Computer Addiction Symptoms
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You may ask yourself "What are the symptoms of Computer Addiction?"
The answer is: "They can vary according to the extent of the addiction". For instance, some people may be only addicted mildly to the internet and computer, therefore, they display little nor no symptoms other than the constant desire to be using the internet or computer.
On the other hand, those suffering from severe computer addiction may display a variety of symptoms, some of which can be hazardous to health. There are some symptoms of acute computer-related addiction outlined below with a brief description of each.
*Mood swings and irritability when not at the computer.
One of the first, and the most pressing signs of computer addiction is when the person shows anger, irritability and mood swings when not at the computer.
Very often, all lifes' situations become insignificant and they feel they must get back to the computer. The person seems to be completely preoccupied and focused on nothing else other than getting back online or back to the computer. If the person displays this sort of symptom, then it is a sure sign that this person is completely addicted to the computer.
*Showing signs of a lack of interest in offline activities.
This is a huge indication that computer addiction has taken hold. A computer addict may totally ignore their offline friends in favor of forming online relationships.
It could even reach the extent that they sever relationships with their family as well. This is one of the most tragic symptoms, and when this happens, the computer addict needs to seek professional help as they are showing severe computer addiction symptoms.
*Loss of sleep and the abandoning of commitments to spend time at the computer.
This has a drastic effect on the health of a computer addict. They will often lose all track of time and will stay up all night to be at the computer with little or no sleep. They rarely go outside for fresh air and sunshine which will obviously affect their health.
Another tragic computer addiction symptom is when the sufferer abandons their commitments to work, school, college, study and family to favor computer time. The abandoning of commitments will have a long-term effect on the life of the sufferer. Loss of their job, poor grades and failure of courses.
*Not eating balanced meals and lack of personal hygiene.
A person suffering from computer addiction, will very often miss meals. This is because it takes time to prepare a proper meal, time which would rather be spent at the computer. A computer addict will often favor snacks, fast food and soda.
Another thing to bear in mind is the fact that a severe computer addict will not spend time for their ablutions. Again, these fundamental actions take time and some important conversation or a bad guy on the game who needs to be watched and could be missed if the addict were completing his or her ablutions.
*Lack of concentration and motivation for anything other than the computer.
The lack of motivation for any sort of activity outside of the computer environment. Computer addiction will cause lack of concentration, which could be very dangerous for those operating machinery or driving. This could have an obvious tragic effect on theirs - and others - health.
Sadly, these computer addictions are obviously very dangerous and should serve as a dire warning to the family and friends of addicts that the person needs to seek professional help before they crawl deeper into a virtual reality world with disastrous consequences. All these symptoms are due to computer addiction.
Physical symptoms:
- Dry eyes
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Migraines
- Backaches
- Skipping meals
- Poor appetite
- Poor eyesight
- Poor personal hygiene
- Sleep disturbances
- Mentality disturbances
- Stress
Risk factors for Internet addiction and computer addiction
- If you suffer from anxiety. You may use the Internet to distract yourself from your worries and fears. An anxiety disorder like obsessive-compulsive disorder may also contribute to excessive email checking and compulsive Internet use.
- If you are depressed. The Internet can be an escape from feelings of depression, but too much time online can make things worse. Internet addiction further contributes to isolation and loneliness.
- If you have any other addictions. Many Internet addicts suffer from other addictions, mainly to drugs, alcohol, gambling, and sex.
- If you lack social support. Internet addicts often use chat rooms, instant messaging, or online gaming as a safe way of establishing new relationships and more confidently relating to others.
- If you’re a teenager, you might be wondering where you fit in and the Internet might feel more comfortable than real life friends.
- If you are less mobile or socially active than you are used to. For example, you may be coping with a new disability that limits your ability to drive. Parenting very young children can make it hard to leave the house or connect with old friends.
Self-help tips for breaking your Internet addiction
If you see you might have a problem with Internet usage, you’ve completed the hardest step towards a more balanced online life. It’s very easy to rationalize or deny Internet addiction, and commitment towards a healthier balance will take you a long way.
The following are some tools to get your Internet use under control. While you can put many of these in place yourself, make sure you get some outside support as well. It’s all too easy to slip back into old patterns of usage, especially if you use the Internet heavily for work.
