Though internet addiction is not an officially recognized disorder, many people suffer from its effects. The problem is that because the internet has become such an integral part of our lives, it can be challenging to determine whether someone is addicted to or enjoys using the internet. However, some clear signs can help you distinguish between casual use and addiction. Here are eight of the most visible symptoms of internet addiction.
You Spend More Time Online Than Offline
The first and most obvious symptom of internet addiction is spending more time online than offline. If you find yourself checking your phone or computer compulsively, or if you cannot go more than a few hours without using the internet, you may be addicted. This can have severe consequences for your personal life, as well as your work or academic performance.
This is especially true if you find that you’re using the internet to escape from real-world problems or responsibilities. The statistics show that 10% of social media users are addicted, and 20% are at risk of becoming addicted. So, if you find yourself using the internet to escape your problems, it’s time to seek help.
You Get irritated When You Can’t Access the Internet
Another symptom of internet addiction is irritation when you can’t access the internet. This may manifest as frustration, anger, anxiety, or even depression. If you feel irritable or anxious when you can’t get online, or if you’re constantly trying to find ways to get online even when you shouldn’t be, you may be addicted to the internet.
This symptom can be especially dangerous if it leads to internet addiction disorder, as it can cause you to isolate yourself from the people and things you love. It can also lead to problems in your personal life and work or academic performance. If you’re concerned that you may be addicted to the internet, talk to a therapist or counselor about your options. Many treatments are available for internet addiction, and you can overcome it with the right help.
You Neglect Your Responsibilities in Favor of the Internet
If you’re neglecting your responsibilities in favor of the internet, you may have a problem. This includes skipping work or school to stay online, ignoring your family or friends in favor of time spent online, or letting your hobbies and interests fall by the wayside in favor of surfing the web.
If you find that you cannot balance your time between the internet and your responsibilities, you may need to seek help for an addiction. This includes talking to a therapist or counselor about your options and attending an internet addiction treatment program. Also, consider setting some ground rules for yourself, such as only using the internet for an hour each day or only using it during specific times of the day.
You Prefer the Internet to Real-Life Interactions
If you find that you prefer the internet to real-life interactions, then you may have a problem. This includes spending more time talking to people online than in person or only feeling comfortable communicating with people through social media or chat rooms.
If you find that you’re isolating yourself from the people in your life in favor of the internet, you may need to seek help for an addiction. Try attending a support group for internet addiction or meeting with a therapist to discuss your options. Consider rewarding yourself for spending time offline or setting some ground rules for your internet use.
You Feel Anxious or Depressed When You’re Not Online
If you feel anxious or depressed when you’re not online, you may have a problem. This includes feeling restless or irritable when you can’t get online or feeling like something is missing when you’re offline. If you find that the internet is hurting your mood, you may need to seek help for an addiction.
This symptom can be especially dangerous. If you’re concerned that you may be addicted to the internet, limit your access to it. Talk to a therapist about your options and consider attending an internet addiction treatment program.
You’ve Tried to Cut Back on Your Time Spent Online but Been Unsuccessful
You may have a problem if you’ve tried to cut back on your time spent online but have been unsuccessful. This includes multiple attempts to limit your time on the internet but being unable to stick to it or feeling like you need to be online all the time.
If you find that you can’t control your internet use, you may need to seek help for an addiction. The best way to cut back on your internet use is to set some ground rules for yourself, such as only using the internet for an hour each day or only using it during specific times of the day. Also, try to find other activities to do offline that you enjoy and make time for them in your schedule.
Your Internet Use is Affecting Your Relationship with Family or Friends
If you find that your internet use is affecting your relationship with family or friends, then you may have a problem. This includes arguing with loved ones about time spent online or feeling like the internet is more important to you than your relationships. If you find that the internet is causing problems in your personal life, you may need to seek help for an addiction.
Try talking to your family or friends about your concerns and setting some ground rules for your internet use. Also, consider attending a support group for internet addiction or meeting with a therapist to discuss your options.
You’re Experiencing Financial Problems Because of Your Internet Use
You may have a problem if you’re experiencing financial difficulties because of your internet use. This includes spending more money than you can afford on online gaming or gambling or buying products and services you don’t need. If your internet use is causing financial stress, you may need to seek help for an addiction.
One way to cut back on your internet use is to set a budget for yourself. Decide how much you can afford to spend on the internet each month and stick to it. Also, try to find other activities to do offline that don’t cost money, such as reading or going for walks. If you’re struggling to control your internet use, talk to a therapist about your options.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s vital to seek help for an addiction. This includes talking to a therapist or counselor about your options and attending an internet addiction treatment program. Many treatments are available for internet addiction, and you can overcome it with the right help.