About internet

Internet is a global network of computers that allows people to share information and communicate with each other.

Addiction to internet, a “real” addiction?

Officially an addiction?

First, let’s have a look to the DSM-5,the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Does it includes internet addiction?

No, internet addiction is not listed in the DSM-5.

So what means “internet addiction”?

Internet addiction is a growing problem in the United States. It is defined as an uncontrollable urge to use the internet, despite the negative consequences. Internet addiction can lead to social isolation, depression, and anxiety. It can also cause physical problems, such as sleep problems, backaches, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

What is considered internet addiction?

• 1. Preoccupation with the Internet:Individuals who are addicted to the Internet think about it all the time and feel a constant need to be online.
• 2. Withdrawal symptoms:When addicted individuals try to stay away from the Internet, they experience symptoms of withdrawal such as anxiety, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
• 3. Tolerance:Addicted individuals need to spend more and more time online to feel satisfied and may develop a tolerance to the Internet’s effects.
• 4. Loss of control:Addicted individuals lose control over how much time they spend online and may neglect important activities and responsibilities in favor of being online.
• 5. Negative consequences:Addicted individuals may experience negative consequences as a result of their Internet use, such as financial problems, relationship difficulties, and problems at work or school.

How much internet is too much?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the individual. Some people can spend many hours online without experiencing any negative effects, while others may start to feel negative effects after only a short time. Some of the potential negative effects of spending too much time on the internet include social isolation, poor sleep quality, and problems with concentration and attention. If you start to experience any of these effects, it may be a good idea to cut back on your internet use.

Some technology addiction facts & statistics

Technology addiction is a growing concern in today’s world. Here are some statistics related to technology addiction:

• 1. According to a 2019 survey by Common Sense Media,50% of teens feel addicted to their mobile devices.
• 2. A study conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 28% of adults in the US feel they are constantly online.
• 3. A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association found that 43% of Americans are constantly checking their electronic devices for email, texts, or social media updates.
• 4. A survey conducted by the Royal Society of Public Health in the UK found that social media is the most addictive technology,with 63% of respondents reporting that they check their social media accounts at least once a day.
• 5. In a study conducted by the University of Maryland,students were asked to give up all technology for 24 hours. Many of the participants experienced withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and even physical symptoms such as headaches.
• 6. A study conducted by the University of Gothenburg in Sweden found that excessive use of mobile phones can lead to sleep disorders,depression, and anxiety.
• 7. According to the World Health Organization,internet addiction disorder (IAD) is a real condition that can have serious negative consequences on an individual’s mental and physical health.

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Is the internet addiction widespread?

Yes, there are many people who struggle with internet addiction. According to a 2021 survey by the Pew Research Center, 31% of U.S. adults say they are “almost constantly” online, while 45% say they go online multiple times per day. This constant use and reliance on the internet can lead to addiction, which is characterized by a lack of control over internet use, negative consequences from excessive use, and withdrawal symptoms when not using the internet. Internet addiction can have serious effects on mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.

Why is internet so addictive?

There are many reasons why people can become addicted to the internet. For some people, it can be a way to escape from their real life problems. They may become addicted to the feeling of being anonymous and being able to act however they want without consequence. For others, the internet can be a way to connect with people who share their interests and provide a sense of community. Finally, some people may become addicted to the feeling of power and control that they have when they are online.

Possible causes of internet dependency

There is no definitive answer to this question as the causes of internet addiction can vary from person to person. However, some possible causes of internet addiction may include using the internet as a way to escape from real-life problems, seeking validation and approval from others online, or becoming addicted to the thrill of online gaming.

Signs & Symptoms of internet addiction

Now let’s see if you have the internet addiction problem.

• 1. You spend more time online than you do offline.
• 2. You would rather go online than go outside.
• 3. You would rather talk to people online than in person.
• 4. You feel like you need to be online all the time.
• 5. You get anxious or angry when you can’t get online.
• 6. You have trouble focusing on anything that isn’t online.
• 7. You spend more time thinking about being online than you do actually being online.

What are some benefits of internet

The internet is a great tool for communication, research, and entertainment. It has also made the world a smaller place by allowing people to connect with each other from anywhere in the world.But at the opposite, what can be some internet addiction problems addicts suffer from?

general health problems

The internet can have a number of negative effects on your health, both mental and physical. These can include:

-Anxiety and depression: Spending too much time online can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. This is because you may start to compare your life to the lives of others that you see online, and feel that you are not good enough.

