Internet "addiction"

Get a life. I mean this in a serious way.

 

I usually have a thirst for knowledge, and can spend lots of time looking up info or reading newspapers, magazines etc.

 

The internet makes it so much cheaper and easier.

Get a hobby like photography, hiking, water skiing, etc that gets you out of the house and into the world.

 

I guess living in the big apple could make that hard. Nevertheless you do have options.

 

If you're a generally very sociable person in life, then this is fine.

But if you're an introvert in life and Mr Popular or Mr Nice Guy on the internets,

then you have a problem.

 

 

Go outside, take up some hobbies.

Tomorrow, I'm heading out on a road trip. Lots of photography, I'll visit several interesting places, then spend a few days with my family. I don't know if I'll get online, but no big deal if I don't.

Also, get a pet. There are many at the shelter who need a home and love. Mai Tai (the cat) is awfully good at reminding me to put away the electronics. A girlfriend will do the same.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

This.

 

Listen to Uncle Erik.

There's lots of great stuff to photograph in NYC.

To be honest I think the "get a hobby" is an awefull idea in terms of a solution in of itself.  Though you do have to fill your time that you aren't spending on the internet otherwise I would think the 'addiction' would come back.  Many addictions cause anxiety when you don't perform certain actions (browsing the internet for instance and not being able to resist checking for hours probably means you have a form of OCD).  I would read up on such a disorder and se if you think it fits what you are describing.  As far as i'm concerned what you have written screams OCD to me.

 

I suggest trying to cut your time down and when you do fill the nigle of wanting to check, simply sit down do nothing and let for that fell of need to subside (anything you do including saying it s okay as I shgall check it later will nullify this process so try and avoid such traps).  You do want to do this in a graded way and it is not what you want to be doing forever, as eventually you should start doing what you enjoy whilst using the internet in a healthier fashion.

 

Like everything, health is also important.  That means eating healthy and exercise are a must to help avoid addictive and sloathe like behaviour.

 

Just my two cents, which largely assumes you have some form of anxiety disorder that has developed around your addiction of sorts.

Edited by Suntory_Times - 8/7/11 at 4:39am

Yep, Uncle Eric on point once again.

 

For years I find myself struggling on and off with the same thing. It's so easy to get drawn in.

 

Only one advice: be disciplined. You have to make an effort to not behave the way you do. I try to do only the things that ''must'' be done so there can't be any lingering. After that it's power off. I really know, easier said than done. Also, I think you should grant yourself some day(s) to behave like you have done as a gift to yourself.. Especially when you come from a situation like yours. I don't believe in being like this today and the opposite tomorrow. Gradually make some shift.

 

g0g0g0

Edited by moriez - 8/7/11 at 5:04am

I have to admit that Internet shopping can be addicting. I love it and it's a guilty pleasure. However, I mostly buy stuff that's actually useful. I rarely buy clothes though.  My addiction is Amazon and eBay. Those are the probably the 2 greatest sites for general merchandise. 

 

I read an opinion article somewhere that one of the dangers of an iPad for college students is that it can be distracting. Perhaps. Ya gotta love Angry Birds though.

You could sign up for the military... 

Sorry to hear about your addiction. I am too addicted to the Internet and I have to fight everyday to limit my time online; otherwise, it eats up all the time. Getting an IPad also did not help. It fueled m addiction. Everything today allows you one way or another to stay online. Your phone, your tablet, your laptop, etc. Facebook does not help. It sucks... None of this is necessary and our lives would be much better without. Less is definitely more.

Definitely less spam in my inbox w/o facebook. 

The internet is the devil, I too have somewhat of  an addiction. For me I keep my self off by either studying (most of the time) or going to the gym. Plus you wont get fat on that chair all day. :D

I have been on line from the early days when Compuserve was $60.00 an hour for 56K dial-up. Compuserve put the bill in your phone bill! Now I pay $10.00 a month.

 

 

 

Your time is priceless. There are many 12 step programs which allow you to change your life. The issue is you have to sick and tired of your behavior. The 12 step will be a little strange at first as you will hear people much like yourself. Sometimes they will be so much like you that you dislike them. Remember if you notice something in someone you own it too.

 

 

I have been to 12 step programs before when needed. The funny thing is not to even get sucked into the programs. I spent many, many nights at such a program. I guess I needed it. So in the end it is all about finding an even moderate life with joy.

 

There are also far worse things in life than to be addicted to than the web. Last time I read it still was not fatal. 

Edited by Redcarmoose - 8/7/11 at 7:54pm