A NEW PROBLEM………..INTERNET ADDICTION

The internet has changed the way we work, socialize and educate ourselves.  While the internet has provided connections that otherwise could not be made very easily with people all around the world, it has also created unique psychological problems for some individuals.  There is some question about the psychological implications the Internet may be having on our society as we are moving from a world in which we used to know our neighbors and interact with people face to face to developing serious and deep relationships with people from a distance. 

Marriages have broken up, affairs have taken place, and teenagers have been kidnapped by people they met over the internet.  In fact, one teenager was encouraged to overdose on drugs by his Internet friends and died while communicating over the Net to this group.

There is a feeling of anonymity that is created by talking on the web.  You can be who you want to be, reveal as much or as little as you want, and not be judged by your appearance.  Of course this also means people can be deceitful and dishonest about who they are and what they want from you.  In addition, there is a blending of home and work and increased solitary.  Studies shows that greater use of the Internet is associated with less communication among family members decreased socializing with local friends, and increased depression and loneliness.  One study showed that using the Internet more than 5 hours a week resulted in less time with friends, family, and social activities.

In fact, there is such concern about the potential adverse effects of spending too much time on the Internet that there are mental health professionals that propose adding “Internet addiction” as a diagnosable mental disorder.  How can you tell if you are addicted?

Here are some warning signs:

1.       Preoccupation with the Internet-planning and thinking about the next time you can get online.

2.       Increased use of the Internet over time.

3.       Repeatedly making unsuccessful attempts to curtail your use of the Internet.

4.       Feeling irritable, restless, and moody when you attempt to cut down your use of the Internet or are prevented from getting online when you would like.

5.       Unaware of how much time you are spending on the Internet, staying online more than you originally intended.

6.       Lying to family members and friends about your use of the Internet.

7.       Jeopardizing your job or risking losing a relationship because of the time you are spending on the Web.

8.       Using the Internet as a way of escaping from problems, coping with depression.

9.       Declining invitations to spend time with family and friends because you would rather be online.

Of course, answering “yes” to one of these questions does not indicate a concern.  However, if you can answer “yes” to more than half of these questions, then you may want to examine your use of the Internet.  Here are some ways you can avoid being an Internet addict:

·         Decide how much time you want to spend on the Internet before you get online and set an alarm for that time.  Stick to that time allotment and don’t say “5 more minutes” which can then become an hour.

·         Take frequent breaks.  Spend at least 5 minutes out of every hour or 15 to 20 minutes of every 3 hours on unwired activity.  Take a walk, stretch your body, eat a snack, or listen to music.

·         Visit a Net with a purpose and a strategy.  Surfing the web aimlessly can lead to being online for longer than you anticipated.

·         Interact with the people in a no wired world.  Make a commitment to socially interact at least once a day with someone who is not online.

Don’t let the Internet be the center of your existence or the most important, enjoyable part of your day.  Remind yourself of your life goals, values, and interests.  What are other ways to achieve these goals besides via the web?