About skype

Skype is an internet-based video and audio communication platform used for making calls, video chats, and instant messaging.

Addiction to skype, 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 skype addiction?

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

So what means “skype addiction”?

Skype addiction is the excessive use of Skype to the point where it begins to interfere with a person’s daily life and/or relationships. This type of addiction typically involves spending large amounts of time on Skype and neglecting other important activities, such as work, school, and socializing. Skype addiction can also involve using Skype for inappropriate activities, such as cyberstalking, cyberbullying, or engaging in risky online behaviors.

What is considered skype addiction?

• 1. Preoccupation with Skype: Spending a lot of time thinking about Skype or planning to use it.
• 2. Withdrawal from other activities: Spending less time with family and friends, or opting out of activities you used to enjoy.
• 3. Loss of control: Increasingly using Skype for longer periods of time than intended despite attempts to limit or stop use.
• 4. Tolerance: Needing to use Skype for longer and longer periods of time to achieve the same level of satisfaction.
• 5. Negative consequences: Experiencing problems at work, school, or in relationships due to Skype use.
• 6. Unsuccessful attempts to quit: Making repeated attempts to quit but being unable to do so.

How much skype is too much?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on the individual and the context of the situation. Generally, it is important to ensure that Skype is not taking up too much of your time or preventing you from other activities. It is also important to remember to take regular breaks from Skype and other online activities in order to maintain a healthy balance in your life.

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 skype addiction widespread?

Like any technology, there may be individuals who develop problematic use or addiction to Skype, especially if they rely heavily on it for communication and social interaction. It is important for individuals to be aware of their own usage patterns and seek help if they feel they are struggling with addiction or dependence.

Why is skype so addictive?

Skype is addictive for many reasons. It allows you to connect with people who live far away and stay in contact with them easily. It also provides a number of features that make talking and video chatting with your friends and family fun and convenient. Plus, Skype is a free service and you can use it from virtually any device, which adds to its appeal. Finally, the built-in chat features, such as emoticons, voice and video calls, and even games, make Skype a great way to stay connected with your friends and family.

Possible causes of skype dependency

• 1. Easy Accessibility: Skype is easily accessible from almost any device, whether it be a laptop, tablet, or smart phone, making it easy for people to connect with others over long distances.
• 2. Convenience: Skype eliminates the need to travel in order to communicate with family and friends, which saves time and money.
• 3. Immediate Gratification: Skype is an immediate way to connect with people, allowing users to get instant responses, which can be addicting.
• 4. Social Media Integration: Skype allows users to connect with other social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, making it easier to connect with friends and family.
• 5. Escapism: Skype can provide an escape from reality, allowing users to get lost in conversations with others.
• 6. Stress Relief: Talking with friends and family can be a great way to relieve stress, which can be addicting.

Signs & Symptoms of skype addiction

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

• 1. You spend more time on Skype than any other form of communication.
• 2. You have a Skype account for both personal and professional use.
• 3. You’re always logged in to Skype on your computer or mobile device.
• 4. You check Skype notifications before checking any other messages.
• 5. You use Skype to communicate with people in different countries.
• 6. You use Skype to stay connected with family and friends.
• 7. You use Skype to conduct business meetings and conferences.

What are some benefits of skype

Skype is a popular communication platform that offers a number of advantages, making it great for personal, professional and educational use.

Pros of Skype:

• 1. Free to use: Skype is free to download and use, making it a great choice for those on a budget.
• 2. Easy to use: Skype is incredibly user-friendly, allowing users to quickly set up video calls, instant messaging, and more.
• 3. Cross-platform: Skype is available for multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS and Android, making it accessible for most users.
• 4. Affordable: Skype also offers paid plans that make it easy to make international calls, allowing you to stay in touch with friends and family abroad.
• 5. Group calls: Skype supports group video calls and conferences, making it perfect for business meetings, educational lessons and more.
• 6. File sharing: Skype allows users to easily share files and documents, making collaboration simple.
• 7. Screen sharing: Skype also supports screen sharing, allowing users to effectively demonstrate and share their work.
• 8. Video messaging: Skype also allows users to send video messages, making it a great way to save important conversations.

But at the opposite, what can be some skype addiction problems addicts suffer from?

general health problems

The effects of Skype on health are largely unknown, but it may have both positive and negative effects. On the positive side, Skype can be used to connect people all over the world, allowing them to keep in touch with friends and family and even seek medical advice. On the negative side, Skype can lead to increased isolation, since it can be used to replace face-to-face contact. It can also lead to increased stress and eyestrain due to long periods of exposure to a computer screen.

