Internet Addiction Essay

The Internet provides a constant, ever-changing source of information and entertainment, and can be accessed from most smart phones as well as tablets, laptops, and computers. Email, blogs, social networks, and message boards allow for both public and anonymous communication about any topic. But how much is too much Internet usage? The Internet is the largest and most versatile source of information in the world today. With its web sites and chat rooms, it is a way of communicating with people in places all over the world. Since its conception in 1973, the Internet has grown at an astounding rate. A survey conducted by Intelli Quest Information Group Inc. showed that 51 million adults age 16 or older, were on-line as of the second quarter 1997 in the United States alone. To many people the Internet is so enjoyable that it is almost addictive. The problem is that researchers are now beginning to consider Internet Addiction. Studies are revealing that there may be an actual form of add iction involved with over-use of the Internet. Identifying which category of addiction the Internet falls into is the problem. There are no real answers yet because research in this area is at the beginning stages. While lost in this so called ‘Cyber Community’ for long periods of time, people are neglecting other important activities like; time with the family, socializing, work and health concern. Background of the Problem The use of the Internet on school campuses and in society has increased dramatically in recent years. Whereas the academic use of the Internet is primarily intended for learning and research, the Internet is primarily intended for learning and research. However, from time to time, cases of over involvement with the Internet have been observed on different campuses. The internet is not a habit. It’s an indelible feature of modern life. Many people turn to the Internet in order to manage unpleasant feelings such as stress, loneliness, depression, and anxiety. When you have a bad day and are looking for a way to escape your problems or to quickly relieve stress or self-soothe, the Internet can be an easily accessible outlet. Losing yourself online can temporarily make feelings such as loneliness, stress, anxiety, depression, and boredom evaporate into thin air. As much comfort as the Internet can provide, though, it’s important to remember that there are healthier ways to keep difficult feelings in check. These may include exercising, meditating, using sensory relaxation strategies, and practicing simple breathing exercises. For many people, an important aspect of overcoming Internet and computer addiction is to find alternate ways to handle these difficult feelings. Even when your Internet use is back to healthy levels, the painful and unpleasant feelings that may have prompted you to engage in unhealthy Internet use in the past will remain. So, it’s worth spending some time thinking about the different ways you intend to deal with stressful situations and the daily irritations that would normally have you logging on. Nature and Extent of the Problem When used responsibly, the Internet can be a great place to interact socially, meet new people, and even start romantic relationships. However, online relationships can often be more intense than those in real life. Our fantasies are given free reign and the idea of being with our online love can exceed all realistic expectations. Since few real-life relationships can compete with these wild, fantasy relationships, the Internet addict will prefer to spend more and more time with their online friends. Another problem is that about 50% of people online lie about their age, weight, job, marital status, or gender. When online friends meet and the real-life person fails to match the online persona, it can create profound emotional disappointment. People who are most susceptible to Internet addiction are teenagers, people who already have anxiety attacks or issues with anxiety, those who have undergone recent trauma that has made them home-bound and less active, people with prior addiction s and those with a lack of support from their peers or family. People coping with depression are the biggest candidates to find solace in excessive computer and Internet use. Solution The first step to overcoming Internet addiction is to admit that you have a problem. If your friends and family have approached you about your amount of time on the Internet, examine yourself to see if their concerns are legitimate. Don’t make excuses or blame others. Instead, seek to make positive changes in the way you spend your time. Keep a log of the actual time you spend online. Use a timer if it helps to keep track. Move your computer into its own room. If your computer remains in the bedroom, you will be more tempted to avoid sleep for computer time. If your computer is in the family room, it is more likely to steal time away from your family. Consider placing your computer in an uncomfortable room with poor lighting. While this won’t be good for productivity, it may make you less motivated to spend endless hours on the Internet. Decide how much time you will allow yourself to surf the Internet. Determine specific blocks of time each day that you are allowed onl ine and set a timer. When the timer goes off, reward yourself with something other than Internet time for sticking to your goal. Bibliography †¢http://www.ehow.com/way_5294633_solutions-overcoming-internet-addictions.html †¢http://www.seminarinformation.com/qqbulj/internet-addiction-practical-solutions-to-an-increasingly †¢http://www.helpguide.org/mental/internet_cybersex_addiction.htm †¢http://www.addictionrecov.org/Addictions/index.aspx?AID=43 †¢http://netaddiction.com/