The seduction of the Internet may have sucked in the under-20 set first, but it stretches as well to their parents and grandparents. Walking down the street, sitting over a cup of coffee, lying in bed, watching television, sitting in a meeting, even while having a conversation with a spouse, it seems we can’t get off our devices. Of course, Internet use, however intrusive, isn’t the same thing as Internet addiction.
Addiction twists lives in a number of ways that may sound more like alcoholism or drug addiction:
- Using the internet even when the user is aware of negative consequences like poor performance at work or lost time with family or friends
- Losing track of how much time the user is spending online, even missing meals or giving up sleep
- Lying about how much time is spent online out of shame or defensiveness
- Requiring increased time online to feel satisfied
- Feeling restless and irritable when internet time has to be postponed
- Trying to cut back on internet use, and failing
- Relying on Internet as a mood stabilizer
- Thinking about past Internet sessions or anticipating the next opportunity to sign on
Researchers have difficulty pinning down a specific number of Internet addicts, with estimates varying widely from less than 6 percent to about 14 percent. Men appear much more likely to exhibit the signs of addiction. Although it’s not included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the psychiatrists’ and psychologists’ bible, Internet Addiction Disorder is widely discussed among therapists, researchers, and prognosticators. They are wrestling with the question of whether the Internet can be considered an addiction in itself or just a tool for pursuing other addictions like pornography, shopping, or gambling.
There is general agreement on the conditions that can lead to overuse of the Internet:
- Loneliness
- Depression or anxiety
- Addictive personality
Internet addicts, or over-users, can borrow many tools from more traditional addicts to change their behavior:
- Monitor usage: There are computer applications that keep track of time online and warn the user when a limit is reached. A simple kitchen timer can serve the same function.
- Plan other activities: When the urge to go online strikes, it can be helpful to have a list of other things to do. Take a walk instead, visit a friend or neighbor, garden, play an in-person game with a child or spouse.
- Make connectivity inconvenient: Unplugging the cable box, keeping power cords in a box in the garage, committing to leave all Internet devices behind one day a week – anything that requires conscious thought to connect will at least increase awareness of how often the Internet beckons and may discourage use.
- Ask for help. Friends and family are likely frustrated by the overuse and eager to help with monitoring or suggesting other activities.
- Look inward. The Internet is a great distractor. Activities like yoga, meditation, or journaling bring the attention back inside.
- See a therapist. It’s likely there is another issue or two contributing to the Internet overuse. A therapist can help unearth what’s at the root and suggest treatment. Talk therapy is effective for a number of problems. Drugs prescribed for depression and anxiety may be helpful.