Additionally, the quality of audio and video can sometimes be poor, leading to communication difficulties.

skype and sleep disorder

There is no direct evidence to suggest that Skype can create sleep disorders or sleep problems. However, excessive use of electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets before bedtime can disrupt the natural sleep-wake cycle and reduce the production of the sleep hormone melatonin, which can lead to sleep problems. This can also be exacerbated by the blue light emitted by these devices, which can interfere with the body’s natural circadian rhythm. Therefore, it is recommended to limit screen time before bed and to use devices with a night mode or blue light filter to reduce the impact on sleep.

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

Some effects of skype on your brain

• 1. Reduced Attention Span: Skype can be distracting and can cause users to have a reduced attention span, as the constant incoming messages, notifications, and video calls can be a source of distraction.
• 2. Increased Anxiety: Skype can also cause users to become anxious due to the perceived pressure of having to be available for others.
• 3. Reduced Concentration: Constant Skype use can lead to a decrease in concentration levels, as users are too focused on the conversation taking place on Skype.
• 4. Reduced Productivity: Skype can lead to a decrease in productivity, as users are too focused on the conversation they are having, instead of focusing on their tasks.
• 5. Increased Stress: Skype can also cause users to become more stressed out due to the constant need to respond to messages and calls.

Some effects of skype on your mental health

• 1. Increased Anxiety: Skype can cause people to feel anxious when communicating with others because they are unable to read body language, facial expressions, and other non-verbal cues.
• 2. Social Isolation: Skype can lead to social isolation as people may become more dependent on online communication rather than face-to-face interaction.
• 3. Lack of Human Connection: Skype can make it difficult to establish meaningful relationships as people may feel less connected to their conversation partner.
• 4. Lower Self-Esteem: When people are unable to communicate effectively through Skype, they may experience a decrease in self-esteem as they struggle to communicate their thoughts and feelings.
• 5. Increased Stress: Skype can cause people to be more stressed out due to the inability to read body language and facial expressions, and the constant presence of technology.

Does skype cause stress and anxiety?

Skype itself is unlikely to cause stress or anxiety. However, the use of Skype can sometimes lead to stressful or anxiety-inducing situations, such as difficult conversations or technical difficulties.

Additionally, prolonged use of video conferencing apps like Skype can lead to feelings of fatigue or burnout. It is important to take breaks and practice self-care while using any technology to avoid these negative effects.

Can skype addiction lead to sadness and depression?

Yes, excessive use of Skype or any other form of social media can lead to sadness and depression. Spending too much time on social media can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and anxiety.

Additionally, if someone is using Skype as a way to avoid dealing with real-life problems or responsibilities, it can exacerbate feelings of guilt and hopelessness. It’s important to create a healthy balance between social media use and real-life interactions to maintain positive mental health.

Dopamine and skype

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is associated with feelings of pleasure and reward in the brain. When we engage in activities that we enjoy, such as using the video chatting platform Skype to connect with loved ones, our brain releases dopamine, which can enhance our mood and reinforce the behavior.

Skype can be a particularly effective tool for maintaining social connections, especially during times of physical distancing or isolation. By providing a means of face-to-face communication, Skype can help to reduce feelings of loneliness and improve overall well-being.

Additionally, the release of dopamine during these interactions can help to strengthen the positive associations that we have with the platform, making us more likely to use it in the future.

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

Skype can potentially affect focus, productivity, attention span, and academic performance depending on how it is used. Here are some ways in which Skype can have an impact:

• 1. Distractions: Skype can be a distraction if notifications of new messages or calls keep popping up while you are working or studying. These distractions can break your focus and decrease productivity.
• 2. Multitasking: Using Skype while working or studying can lead to multitasking. This means that you are dividing your attention between two tasks, which can negatively impact your ability to concentrate and retain information.
• 3. Social interaction: Skype can be a great tool for social interaction, but too much socializing can take away from time spent on academic work or other tasks.
• 4. Technical issues: Technical issues with Skype can be frustrating and cause delays or interruptions in work or study time.

Overall, the impact of Skype on focus, productivity, attention span, and academic performance will depend on how it is used and how much it is used. It is important to be mindful of how technology is impacting your work and make adjustments as necessary.

