Where's the Dilemma?
Escapism in any form, like the internet is now more common, because for most people, it's simply about suppressing a problem. We are increasingly inspired and involved in covering up and holding back the pain and stresses of our lives. We feel this is easier and more desirable than fighting it head on and overcoming it.
It's becoming increasingly apparent that we are now spending more quality time engrossed on the internet in some form or other than with thier family or loved ones. Nowadays, more and more people consider the internet or their computer an integrel part of their lives and becoming more dependant on the world wide web.
It woudn't surprise me to hear that some day, the American Medical Association will classify online games as an official addiction. However, as of now, it has yet to be labelled as an official disorder. You can surely feel that the internet is part of everyday life. What percentage of the population can really go for any reasonable length of time offline?
Are You Addicted? and How Would You Know Anyway?
How long do you spend online each day? I've heard many people say that the average time spent online seems to be about three hours a day. In that case I'm well over the average but I am well aware that being online is part of my working lifestyle.
We also increase our chances of social isolation as we spend less time connecting with family or friends. Online users that don't use the internet too much definatley get a better nights sleep.
How Does Internet Addiction Compare With Other Addictions?
- You are too busy with the Internet thank most other things.
- You hide or lie about time spent online.
- You always stay online much longer than you intended.
- You can't control how long you stay online.
- You use the Internet to escape from reality.
- The Internet has created many problems for your relationships or career, but that doesn't stop you anyway.
- You feel irritable, angry or sad when you can't use the Internet.
What can you do to break free of Internet addiction?
Of course, you need to take back control and learn how to let go of the basic feelings driving you to do things you later regret. We all need to be able to face things head on, with confidence and a positive attitude.
It is possible we can all live life more fully and enjoy all the same things, including the Internet, without using them to excape and run away.
Taking back control is as easy deciding to do so. As soon as you release yourself of negative thoughts or feelings, you will gain a sense of empowerment, confidence and freedom, all that is required to get instant release from the negative effects of Internet addiction.
Results from a 2001 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse and Addiction.
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