About the internet

A worldwide computer network that provides a variety of information and communication services.

Addiction to the internet, 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 the internet addiction?

There is no diagnosis of internet addiction in the DSM-5.

So what means “the internet addiction”?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it is still a relatively new phenomenon and therefore there is no diagnostic criteria for it as there is for other addiction disorders. However, broadly speaking, internet addiction can be defined as a problematic use of online technology that leads to significant impairment in an individual’s ability to function in various life domains, such as work, school, or personal relationships. While there is no agreed-upon cutoff for what constitutes problematic internet use, it is generally considered to be a maladaptive coping mechanism that is used to escape from negative emotions or to avoid real-life problems.

What is considered the internet addiction?

• 1. Preoccupation with internet activities to the point where it interferes with daily life.
• 2. Withdrawal symptoms when not using the internet, including irritability, restlessness, and anxiety.
• 3. Build up of a tolerance to internet activities, needing more time online to achieve the same level of satisfaction.
• 4. Use of the internet as a way to escape from reality, such as using it as a means to avoid dealing with problems or emotions.
• 5. Neglecting important real-life activities in favor of time spent online.
• 6. Lying to family and friends about the amount of time spent online.
• 7. Jeopardizing or losing important relationships due to excessive internet use.
• 8. Losing a job or experiencing significant financial problems as a result of internet addiction.

How much the internet is too much?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the individual. Some people can spend hours on the internet without any negative effects, while others may start to experience problems after only a few minutes. It is important to be aware of how you feel after spending time on the internet, and to take breaks if you begin to feel overwhelmed or anxious. If you find that you are unable to control your internet use or it is impacting your life in a negative way, it may be time to seek help from a professional.

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 the internet addiction widespread?

Yes, there are a lot of people who are addicted to the internet. It is estimated that around 6-10% of internet users are addicted to the internet, and this number is increasing every year. Internet addiction can have negative effects on a person’s physical and mental health, relationships, and productivity. It is important to use the internet in a balanced way and seek help if you feel that you are becoming addicted.

Why is the internet so addictive?

The internet is so addictive because it is a constant source of information and entertainment. There is always something new to see or do, and it is easy to get lost in the endless possibilities. It can be hard to resist the urge to check your favorite websites or social media feeds when you have a few spare minutes.

Possible causes of the internet dependency

There is no one answer to this question as internet addiction can be caused by a variety of factors. Some possible causes of internet addiction include:

-Boredom
-Loneliness
-Depression
-Anxiety
-Stress
-Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
-Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Signs & Symptoms of the internet addiction

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

• 1. You spend more time online than offline.
• 2. You would rather be online than doing anything else.
• 3. You get anxious or irritable when you can’t be online.
• 4. You neglect your offline relationships because of your online ones.
• 5. You lie to others about how much time you spend online.
• 6. You use the internet as a way to escape from your problems.
• 7. You have trouble focusing on anything that isn’t online.

What are some benefits of the internet

The internet is great because it provides people with a lot of information and resources. It also allows people to connect with each other easily.But at the opposite, what can be some the internet addiction problems addicts suffer from?

general health problems

The internet can have a number of effects on your health, both positive and negative. On the positive side, the internet can provide you with access to a wealth of medical information that can help you to better understand your health condition and make informed decisions about your care.

Additionally, the internet can be a great resource for finding support groups and other people who are dealing with similar health issues.

On the negative side, the internet can also be a source of misinformation and can lead to anxiety and stress.

Additionally, spending too much time online can lead to social isolation and can have a negative impact on your sleep.

the internet and sleep disorder

Yes, the overuse of the internet, particularly before bedtime, can contribute to sleep disorders and problems. The blue light emitted by electronic devices, such as smartphones and computers, can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Without adequate levels of melatonin, it can be difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Additionally, the constant stimulation and engagement with online content can interfere with relaxation and promote anxiety, further disrupting sleep. It is recommended to limit internet use before bedtime to promote healthy sleep habits.

the internet affecting your brain & mental health: bad for brain and mental health?

