“Internet addiction is characterised by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges or behaviours regarding computer use and internet access that leads to impairment or distress” (Shaw & Black, 2008).
Do you think you are addicted to the internet? The answer to that is probably, yes because I would like to believe that I am too. Let me give you an example. Spending 80% or more of your day browsing, scrolling, posting and online shopping. Excessive computer use keeps interfering with our lives and we seem not to be in control of it.
On my Talk Show- Divulge Talk Show- on YouTube I did a sit-down video talking about Internet Addiction. I talked about whether the internet has made many young people lose their cultural beliefs, traditions, integrity, and principles in this digital age.
Here I mention signs and symptoms of internet addiction, its causes and how it can be treated.
Signs and symptoms of internet addiction
Spending substantial time surfing through the internet, gaming or on social media.
Trying to limit the use of the internet but find yourself unable to do so.
Missing deadlines, appointments, and meetings, or arriving late because of the internet.
Spending money on mobile data just to access the internet daily as a result it strains your finances.
Unable to make a real connection with the outside world and
Feeling as if you lack purpose without the internet.
Causes of Internet Addiction
There is no single cause of internet addiction.
Several factors can play a role, including:
Underlying mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression
Genetics
Social media influence.
Environmental factors
Trying to fit in and catch up with the world (Following trends) (Burke, 2019).
Internet Addiction Treatment
a comprehensive rehabilitation programme for those suffering from an Internet-based addiction. Internet addiction is just as serious as we would say addiction to alcohol, drugs or to gambling.
The first step in recovery from Internet addiction is complete abstinence.
By admitting to a rehab clinic and undergoing an intensive therapy programme for Internet addiction, you will benefit from the following powerful and proven treatment therapies:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
Psychotherapy
Counselling
Trauma Therapy
12 step Therapy
Mindfulness Therapy
Fitness programme
Internet addiction is not a joke, it is real, and if you feel you are unable to control it or know an individual, I advise to visit a facility that will be of assistance. We are all in this globally, however, it takes discipline like for everything else, to balance it all in a healthy way.
Internet Addiction Facilities in South Africa:
1. Houghton House Addiction & Mental Health Treatment Centers:
24/7 Emergency Helpline: +27 79 770 7535 (Gauteng)
2. Harmony Addiction and Psychiatric Center
Contact details: +27 (0)21 790 7779 (Cape Town)
Sources:
Divulge Talk Show Internet Addiction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgwC7UTUNx8
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