Can the Internet be bad for you?

Being online for many hours at a time does not mean you have a problem. The Internet is very useful. Online, you can pay your bills, buy clothes, and read the news. There are many good reasons to spend time online.

However, people with an Internet addiction are online too much. They don't spend time with their friends and family. Instead, they spend their time chatting with their Internet friends, people they have never met in real life. Some also play online games all day or night. Some people with Internet addictions even leave their jobs so they can spend even more time online!

People with Internet addictions don't just go online to shop, have fun, or do work. People who have this problem often go online because they want to escape the stress and problems in their lives. Many internet addicts stop caring about their real lives, and focus only on their online lives.

One way Internet addicts can get help is by using special software. This software controls how much time someone can spend online. It tells the computer to turn off the internet after a certain amount time. This helps people focus on real life. The software's goal is to teach people to use the Internet for good reasons and not just as an escape.

Reading Comprehension

Choose the correct answers. Use the word web in A to help you.

1. What is the main idea of the article?
A) People should not spend time on the Internet.
B) The Internet is very good for people.
C) Spending too much time online is not good.
D) Families should use the Internet together.

2. Which is NOT a problem for people with Internet addiction?
A) They stop spending time with their family.
B) They might lose their jobs.
C) They learn to type very fast.
D) They stop caring about their real lives.

3. What does the article say about paying bills?
A) It should be done online.
B) It is a useful way to use the Internet.
C) People with Internet addiction do not pay their bills.
D) People save money when they pay bills online.

4. What way of helping people stop their Internet addiction does the passage talk about?
A) watching TV with friends
B) using special software
C) spending more hours at their office
D) getting a new job they really like

5. According to the passage, a person is most likely to become an Internet addict if ____
A) their life is stressful and has problems
B) their job is boring
C) they enjoy online gaming
D) they have a lot of online friends