friends from work, and then maybe even their friends.
This could lead to F.A.D. or "Facebook Addiction Disorder."
Harry Haroutunian, a doctor at the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage says, "Do I have a tolerance to Facebook, like someone can build a tolerance to drugs that's more and more exposure is required to get the satisfaction or the 'high' from using the technology and are there withdrawl symptoms if I try to stop suddenly."
Dr. Harry works with people who have chemical dependencies, and he says that as technology and especially social networking expands, he's seeing more and more people with significant in-balance in their lives, spending more time isolated.
A recently released report out of UCLA states the top five signs that could mean you're addicted to Facebook.
-you lose sleep over Facebook (you're logged in overnight causing you to be extremely tired the next day)
-you spend more than an hour a day on Facebook
-you become obsessed with old lovers or exes you reconnect with
-you ignore work in favor of Facebook
-the thought of logging off causes stress and anxiety
"Facebook Addiction" is not yet an actual medical diagnosis but according to a CNN report therapists here in the U.S. have noticed a rise in the number of clients who get hooked on social networking to the point of social dysfunction.
"In the case of Facebook, one of the more difficult occurances is when people spark relationships with ex-wives, ex-husbands, ex-boyfriends and start to follow them around," says Dr. Harry.
"My boyfriend and I are not friends on Facebook because I don't want to see what other girls write to him on his wall," said Suzy Greenleaf, a student at College of the Desert.
Local businesswoman Kate Spates has a different take on how Facebook is used, and for her it has been great for business.
Her company manages over 250 websites and for getting the word out on products or events Facebook has been golden.
"I've had occasions where clients have needed something and I've posted it on Facebook and boom I get their answer for them or I've hired employees just by saying we're expanding and I get exactly what I'm looking for."
While Kate encourages her employees to be on Facebook during the day to help promote her business, offices across the nation are telling their employees to log-off.
"I don't think anybody should ban it. I think it's a fundamental shift in the way we communicate that we can't. It's not a fad, and it's not all fun and games. "
That brings us back to the balancing act. Can you chat with friends and conduct business all on the same forum without spending countless hours on the computer or checking your phone?
Dr. Harry says although he prefers a fountain pen and stationary, his wife has figured it out.
"I do see my wife using Facebook appropriately 30 minutes a day. She's managed to strike up relationships with old friends all around the world."
Moderation seems to be the key here. If you're worried about the amount of time you're spending on Facebook or any other social media site, there is help.
You can call any treatment center and they can give you the name or number of people who specialize in this type of behavioral addiction.
For more information, click on "Seen on 3" on our homepage for links to help.
