We live in a digital age—an era where everything can be accessed with a single click. You can order food online. You can find love online. Stay connected with your loved ones online. You can buy medicines online. In general, everything can be obtained through the internet.
This is great for people, but it does come with its caveats. One such caveat is the problem of internet addiction. Internet addiction is not your run-of-the-mill addiction that can be solved using a professional drug & alcohol detox program. It requires finesse.
In this article, we will explore effective methods for managing internet addiction through a few simple steps. But first, let us understand what the phenomenon of internet addiction is.
Understanding Internet Addiction
Addiction is an obsessive behavior that leads to problematic outcomes. Internet addiction is no different. Internet addiction refers to excessive internet usage. This works similarly to how substance addiction works. A person suffering from internet addiction gets a dopamine rush. Over time, this turns into dependency.
Now, it is safe to say that most of us might be suffering from some form of internet dependency. However, things escalate when the urge to use the internet becomes detrimental to a whole new level, when the desire becomes uncontrollable. Here are some important facts about internet addiction that you must know:
- At press time, internet addiction has affected at least 10% of the total population. Meanwhile, some researchers claim that this figure is on the north side of 20%.
- The average age of an internet addict is somewhere between 15 and 19 years.
- Smartphone usage during driving often leads to accidents and is another horrifying statistic involving internet addiction.
- The average screen time of a young adult is somewhere between 6 and 10 hours daily, and this figure is gradually increasing.
- Internet addiction is still not recognised as a real problem. As a result, people suffering from the issue are often shunned.
Signs Of Internet Addiction
Like any other form of addiction, internet addiction also has some symptoms. While they will not manifest themselves physically, there will be some serious behavioral symptoms:
- Spending more time scrolling the internet than a normal human being.
- Prioritising internet surfing or browsing over important things like a job and education.
- Lying or becoming defensive about the overall extent of internet usage.
- Becoming obsessed with what is happening online and not real life.
- Physical pains and mental fog due to not using the internet.
- Unintended weight loss or weight gain due to poor diet and lifestyle choices
- Prioritizing internet usage over sleep affects the sleep cycle.
- Inability to limit internet usage, even at the cost of losing out on important things.
Internet addiction is still a fairly new concept for people. Therefore, the symptoms of this form of addiction are still being discovered.
Types Of Internet Addiction
Internet addiction is primarily an umbrella term. Underneath that, there are several different forms of internet addiction variants. If you truly want to help your loved one, you must have a clear understanding of what needs to be done.
- Cybersex addiction is one of the most prominent forms of internet addiction, where the subject is obsessed with consuming pornographic or illicit materials.
- Obsession with shopping, gambling, or trading via the internet.
- Tinder, Hinge, and other dating apps have made dating easier and more accessible. Therefore, people can get into mini relationships online to get that dopamine rush.
- Obsessive need to gather and collect information. Sometimes people forget the border between what is necessary and what is not.
- Gaming addiction is another form of internet addiction that works similarly to all the other variants. Winning a match or completing a difficult stage can provide a rush of dopamine, and that can be quite addictive in the long run.
Again, this is a new sector of learning. Therefore, consider that more information may become available over time.
How To Handle Internet Addiction In A Digital World?
Handling internet addiction is similar to handling any other addiction. You can try to follow a random plan, but we’ve got something better. In this final section, we will outline some of the most effective methods for managing internet addiction. Here we go!
Acknowledge The Addiction
You cannot fix something if you do not see it as a problem. Therefore, you must begin the journey by acknowledging the problem. This can be difficult at first. However, acknowledging the problem will solve half of it. Hence, start by recognizing that you have a problem.
Consider Professional Help
Internet addiction might not require normal means of treatment, but it certainly needs professional help. Professional help for internet addiction involves mental conditioning and counselling. Find the right professional who can help you mediate your urges and shed the shackles of internet addiction.
Create A Schedule
Creating a schedule is as important as acknowledging the problem. A person without any schedule would eventually fall back on the problematic cycle. Therefore, make a schedule that keeps you engaged and positively busy.
Practice Mindfulness
Being mindful is very important. A person who is not mindful cannot exercise control over their life. Therefore, you must practice being mindful and take control of your life. Not only that, but being mindful can help you regulate your urges and even improve your overall productivity.
Set Device-Free Times
Practice ‘device-free’ times during the day. Every day, follow a certain hour of device-free time. During this time, do not use social media or anything that triggers your addiction. Keep the phone at a distance from your person. Over time, you will become less dependent on computational devices for a dopamine rush.
Find Alternative Activities
Finding alternative activities can help you break the destructive habit of constantly being on your phone. We suggest that you take up a new hobby, such as trekking or riding a bike. This will help you concentrate on something other than the glitz and glamor of the internet world.
The Final Thought On Addiction
Battling any form of addiction can be difficult. Doing it alone presents another set of challenges. However, if it’s a fight, you have to face it alone; you will have to face it alone. It is that simple. Hopefully, you now know the proper way to handle the problem. Therefore, if you are battling addiction like this, just remember that we are with you.