Computer addiction

Computer

addiction

 

I. Tsyupyak & T. Kleban

I. Tsyupyak & T. Kleban

Acquaintance

 

I. Tsyupyak & T. Kleban

I. Tsyupyak & T. Kleban

 

Computer for me is…

Rules of work

 

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Your expectations

 

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Addiction is…

 

I. Tsyupyak & T. Kleban

I. Tsyupyak & T. Kleban

 

Computer    addiction

I. Tsyupyak & T. Kleban

 

 

 

Computer    addiction

 

The Internet provides a constant, ever-changing source of information and entertainment, and can be accessed from most smart phones as well as tablets, laptops, and computers. Email, blogs, social networks, and message boards allow for both public and anonymous communication about any topic. But how much is too much          Internet usage?

Signs and symptoms

 

Signs and symptoms of Internet addiction vary from person to person. For example, there are no set hours per day or number of messages sent that indicate Internet addiction. But here are some general warning signs that your Internet use may have become a problem:

Losing track of time online

Having trouble completing tasks at work or home. 

Isolation from family and friends. 

Feeling guilty or defensive about your Internet use. 

 

 

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The Black death of the 21-st century

 

Where does this global problem come from and why it is called the Black death of the 21-st century?

 

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I. Tsyupyak & T. Kleban

 

Types of Internet addicted people:

 

There are several types of Internet addicted people:

 Web serfers

 Gamers

 Cyber-Relationship Addiction

 

 

Web serfers:

 

compulsive web surfing or database searching, leading to lower work productivity and less social interaction with family and friends.

 

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Gamers:

 

such as compulsive online gaming, gambling, stock trading, or compulsive use of online auction sites such as eBay, often resulting in financial and job-related problems. 

 

 

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Cyber-Relationship Addiction 

 

addiction to social networking, chat rooms, and messaging to the point where virtual, online friends become more important than real-life relationships with family and friends.

 

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Why do people become internet addicted?

 

    Risk factors for Internet addiction and computer addiction

    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.

    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 stress, isolation and loneliness.

    You have any other addictions. Many Internet addicts suffer from other addictions, such as drugs, alcohol, gambling.

 

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Why do people become internet addicted?

 

    You lack social support. Internet addicts often use social networking sites, instant messaging, or online gaming as a safe way of establishing new relationships and more confidently relating to others.

    You’re an unhappy teenager. You might be wondering where you fit in and the Internet could feel more comfortable than real-life friends.

    You are less mobile or socially active than you once were. For example, you may be coping with a new disability that limits your ability to drive. Or you may be parenting very young children, which can make it hard to leave the house or connect with old friends.

    You are stressed. While some people use the Internet to relieve stress, it can have a counterproductive effect. The longer you spend online, the higher your stress levels will be.

 

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Signs and symptoms of Internet addiction or computer addiction

 

    Losing track of time online. Do you frequently find yourself on the Internet longer than you intended? Does a few minutes turn in to a few hours? Do you get irritated or cranky if your online time is interrupted?

    Having trouble completing tasks at work or home. Do you find laundry piling up and little food in the house for dinner because you’ve been busy online? Perhaps you find yourself working late more often because you can’t complete your work on time — then staying even longer when everyone else has gone home so you can use the Internet freely.

 

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Signs and symptoms of Internet addiction or computer addiction

 

    Isolation from family and friends. Is your social life suffering because of all the time you spend online? Are you neglecting your family and friends? Do you feel like no one in your “real” life — even your spouse — understands you like your online friends?

   Feeling guilty or defensive about your Internet use. Are you sick of your spouse nagging you to get off the computer and spend time together? Do you hide your Internet use or lie to your boss and family about the amount of time you spend on the computer and what you do while you're online?

   Feeling a sense of euphoria while involved in Internet activities. Do you use the Internet as an outlet when stressed, sad, or for sexual gratification or excitement? Have you tried to limit your Internet time but failed?

 

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Tips for dealing with Internet addiction:

 

    Ask yourself, “What am I missing out on when I spend so much time on the Internet?” Write down these activities and decrease your Internet time to pursue some of them.

Set reasonable Internet use goals and stick to them. Take frequent breaks, at least 5 minutes each hour, and do some other activity.

   Alter your routine to break your usage patterns. If you spend evenings on the Internet, start limiting your use to mornings.

   Seek out friends and acquaintances who “couldn’t care less” about the Internet. Take time to appreciate the fact that all life is not yet online.

 

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Tips for dealing with Internet addiction:

 

    Stay connected to the offline world. Visit newsstands, book and music stores, and participate in entertainment such as museums, music, and live theater. Novels and poetry readings are hard to experience online.

   Treat the Internet as a tool. Stay focused on the fact that the Internet is a means to an end. Plan your strategy—whether you’re looking for information or entertainment—with the end in mind and you’ll save valuable time.

 

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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 should monitor 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 things that you can do to help:

   Encourage other interests and social activities. 

   Monitor computer use and set clear limits. 

   Talk to your child about underlying issues.

   Get help. 

 

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Conclusion:

 

   Each person’s Internet use is different. You might need to use the Internet extensively for your work, for example, or you might rely heavily on social networking sites to keep in touch with faraway family and friends. Spending a lot of time online only becomes a problem when it absorbs too much of your time, causing you to neglect your relationships, your work, school, or other important things in your life. If you keep repeating compulsive Internet behavior despite the negative consequences in your offline life, then it’s time to strike a new balance.