Some effects of the internet on your brain

• 1. The internet can cause you to become addicted to it.
• 2. The internet can cause you to become isolated from real-life social interaction.
• 3. The internet can cause you to become obsessed with certain topics or ideas.
• 4. The internet can cause you to develop anxiety or depression.
• 5. The internet can cause you to have trouble sleeping.

Some effects of the internet on your mental health

The internet provides an endless amount of information and content, which can be overwhelming for some people. Too much time spent online can lead to isolation from real-life social interaction, which can impact mental health.

Additionally, the internet can be a breeding ground for negative comparison, as people are constantly exposed to the highlight reels of others’ lives. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

Additionally, cyberbullying is a real problem, and can cause a great deal of emotional distress.

Does the internet cause stress and anxiety?

Yes, the internet can cause stress or anxiety in some people. This can be due to several reasons, such as:

• 1. Information overload: With the vast amount of information available on the internet, it can be overwhelming for some people to process and filter through it all.
• 2. Cyberbullying: Online harassment or bullying can be a source of stress and anxiety for many people.
• 3. Fear of missing out (FOMO): Social media platforms can create a sense of anxiety and pressure to constantly stay connected and up-to-date on what others are doing.
• 4. Online addiction: Spending excessive amounts of time online can lead to addiction and feelings of anxiety or stress when not able to access the internet.
• 5. Online security concerns: Worries about online privacy and security can also cause stress and anxiety for some people.

Can the internet addiction lead to sadness and depression?

Yes, internet addiction can lead to sadness and depression. Excessive use of the internet can lead to social isolation, which can cause feelings of loneliness and sadness.

Additionally, individuals who spend significant amounts of time online may neglect important aspects of their life, such as work or relationships, which can lead to feelings of guilt or helplessness. Internet addiction can also disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and mood disturbances. Overall, internet addiction can have a negative impact on mental health and contribute to the development of depression.

Dopamine and the internet

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in motivation, pleasure, and reward. It is often referred to as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter because it is released in response to pleasurable experiences such as eating, sex, and socializing.

The internet can also trigger the release of dopamine in the brain. This can happen when we receive positive feedback on social media, find something interesting or entertaining, or achieve a goal such as completing a task or winning a game online.

However, excessive use of the internet and social media can lead to a constant need for dopamine hits. This can result in addiction-like behavior, where individuals become dependent on the internet to feel good and may experience negative consequences such as neglecting responsibilities, social isolation, and poor mental health.

Therefore, it is important to be mindful of our internet use and to seek help if we feel that it is becoming problematic.

the internet effects on Focus, productivity, attention span, academic performance…

Yes, the internet can have both positive and negative effects on focus, productivity, attention span, and academic performance.

Positive effects:
– The internet can provide access to vast amounts of information, making research and learning easier.
– E-learning platforms can provide a flexible way of learning, allowing individuals to learn at their own pace and time.
– Online tools such as task managers, calendars, and productivity apps can help individuals stay organized and on track.

Negative effects:
– The internet can be a source of distraction, with social media, entertainment, and email notifications competing for attention.
– Multi-tasking on the internet can lead to a decrease in productivity and attention span.
– Information overload can make it difficult to focus on important tasks and can lead to cognitive overload.
– The internet can also be a source of misinformation, leading to inaccurate information and poor academic performance.

Overall, it is important to use the internet in a balanced and mindful manner, focusing on the positive benefits while minimizing the negative effects.

