Where I live, my internet access is notoriously sketchy. Sometimes my service will go out for a day or two (it's even been out for over a week) for what seems like no reason at all. And if you're anything like me, having to spend even a day without the internet makes you go a little stir-crazy. What are you missing while you're disconnected from the rest of the world? Will that perfect person stumble across your internet dating profile and lose hope when you don't reply to their message right away? Will there be a new update about the newest iPhone and you'll miss it? Will the entire world come to an end?
Signs of Internet Addiction
If this sounds at all familiar, there's a good chance that, like yours truly, you're suffering from an internet addiction. Every year, internet addiction is becoming more and more common. People aren't only unwilling to pass any real amount of time without internet access, they also escape into their Facebook or favorite news feed page to escape their day to day lives. Over time, the internet becomes something that takes away from your life rather than adding to it.
Worried you may have a deeper attachment to your computer than you thought? Here are a few signs you may have a problem:
You can't stop clicking refresh.
Did you ask a question on a forum or make a comment about a controversial news story, and just can't wait to get an answer or see the reaction? If you're constantly clicking the refresh button to see what's new on your favorite site, maybe it's time to step away and do something else for awhile.
You can't stop at one.
Ever have just five minutes to spare before you have to make a meeting or run an errand, and get on the net to watch a YouTube video or something in the meantime? Well, if you're like me it's hard to watch just one, or do "just one little thing" online. That five minutes turns to fifty minutes. Or more.
You don't get things done.
The internet is something intended to make your life a little easier and more enjoyable. But when you're not studying, doing laundry, or finishing that important project because you can't leave your favorite internet dating site, it's doing just the opposite-- getting in the way of you living your life.
You forsake friends, family, and sleep.
When somebody calls to invite you out for a drink and you turn them down in favor of your computer, you have a problem. It's that simple. Especially if this is something you do often.
Overcoming Your Addiction
Determined that you have an unhealthy fixation on your internet connection? It doesn't mean you have to give it up (of course!!). But figuring out how to "cut the power cord", so to speak, will help you to have a healthier focus and keep you from giving up important things in your life to surf the net. It's all about perception and moderation. If you don't ever develop an understanding of how much is too much, it's hard to know when to stop.
Watch how long you spend.
This may sound unimaginably dorky, but if you want to reduce your wasted internet time a bit, it's a good idea to keep a spreadsheet or a notebook to track how much you use it every day. Seeing how those hours add up --and thinking about what else you could be doing with that time-- may be enough to get you out of your chair and doing something else for a change.
Create a schedule.
Love to spend time tweaking your internet dating profile or checking sports statistics? Give yourself times of the day when it's okay to do that stuff online. "Scheduled surfing" lets you have your daily dose of the net without going overboard.
Connect in person.
Chances are, the majority of the people you connect with on Facebook are as close as a phone call or a car ride away. Don't let the internet be your only method of connection. Call up your friends and go out for a drink-- don't always let your computer be the go-between.
Turn off your computer.
If you leave your computer on all day, it can be all too easy to get sucked into spending more time on the internet than you would otherwise. When you have to go to the trouble of turning it on and waiting for everything to load, it can deter you from taking "two quick minutes" (also known as three hours) to check out who's recently commented on your blog.
The internet is one of the most efficient, effective, and enjoyable tools in the world. I love it! And if you're reading this article, chances are you do, too. But there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. If you learn to use it moderately, the amount of time you spend on the net will be that much more enjoyable. And you won't forget to live your life while you're surfing.
