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Internet Addiction

Like any addiction, the internet can be overused and relied on as an unhealthy coping mechanism. Many individuals fall into the trap of excessive or irresponsible internet use that adversely affects their lives. Dependency on web services like MySpace, Facebook, games, instant messenger, or any other computer outlet, can often distract from involvement in other life activities and become one’s only source of connection. The addicted user is likely to use the internet from 40-80 hours per week, with single sessions that can last up to 20 hours. Such usage will typically disrupt sleep patterns and can cause physical problems such as back strain, eye strain, and carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as emotional and social difficulties.

Signs of Internet Addiction:

  • Preoccupation with the internet – spending a majority of your time on the internet and thinking about internet activity
  • A need to use the internet with increasing amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction as well as losing awareness of time when you are online chatting, gaming, etc. You can’t make yourself get off the computer, even though you know you should.
  • Efforts to cut back or stop internet usage have been unsuccessful
  • Feelings of restlessness, moodiness, irritability, and/or depression when you try to cut down use
  • Relationships, jobs, schoolwork, and other parts of your life are suffering as a result of the time and energy you put into the internet. You may also have financial problems as a result of online gambling.
  • Lying to others about your use or acting annoyed at people for bothering you when you are online
  • Using the internet to escape from problems, avoid other tasks, and/or to relieve feelings of sadness, anxiety, depression, loneliness
  • Thinking your life without the computer would be boring, empty, or joyless

Things You Can Do:

  • Change your routine by putting another activity before your use of the computer like eating a meal, calling a friend, taking a walk, etc.
  • Keep track of your use, then set a goal that would allow you to diminish your use by 10% per week, providing yourself with a reward for doing so.
  • Think about what you are missing as a result of the time you spend on the computer, as well as why you might choose the computer over these activities. Then, challenge yourself to do one of these things, adding a new one each week.
  • Seek out support from friends and family. Let them know that you are trying to cut back and ask for their help.

Learn more at http://netaddiction.com/

Help is Available

It may benefit you to talk to someone at the Counseling Center. Stop by during our Initial Consultation hours Monday-Friday 8:30-11:00 a.m. & 1:00-4:00 p.m., or call (828) 262-3180. We can talk with you about your concerns. You may also learn more by checking our other links, or completing an online screening.

Crisis Services

If you or another AppState student is experiencing suicidal and/or homicidal thoughts or experiencing trauma in regard to a sexual assault, you may contact us after hours by calling the Counseling Center at (828) 262-3180 and select the option to speak with the counselor on call.