Internet addiction

Internet addiction can be defined as excessive use of the Internet that impairs a person's physical and / or mental health and causes difficulties in their social functioning. In other words, this type of addiction refers to compulsive behavior that completely dominates an individual’s daily life. In this case, the Internet becomes more important to a person than family, friends, education or work, ie he subordinates all life obligations to the Internet in order to preserve or continue with the mentioned behavior. Internet addiction is in many ways similar to classic addictions such as alcohol or cigarette addiction (symptoms similar to abstinence crisis, then unsuccessful self-control, the need for an increasing "dose" or the amount of time spent on the Internet, etc.), although in the body does not ingest any psychoactive substance.

A person can be addicted to various contents, such as  online  games, social networks,  online  sex, shopping, betting, etc.

Personality plays a big role in the development of addiction - addiction will develop more easily in withdrawn, shy, lonely, insecure, depressed, anxious and hyperactive people. Addictions to internet communication and social networks are also more susceptible to people who are insecure, have less self-confidence and less developed social and emotional skills.

There are several signs of possible internet addiction. Among them, the most important are the following:

• preoccupation with the Internet (obsessive thinking about previous online  activities or longing for the next);

• the need for an increasing amount of time spent online;

• unsuccessful control, reduction or cessation of Internet use, which then causes feelings of anxiety, depression or nervousness;

• jeopardizing significant relationships and business, educational or career commitments due to the use of the Internet;

• using the Internet as an escape from problems or negative feelings (such as helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression).

The consequences of Internet addiction, ie excessive use of the Internet, can be the following:  visual impairment; headaches; neck pain; carpal tunnel syndrome (pain and weakness in the hand and forearm); neglect of basic necessities of life such as sleep and consumption of food and drink; developing overweight; loss of physical condition; sleep disorder; loss of social and communication skills; mental development disorders (withdrawal, depression, lack of self-confidence, unrealistic attitude towards life and obligations); loss of social contacts; neglect of daily obligations, etc.

Unlike the classic types of addiction, the use of the Internet cannot be completely eliminated from everyday life because the Internet has today become an unavoidable medium in both private and business life. Therefore, experts recommend controlled use of the Internet instead of complete interruption in order to devote more time to direct communication.

Some useful tips for preventing excessive Internet use are:

• keep a computer in the living room (not in the bedroom)

• try turning off the Internet for a while and dedicate yourself to family, friends

• break the pattern of behavior (don't make a habit of using the Internet every day at the same time)

• find out about "healthy" ways to use the Internet

• Find a hobby or activity that does not involve the Internet, video games, TV, cell phone, or computer

• go to bed on time

• use an alarm or a stopwatch to limit the time spent on the Internet

• install an application that allows you to program the computer to shut down after a certain time ( Google  search engine: "shutdown timer", "cold turkey")

• don't eat at the computer

• ask parents and friends to warn you if they think you have been at the computer / cell phone for a long time

• turn off social media notifications