-Sleep problems: The blue light from screens can disrupt your sleep patterns, and spending too much time online can lead to insomnia.

-Eye strain: Staring at a screen for too long can cause eye strain and headaches.

-Weight gain: If you spend a lot of time sitting down while using the internet, you may start to gain weight.

– neck pain: poor posture while using the internet can lead to neck and shoulder pain.

internet and sleep disorder

Yes, excessive use of the internet, particularly at night, can interfere with sleep patterns and lead to sleep disorders or problems. The blue light emitted by screens can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Additionally, engaging in stimulating activities like social media or gaming before bedtime can keep the brain active and make it difficult to wind down and relax. It is recommended to limit screen time before bed and adopt healthy sleep habits to promote restful sleep.

internet affecting your brain & mental health: bad for brain and mental health?

Some effects of internet on your brain

The internet can have a number of negative effects on your brain, including:

• 1. Increased risk of developing ADHD:Research has shown that individuals who spend a lot of time on the internet are more likely to develop attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• 2. Increased risk of developing anxiety and depression:Online activity can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression, as well as social isolation.
• 3. Increased risk of developing sleep problems:The constant stimulation of the internet can lead to difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.
• 4. Negative impact on memory and concentration:The internet can have a negative impact on your ability to remember and concentrate on information.
• 5. Negative impact on social skills:The internet can cause you to lose important social skills, such as the ability to read nonverbal cues and communicate effectively in person.

Some effects of internet on your mental health

The internet can have a negative effect on your mental health if you spend too much time online. This is because you can become isolated from real-life social interaction and become addicted to the internet. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety.

Does internet cause stress and anxiety?

Yes, excessive use of the internet can cause stress and anxiety. There are several factors that contribute to this:

• 1. Information overload:The internet provides us with access to an overwhelming amount of information, which can be difficult to process and make sense of.
• 2. Social media:Social media platforms can create pressure to present a perfect image of ourselves, leading to anxiety and stress.
• 3. Cyberbullying:Online harassment can cause significant emotional distress and anxiety.
• 4. FOMO (fear of missing out): The internet can create a feeling of missing out on events or opportunities, leading to stress and anxiety.
• 5. Addiction:The internet can be addictive, leading to increased stress and anxiety when access is limited or restricted.

Overall, while the internet can be a valuable tool, it is important to use it in moderation and be aware of its potential impact on our mental health.

Can internet addiction lead to sadness and depression?

Yes, internet addiction can lead to sadness and depression. Excessive use of the internet can cause a reduction in face-to-face social interactions, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. It can also disrupt sleep patterns and reduce physical activity, both of which can contribute to a decrease in mood. Furthermore, internet addiction can lead to a sense of loss of control and a negative impact on personal relationships, causing stress and anxiety, which can lead to depression. Overall, it is important to maintain a healthy balance between internet use and other activities to promote mental and emotional well-being.

Dopamine and internet

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in the reward system of the brain. It is released when we experience something pleasurable, such as eating delicious food or engaging in enjoyable activities like socializing or exercising. The internet can also trigger the release of dopamine in the brain, particularly when we receive positive feedback on social media, receive likes on our posts, or have a successful online shopping experience.

However, excessive use of the internet, especially social media and online gaming, can lead to addiction and negatively impact mental health. Over time, the brain may become desensitized to the dopamine release, leading to a need for more and more stimulation to experience the same level of pleasure. This can result in a vicious cycle of seeking more and more online stimulation, which can lead to neglecting other important aspects of life, such as work, relationships, and health.

internet effects on Focus, productivity, attention span, academic performance…

Yes, the internet can affect focus, productivity, attention span, and academic performance. Here are some ways:

• 1. Distraction:The internet is full of distractions, such as social media, emails, notifications, and other websites. It can be tempting to check them frequently, which can lead to a loss of focus and productivity.
• 2. Multitasking:The internet can encourage multitasking, which can lead to a decrease in productivity and attention span. Research shows that multitasking can reduce productivity by up to 40%.
• 3. Information overload:The internet is a vast source of information, but it can also be overwhelming. Too much information can lead to confusion, stress, and a lack of focus.
• 4. Poor sleep habits:Using the internet late at night can disrupt sleep patterns, which can affect academic performance and productivity during the day.
• 5. Procrastination:The internet can be a tool for procrastination. Students may spend hours browsing the web instead of studying or completing assignments, which can lead to poor academic performance.

