Internet Can Also Be Addictive

Chatting, surfing, social media and online games can also become addictive. You can learn more about it here.

Internet is fun

For many of us, it is quite normal to spend a lot of time in front of the computer, the console or with the smartphone. It is almost impossible to imagine a life without computers and the internet. Sure, it’s fun, and you can get in touch with others without much effort. What’s more, the internet offers a wealth of information. Especially when things are going really badly in offline life, we can take refuge in an online world. However, the transition from “normal” internet use to addiction is fluid.

Addiction, how does it feel?

Being addicted doesn’t mean just doing something often. Addiction means that you really spend almost all your time on the internet. However, this is not necessarily because you want to do it that way and because it feels good. At some point, it is simply no longer possible to surf the net less. Even if you kind of want to. If you don’t have access to the internet in a situation, people who are affected become totally restless, nervous and also irritable. Quarrels with the family, friends and also problems at school or in the relationship are accepted.

How do you notice an internet addiction?

You can judge whether it is already addictive behaviour by the following criteria:

• You spend most of the day in front of the computer and not only when you are trying out a new game. You hardly meet friends any more.
• The desire to surf the Internet, to chat, to play online games is extremely strong and takes precedence over other things. Your thoughts only revolve around the internet, chatting, online games, social networks…
• Actually, you know that you spend too much time in front of the PC, the console or with the smartphone, but you just can’t turn it off. You have to keep playing or stay online.
• A little more every day. You notice yourself that you want to be online longer and longer. Soon there won’t be enough hours in the day!
• If you really don’t have the opportunity to go online, you will experience classic withdrawal symptoms, such as restlessness, nervousness, dissatisfaction, irritability, aggression, etc.. Observe what happens to you when you leave your mobile phone at home. How do you feel then?
• When you’re feeling bad, you click on the net. The internet is a “soul comforter”, so to speak.
• When you don’t have access to the internet, you get nervous, restless and constantly afraid of missing something.
• You put up with fights with parents and problems at school just to keep being online.

The more criteria that apply to you, the more questionable your internet consumption is and the sooner you should change something.

What’s so great about the internet?

Many people are fascinated by the internet. In chat rooms, everyone can be whoever they want to be. Looks don’t matter. It’s easier to talk to someone or tell them things about yourself than in real life. There are no limits to the imagination. No one can check whether personal details like age or appearance are really true.

If you feel lonely, someone is there around the clock in the chat room.

In online games, you find game partners very quickly.

Escape into another world

Especially when one’s own life is very difficult or one feels lonely, life in the chat room in social networks is like an escape into a more pleasant and easier world. In the games, the players are often powerful – not powerless as in real life.

TIP: What to do?

• Take the first signs you notice seriously, as well as hints from friends. Does the internet rule your life? Be honest with yourself!
• One possibility would be to set yourself offline times.
• Think about what you used to do a lot (e.g. who you met often, how you spent your weekends) and take a close look at what is left of it. Do something outside the net again!
• Leave your place in front of the PC for food and drink, put your smartphone away.
• If your own attempts don’t help, get help, e.g. from counselling centers.

For further help and support  — Speak with a licensed therapist today.