Internet Addiction

I'm struggling with internet addict and distraction too much again... sometimes I feel like I'd just be better off breaking my smart phone and going without it.

Anyways, I'm strongly considering going to bed early and then trying to stay 100% off my phone for a couple of days...

Seems like I can sometimes control not starting it in the mornings, but after I start, I can't stop for the rest of the day... like eating chips, I can control not eating the first one, but once I start, a lot of them will be eaten lol

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

Graylight · 51-55, F

Bear with me and see if this makes sense to you. Right now, Internet isn't recognized as an addiction because there's no measurable physical consequence from it. It simply doesn't meet the qualifications for an actual addiction. Yet.

And this is the difference for professionals between behavioral and chemical dependencies. Many feel that a behavioral problem doesn't represent the problem itself but rather is a symptom that points to an underlying issue. Sometimes relational, sometimes anxiety-based, etc. So maybe if you're looking to curb your internet time it's worth looking into why your seek refuge there.

And now I'm going to ask something of you that you don't have to do. I'd love to hear in your words how this issue affects your every day life, relationships, work, anything you want to share. I'm interested in the way it makes you feel. To be online, to be offline, to think about it. Anything you can think of. Self-report is how we learn and more research needs to be done. If you can lend your perspective, it all adds up to a comprehensive picture. Fell free to DM if you ever choose to. And thanks.

In the meantime, the most important word I read: "Struggling." This implies awareness, at least a rudimentary plan and the will to fight. If you've got that, you've got this.