EFFECTS

Internet addiction results in personal, family, academic, financial and occupational problems that are characteristic of other addictions.  Impairments of real life relationships are disrupted as a result of excessive use of the internet.  Individuals suffering from internet addiction spend more time in solitary seclusion, spend less time with real people in their lives, and are often viewed as socially awkward.  Arguments may result due to the volume of time spent online.  Those suffering from internet addiction may attempt to conceal the amount of time spent online, which results in distrust and the disturbance of quality in once stable relationships.

Some suffering from internet addiction may create online personas or profiles where they are able to alter their identities and pretend to be someone other than themselves.  Those at highest risk for creation of a secret life are those who suffer from low self-esteem feelings of inadequacy and fear of disapproval.  Such negative self concepts lead to clinical problems of depression and anxiety.

Many persons who attempt to quit their internet use experience withdrawal including: anger, depression, relief, mood swings, anxiety, fear, irritability, sadness, loneliness, boredom, restlessness, procrastination and upset stomach.  Being addicted to the internet can also cause physical discomfort or medical problems such as: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, dry eyes, backaches, severe headaches, eating irregularities, (such as skipping meals), failure to attend to personal hygiene and sleep disturbance.

REMEDIES

Limit your computer time: Try not to turn on your computer too many times a week.  If you have a laptop, try to put it somewhere that you can remember but not somewhere that you see every day.

Use an alarm clock or timer: Before using your computer decide on a time limit such as 30 minutes.  Set the clock or timer and make sure that you get off the computer when the time is up.

Call people instead of sending instant messages.

Don’t eat meals at your computer!  Eating at a separate place will help you not to go online.

Get a hobby or an interest that doesn’t involve the internet, video games, TV, cell phones, smart phones, portable media players or computers.  Go to bed on time and get a good night’s rest.

Complete your studies: If you are a student then do your homework and study.  This is a great thing to do right away when you get home.  You will feel great knowing that you did your homework early.  Read books or research at the library instead of browsing Wikipedia for information.  Teachers would rather have you use a real book than Wikipedia.  Study lessons that you learned for the day, whether there’s test the next day or not.

Research is currently going on and no generally acceptable conclusion has yet been arrived, which may explain the causes, effects, measurement criteria, or terminology of ‘internet addiction’.  However, it may be concluded that excess of anything is harmful and it may likewise apply to the internet.  Moderation is considered as a virtue and usage of the internet in moderation, may prove beneficial in both the short-term and the long-term.

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