- Identify any underlying reasons that need treatment. If you are struggling with depression or anxiety, for example, Internet addiction might be a way to self-soothe rocky moods. Have you had problems with alcohol or drugs in the past? Does anything about your Internet use remind you of how you used to drink or use drugs to numb out? Take a hard look at whether you need to address treatment in these areas, whether it is therapy for depression or going back to 12-step meetings.
- Increase your coping skills. Perhaps blowing off steam on the Internet is your way of coping with stress or angry feelings. Or you have trouble relating to others, feeling excessively shy or feeling like you can never read people right in real life. Building skills in these areas will help you weather the stresses and strains of daily life without resorting to compulsive Internet use. Related Helpguide sites can be found below.
- Strengthen your support network. The more relationships you have in real life, the less you will need the Internet for social interaction. Set aside dedicated time each week for spouse or other family. If you are shy, try finding common interest groups such as an exercise class or book reading club. This allows you to interact with others in a non-threatening way and allows relationships to naturally develop.
Modify your Internet use step by step:
- To help you see problem areas, keep a log of how much you use the Internet for non-work related activities. You might find this challenging if you interweave recreational Internet use with work, but try to get a clear idea of when you use. Are there times of day that you use more? Are there triggers in your day that make you stay online for hours at a time when you planned for 5 minutes?
- Set goals for when you can use the Internet. For example, you might try setting a timer for usage, scheduling use for certain times of day, or making a commitment to turn off the computer at the same time each night.
- Replace your Internet usage with healthy activities. If you are bored and lonely, resisting the urge to get back online will be very difficult. Have a plan for other ways to fill the time, such as going to lunch with a coworker, taking a class, or inviting a friend over.
Internet addiction treatment, counseling, and support
Having trouble cutting back? It is not because you are weak willed. Compulsive behavior like Internet addiction can be hard to break. The more support you have during the process of cutting down, the more successful you will be.
Therapy and counseling for Internet addiction
Therapy can give you a tremendous boost in stopping excessive Internet use. Cognitive-behavioral therapy gives you step-by-step ways to stop compulsive Internet behaviors, working with a therapist on changing your thoughts and behaviors surrounding Internet use.
Therapy can also help you learn healthier ways of coping with uncomfortable emotions. And if depression or anxiety is contributing to your excessive Internet use, therapy can also address that problem.
If your Internet use is affecting your partner directly, as with excessive cybersex or online affairs, marriage counseling can help you work through these challenging issues. Marriage counseling can also help you reconnect with your partner if you have been using the Internet for most of your social needs.
Although Internet addiction is not recognized as a formal psychological disorder, ask if your therapist or counselor has experience in treating compulsive Internet use.
Group support for Internet addiction
Since Internet addiction is relatively new, it can be hard to find a real life support group dedicated to that issue like Alcoholics Anonymous or Gamblers Anonymous. If that is a simultaneous problem for you, however, attending groups can help you work through your alcohol or gambling problems as well. Sex Addicts anonymous may be another place to try if you are having trouble with cybersex. However, there may be groups that you can join to work on social and coping skills, such as for anxiety or depression.
There are some Internet addiction support groups on the Internet. However, these should be used with caution. Although they may be helpful in orienting you and pointing you in the right direction, you need real life people to best benefit from group support.
Helping a child or teen with an Internet addiction
It’s a fine line as a parent. If you severely limit a child or teen’s Internet use, they might rebel and go to excess. But you can and should model appropriate computer use, supervise computer activity and get your child help if he or she needs it. If your child or teen is showing signs of Internet addiction, there are many things that you as a parent can do to help:
- Encourage other interests and social activities. Get your child out from behind the computer screen. Expose kids to other hobbies and activities, such as team sports, Boy or Girl Scouts, and afterschool clubs.
- Monitor computer use and set clear limits. Make sure the computer is in a common area of the house where you can keep an eye on your child's online activity, and limit time online, waiting until homework and chores are done. This will be most effective if you as parents follow suit. If you can’t stay offline, chances are your children won’t either.
- Talk to your child about underlying issues. Compulsive computer use can be the sign of deeper problems. Is your child having problems fitting in? Has there been a recent major change, like a move or divorce, which is causing stress? Don’t be afraid to seek professional counseling if you are concerned about your child.
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...And why is this even here?
EDIT:
Talking about computer addiction in a computer oriented section of SGF.
Obvious trolls are obvious.
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I agree I'm a computer addict.
I don't think it's trolling 7484
Rather I feel Ts made a good point, giving advise to people who need are addicted but do not know what to do. Chll