Tips To Prevent Internet Addiction

Though opinions differ on whether virtual addiction or internet addiction are actual psychological disorders, there is probably some agreement on the point that computer or internet use should not extend to the point where it interferes with your day to day activities, your health, your interpersonal relationships and personal as well as professional life.

We do hear of stories such as the man who died because he went without food or water due to 86 straight hours of gaming.

Or the man who spent a week using the computer and then died.

Such stories are not uncommon, and it is important to watch out for tell tale signs of computer or internet addiction that will help us get help before the situation becomes really problematic. Watch out for the following warning signs:

• If you are using the computer for more than 3 hours a day, either for work or recreation then you are more at risk and ought to be more careful
• If you find that you are admitting to spending more time on the computer/internet than you need to and are unable to curtail use in spite of actually making an attempt to do so
• If you are thinking about computer or internet activity even when you are away from the computer terminal and if these thoughts are persistent and making you preoccupied.
• If you are putting off things like eating, drinking or bathing or even going to the bathroom, in favour of being at the computer (just a few minutes more and then I’ll take a break for a meal) or have a feeling of listlessness or lethargy towards routine activities
• If you feel anxious, restless, depressed or even have feelings of aggression, when you perceive yourself as being kept away from the computer or if you display abusive behavior when kept away
• If you form strong bonds or even relationships in cyber space, with strangers or if you come to depend on these ties, to the detriment of real relationships which may actually suffer

So watch out for these telltale signs and do not let the computer and the internet take over your life to the extent that negatively impacts your life.

Remember that computer addiction is very potent and in more than one divorce this has been cited as a ground, in much the same way as substance abuse or gambling or similar addiction.