A word about ADHD and skype

There are no definitive studies on how people with ADHD interact differently with Skype, but it is possible that they may experience some challenges due to their symptoms.

For example, people with ADHD may have difficulty focusing on the conversation or staying engaged for an extended period of time. They may also struggle with impulsivity, interrupting or talking over others during the call.

Additionally, they may have trouble with time management and punctuality, which could affect their ability to show up on time for scheduled Skype calls.

However, it’s also worth noting that people with ADHD can be highly adaptable and may find ways to manage these challenges. They may use strategies such as setting reminders, taking breaks during long calls, or using visual aids to help them stay focused during the conversation. Ultimately, the impact of ADHD on Skype interactions will depend on the individual and the specific symptoms they experience.

affecting your relationships

skype and self-esteem

Skype can affect self-esteem in a number of ways, both positively and negatively. Here are some possible ways:

Positive effects:

• 1. Increased social connection: Using Skype to connect with others can help individuals feel more socially connected, which can boost self-esteem.
• 2. Improved communication skills: With the use of Skype, individuals may improve their communication skills, which in turn can increase their self-confidence.
• 3. Enhanced sense of accomplishment: Skype can help individuals achieve goals, such as keeping in touch with friends and family, or having a successful business meeting. These achievements can boost self-esteem.

Negative effects:

• 1. Comparison with others: While using Skype, individuals may compare themselves to others and feel inferior, which can lower self-esteem.
• 2. Technical difficulties: Technical issues, such as poor audio or video quality, can lead to frustration and decrease self-esteem.
• 3. Fear of judgment: Some people may feel anxious or self-conscious about their appearance or communication skills while using Skype, which can negatively affect their self-esteem.

skype addiction leads to isolation and loneliness?

Yes, excessive use of Skype can lead to isolation and loneliness. This is because individuals who spend too much time on Skype may neglect their face-to-face relationships and other activities that promote social interaction. Overuse of technology can also lead to a lack of physical activity, which can contribute to feelings of isolation and depression. It is important to balance online communication with in-person interactions to maintain a healthy social life.

Effects of skype on your relationship

Positive effects of Skype on your relationship:

• 1. Facilitates communication: Skype allows you to communicate with your partner in real-time, no matter where they are in the world. This can help you stay connected and maintain a strong relationship.
• 2. Enhances intimacy: Video calling on Skype can help you feel closer to your partner, even if you’re physically apart. Seeing their face and hearing their voice can create a sense of intimacy that’s difficult to achieve through text messaging or email.
• 3. Saves money: Skype is a cost-effective way to communicate with your partner. You can make free video calls and send messages without incurring any additional costs.
• 4. Helps with long-distance relationships: If you’re in a long-distance relationship, Skype can be a lifeline. It allows you to maintain a connection with your partner and see each other regularly, even if you’re thousands of miles apart.

Negative effects of Skype on your relationship:

• 1. Can be a distraction: If you’re constantly Skyping with your partner, it can be a distraction from other important things in your life. It’s important to find a balance and not let Skype take over your entire day.
• 2. Can lead to miscommunication: Because Skype relies on technology, there’s always the risk of technical difficulties or miscommunications. This can lead to frustration and misunderstandings in your relationship.
• 3. Can create unrealistic expectations: Seeing your partner on Skype can create unrealistic expectations of what your relationship should be like. It’s important to remember that Skype is just one facet of your relationship and shouldn’t be relied on as the sole source of communication.
• 4. Can be addictive: Skype can become addictive, especially if you’re in a long-distance relationship. It’s important to set boundaries and not let Skype take over your life.

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

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

Main steps and solutions to break the skype addiction

• 1. Identify the triggers: Consider the situations that lead to Skype addiction. Do you use Skype to procrastinate or to avoid tasks? Do you use Skype to fill up empty time?
• 2. Set boundaries: Set limits on how much time you spend on Skype each day. Create a schedule that includes other activities and tasks.
• 3. Find alternatives: Find other activities to fill up your time. Develop new hobbies and interests, or take up a sport or other physical activity.
• 4. Avoid temptation: Uninstall Skype from your devices and delete your account if necessary. If you cannot delete your account, consider changing your password or blocking the app.
• 5. Seek professional help: If you feel your Skype addiction is unmanageable, seek help from a qualified professional. The earlier you seek help, the better your chances of overcoming the addiction.

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 skype:

1. Purge temptations: Get rid of skype

First, cleaning your life from temptations is much easier than resisting to them. Disable or delete your skype 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