A word about ADHD and the internet

Yes, people with ADHD may interact differently with the internet compared to those without ADHD. Some possible ways in which ADHD can affect internet use include:

• 1. Distraction: People with ADHD may find it difficult to focus on one task for an extended period of time. This can make it challenging to stay on task while using the internet, as there are many distractions such as social media notifications, advertisements, and hyperlinks that can pull attention away from the intended task.
• 2. Hyperfocus: On the other hand, some people with ADHD may experience hyperfocus, which is a state of intense concentration on a particular task or activity. This can lead to spending hours on the internet without realizing how much time has passed.
• 3. Impulsivity: Impulsivity is a common symptom of ADHD, and it can lead to impulsive behavior while using the internet such as clicking on links without considering the consequences or making impulsive purchases.
• 4. Multitasking: People with ADHD may also be more likely to engage in multitasking while using the internet, such as browsing multiple websites or apps simultaneously. While this may seem like a way to be more efficient, it can actually make it harder to focus and complete tasks.

Overall, the way in which ADHD affects internet use can vary depending on the individual and their specific symptoms. However, it is important for individuals with ADHD to be aware of how their symptoms may impact their internet use and to develop strategies to manage these challenges.

affecting your relationships

the internet and self-esteem

The internet can have both positive and negative effects on self-esteem. On one hand, social media platforms and online communities can provide individuals with a sense of belonging and validation, leading to an increase in self-esteem. On the other hand, exposure to unrealistic beauty standards, cyberbullying, and social comparison can lead to negative self-image and decreased self-esteem.

Social media platforms often present a curated version of people’s lives, highlighting their best moments and achievements. This can create a feeling of inadequacy in individuals who compare themselves to others and feel like they fall short.

Additionally, cyberbullying and online harassment can have a significant impact on self-esteem, causing feelings of shame, embarrassment, and worthlessness.

However, the internet also provides opportunities for individuals to connect with like-minded people and build supportive communities. This can lead to increased self-esteem and a sense of belonging.

Additionally, the internet provides access to resources and information that can help individuals improve their skills and knowledge, leading to increased confidence and self-esteem.

Overall, the internet’s impact on self-esteem is complex and depends on the individual’s usage and experiences. It is important to approach the internet with a critical eye and prioritize self-care and self-compassion in online interactions.

the internet addiction leads to isolation and loneliness?

Yes, internet addiction can lead to isolation and loneliness. People who spend excessive amounts of time on the internet may neglect their relationships with friends and family, reducing their social interactions and leading to feelings of isolation. They may also become overly reliant on online interactions and feel disconnected from the real world. Furthermore, internet addiction can lead to a decrease in physical activity and face-to-face communication, which can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

Effects of the internet on your relationship

Positive effects:

• 1. Communication: The internet has made communication easier and faster. Couples in long-distance relationships can stay connected through video chats, messaging apps, and social media platforms.
• 2. Sharing interests: The internet provides opportunities to share interests and hobbies with your partner. Couples can bond over common interests and explore new ones together.
• 3. Access to resources: The internet provides access to a wealth of information and resources that can help couples navigate challenges in their relationship. This includes online counseling and therapy, relationship advice columns, and self-help resources.
• 4. Strengthening trust: The internet provides opportunities for couples to build trust and transparency in their relationship. Sharing passwords and online activity can help build trust and create a sense of openness.

Negative effects:

• 1. Digital infidelity: The internet has made it easier for individuals to engage in emotional affairs or online cheating. Social media platforms and dating apps can provide opportunities for individuals to seek out connections outside of their relationship.
• 2. Addiction: Excessive use of the internet can lead to addiction, which can negatively impact relationships. Partner neglect and decreased intimacy can result from excessive internet use.
• 3. Miscommunication: Miscommunication can occur when couples rely too heavily on digital communication. Misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and lack of tone and context can lead to conflicts in the relationship.
• 4. Comparison and jealousy: Social media platforms can create a sense of comparison and jealousy in relationships. Seeing others’ highlight reels can create unrealistic expectations and dissatisfaction in the relationship.

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

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

Main steps and solutions to break the the internet addiction

The main steps to get rid of the internet addiction are to set limits on your time online, find alternative activities to do, and to get help from a professional if you feel you need it.
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 the internet:

1. Purge temptations: Get rid of the internet

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