 

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Conclusion:

 

   You have the only one life and don’t create the world of illusion to be happy. Built your happiness here and now and let the internet  help you.

 

I. Tsyupyak & T. Kleban

I. Tsyupyak & T. Kleban

 

How do you think?

 

1. What are the risk factors for Internet addiction and computer addiction?
2. What are the signs and symptoms of Internet addiction?
3. What kinds of addiction can you name?

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What can we do?

Internet Addiction Test

 

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 Internet Addiction Test (IAT) is a reliable and valid measure of addictive use of Internet, developed by Dr. Kimberly Young. It consists of 20 items that measures mild, moderate and severe level of Internet Addiction.

 

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 To begin, answer the following questions by using this scale:-

 

 

1 - Does not apply

2 - Rarely

3- Occasionally

4 - Often

5 - Always

 

 

 

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 How often do you find that you stay on-line longer than you intended?

 

  1 - Does not apply

2 - Rarely

3 - Occasionally

4 - Often

5. - Always

 

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How often do you neglect household chores to spend more time on-line?

 

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  1 - Does not apply

2 - Rarely

3 - Occasionally

4 - Often

5. - Always

  
How often do you prefer the excitement of the Internet to spending time with your friend?  

 

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  1 - Does not apply

2 - Rarely

3 - Occasionally

4 - Often

5. - Always

  
How often do you form new relationships with fellow  
on-line users?

 

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  1 - Does not apply

2 - Rarely

3 - Occasionally

4 - Often

5. - Always

  
How often do others in your life complain to you about the amount of time you spend  
on-line?

 

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  1 - Does not apply

2 - Rarely

3 - Occasionally

4 - Often

5. - Always

  
How often do your grades or school work suffers because of the amount of time you spend on-line?

 

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  1 - Does not apply

2 - Rarely

3 - Occasionally

4 - Often

5. - Always

  
How often do you check your email before something else that you need to do?

 

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  1 - Does not apply

2 - Rarely

3 - Occasionally

4 - Often

5. - Always

  
How often does your job performance or productivity suffer because of the Internet?

 

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  1 - Does not apply

2 - Rarely

3 - Occasionally

4 - Often

5. - Always

  
How often do you become defensive or secretive when anyone asks you what you do on-line?

 

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  1 - Does not apply

2 - Rarely

3 - Occasionally

4 - Often

5. - Always

  
How often do you block out disturbing thoughts about your life with soothing thoughts of the Internet?

 

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  1 - Does not apply

2 - Rarely

3 - Occasionally

4 - Often

5. - Always

  
How often do you find yourself anticipating when you will go on-line again?

 

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  1 - Does not apply

2 - Rarely

3 - Occasionally

4 - Often

5. - Always

  
How often do you fear that life without the Internet would be boring, empty, and joyless?

 

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  1 - Does not apply

2 - Rarely

3 - Occasionally

4 - Often

5. - Always

  
How often do you snap, yell, or act annoyed if someone bothers you while you are on-line?

 

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  1 - Does not apply

2 - Rarely

3 - Occasionally

4 - Often

5. - Always

  
How often do you lose sleep due to late-night log-ins?

 

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  1 - Does not apply

2 - Rarely

3 - Occasionally

4 - Often

5. - Always

  
How often do you feel preoccupied with the Internet when off-line, or fantasize about being on-line?

 

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  1 - Does not apply

2 - Rarely

3 - Occasionally

4 - Often

5. - Always

  
How often do you find yourself saying “just a few more minutes” when on-line?

 

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  1 - Does not apply

2 - Rarely

3 - Occasionally

4 - Often

5. - Always

  
How often do you try to cut down the amount of time you spend on-line and fail?

 

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  1 - Does not apply

2 - Rarely

3 - Occasionally

4 - Often

5. - Always

How often do you try to hide how long you’ve been on-line?

 

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  1 - Does not apply

2 - Rarely

3 - Occasionally

4 - Often

5. - Always

How often do you choose to spend more time on-line over going out with others?

 

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  1 - Does not apply

2 - Rarely

3 - Occasionally

4 - Often

5. - Always

How often do you feel depressed, moody or nervous when you are off-line, which goes away once you are  
back on-line?

 

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  1 - Does not apply

2 - Rarely

3 - Occasionally

4 - Often

5. - Always

 

20 – 49 points:

 You are an average on-line user. You may surf the Web a bit too long at times, but you have control over your usage.

 

 

 

Total up the scores for each item.

The higher your score, the greater level of addiction is.

 

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50 – 79 points:

 

 You are experiencing occasional or frequent problems because of the Internet. You should consider their full impact on your life.

 

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80 – 100 points:

 

 Your Internet usage is causing significant problems in your life. You should elevate the impact of the Internet on your life and address the problems directly caused by you Internet usage.

 

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I. Tsyupyak & T. Kleban

 

She totally forgets and ignores her 3 children, talking on chat is far more Important. She has had her children placed in different facilities for their protection. Her only friends anymore is on line, it is her world. We need to get help for her, but don't know where to turn. We live in a small town in northwestern Montana. Any help is appreciated. Please send responses to. moonshadow@Interbel.net