How often do you check your email, RSS feeds, Facebook, Twitter and other similar websites? Is it difficult for you to step away from the computer or put your mobile phone aside?
It is hard to resist the temptation: the internet is always available and provides endless links and information on music, videos and other forms of entertainment. Children in Europe start using the internet on average at the age of 7. By the time they are 15-16, almost three quarters of young people are online every day, while 30% of young people aged 11 to 16 have experienced symptoms related to excessive internet use.
While doctors and researchers are still studying the problem, they believe it is similar to other addictions: the irresistible desire to “get high” – to post another profile update or advance to the next level of a game – and the sense of euphoria that addicted users experience reinforces this behavior.
Did you know this?
The average European aged 15-16 spends an average of 2 hours online per day.
A healthy balance
It is important to maintain a healthy balance. Internet addicts spend endless hours on the computer, neglecting real-life relationships and even basic needs such as cleanliness, food and sleep. Physical symptoms of addiction can include withdrawal, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, dry eyes, migraines and sleep disturbances.
Get help
If you feel that you are suffering from excessive internet use, it would help to confide in someone you trust: a person who exists in real life, not someone you only know online! This person could be your parent, your teacher, your doctor or even your older sibling. You can also contact the Safer Internet Center’s free Helpline 70 000 116.
There are also things you can do to help yourself, such as moving your computer from your bedroom to the living room. This way, you will no longer be alone with the computer, but there will be others around you who can observe how much time you spend online.
There are software available that can limit your internet use. You can also try to find another outlet for your interests. For example, if you spend a lot of time online playing role-playing games, why not try reading a novel or joining a drama group?
Are you worried that you are spending too much time online?
Here are some things to ask yourself:
- Are you neglecting your studies to go online?
- Do you stay up late online?
- Do you continue to be online even when you lose interest?
- Have you lost touch with your friends in the real world because you prefer to be online?
- Do you feel angry, frustrated, or irritable when you're not at your computer?
- Are you secretive about the time you spend online and lie when asked about it?
When the game stops being so fun
Online games can sometimes be very addictive and you want to win or advance to the next level. It is possible to become addicted to online games, so try to limit the time you spend on the computer… and remember, it is just a game!