Overall, the internet can be a useful tool, but it is important to use it in moderation and with discipline to avoid negative effects on focus, productivity, attention span, and academic performance.

A word about ADHD and internet

Yes, people with ADHD may interact differently with the internet due to their symptoms. Some common ways this may manifest include:

• 1. Difficulty focusing:People with ADHD may have difficulty staying focused on one task or website for an extended period. They may find themselves constantly switching between tabs or getting distracted by notifications.
• 2. Impulsiveness:People with ADHD may be more likely to act on impulse when online, such as making impulsive purchases or commenting without thinking through the consequences.
• 3. Hyperfocus:While people with ADHD may struggle with focus in some areas, they may also experience hyperfocus on certain topics or activities online, leading them to spend hours on a particular website or social media platform.
• 4. Multitasking:People with ADHD may be more likely to engage in multiple online activities simultaneously, such as watching videos while browsing social media or shopping while listening to music.

Overall, the internet can be both a source of distraction and a tool for productivity for people with ADHD, and it may require different strategies for managing their symptoms.

affecting your relationships

internet and self-esteem

The internet can affect self-esteem in both positive and negative ways. Here are some ways the internet can affect self-esteem:

• 1. Social media:Social media can be a double-edged sword when it comes to self-esteem. On one hand, it can be a great way to connect with others and receive positive feedback. However, it can also lead to comparison with others and feelings of inadequacy.
• 2. Cyberbullying:Cyberbullying can have a significant impact on self-esteem, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness.
• 3. Online validation:Online validation can be addictive, and constantly seeking approval from others can lead to a preoccupation with likes, followers, and comments, which can negatively impact self-esteem.
• 4. Online communities:Online communities can be a great source of support and connection for those who may feel isolated in their offline lives.
• 5. Information overload:The abundance of information on the internet can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of inadequacy and confusion.

Overall, it is important to be mindful of how the internet is affecting our self-esteem and to take steps to protect our mental health and well-being.

internet addiction leads to isolation and loneliness?

Yes, internet addiction can lead to isolation and loneliness. Spending too much time on the internet can cause individuals to withdraw from social interactions and avoid face-to-face communication with others. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, as well as a lack of meaningful connections with others.

Additionally, internet addiction can also disrupt sleep patterns and impact mental health, which can further contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Effects of internet on your relationship

Positive effects:
– Improved communication: The internet has made it easier to communicate with your partner, even if they are in another part of the world. You can use video calls, instant messaging, and other online tools to stay connected.

– Access to information: The internet provides access to a wealth of information that can help you and your partner improve your relationship. You can find advice from experts, read about other people’s experiences, and learn about new relationship skills.

– Shared interests: The internet makes it easier to find and share common interests with your partner. You can join online groups, participate in forums, and share articles and videos that you both enjoy.

Negative effects:
– Reduced intimacy: Spending too much time online can reduce the amount of time you spend with your partner in person. This can lead to a reduction in intimacy and a feeling of distance between you.

– Miscommunication: The internet can also lead to miscommunication in relationships. It can be difficult to interpret tone and intent in written messages, which can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings.

– Temptation: The internet can expose you and your partner to a range of temptations, from social media flirtations to online infidelity. This can lead to trust issues and relationship problems.

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Finally you think you are addicted to internet and you are wondering how to quit it? How to break and overcome your cravings for internet?

Here are the best solutions, steps, supports, resources and help you can get to treat your internet addiction.

Main steps and solutions to break the internet addiction

• 1. Recognize that you have a problem.
• 2. Determine how much time you spend online.
• 3. Set realistic goals for reducing your time online.
• 4. Find alternative activities to replace time spent online.
• 5. Stick to your goals and don’t give in to temptation.

Actually, that’s what most documentation out there is about… However, quitting a digital addiction can be a bit trickier than that.

So our team, after testing many ways, designed a bulletproof way to overcome them. Here are some clear and practical steps that are very powerful to quit a digital addiction, including internet:

1. Purge temptations: Get rid of internet

First, cleaning your life from temptations is much easier than resisting to them. Disable or delete your internet accounts, change the password and hide it somewhere you can’t access easily, keep your phone / computer far away… Out of sight out of mind.

Here is a video from our course the The Digital Purge. on how to add resistance to your temptations, so you become so lazy to engage with them that you give them up:

More of the Digital Purge