Addiction, bad habits, computer addiction

2. Computer addiction is a relatively new term used to
describe a dependency on one's computer. It is not
limited to personal computers, but covers video games
and the Internet as well.
Not all people who spend hours each day on the
computer are considered addicted, each individual
situation is different and therefore, there is no set
number of hours that is considered a potential for
computer addiction.

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Too much time spent online can cause a host
of emotional and physical problems, damage
personal relationships, and decrease
performance at school. Nevertheless, Internet
addiction is a growing issue. However, if you
are struggling with the problem, you can
overcome it by taking steps to limit your
Internet usage, filling your time with
alternative activities, and seeking support.

5. Develop a personal
inventory of things
Internet addiction is
keeping you from.
Make a list of activities
you used to enjoy or
need to take on but
can’t because of all of
the time you’ve been
spending online. This
isn’t meant to make
you feel bad, but
rather to provide
motivation for cutting
down on your Internet
usage.

6. Set goals for an
appropriate time.
Unlike some
addictions, total
abstinence may not be
the answer for
Internet addiction,
since the Internet is
used for so many
purposes in daily life.
However, you can and
should decide on an
appropriate amount of
time to set aside for
personal Internet
usage.

7. Make a new schedule.
If Internet usage is taking
up too much of your time,
you can block the
problem by filling your
schedule with alternative
activities. Disrupting your
schedule with neutral
activities can break the
habit. For example, if you
find yourself compulsively
browsing online at home
every evening, change
your schedule so that
during that time you do
an activity that will keep
you away from your
computer.

8. Use external
stoppers.
Having someone or
something
interrupt your
Internet use can be
very effective.
Since the stopper is
external, it will take
some of the
pressure off of you,
and it can also lead
you to fill your time
with alternative
activities.

9. Set priorities
Internet addiction
can be curtailed if
online activities are
put in perspective in
comparison with the
rest of your life.
Make a list of all the
offline things you
want to or need to
do, and rank them in
importance relative
to time spend online.

10. Exercise.
Getting
enough exercise it has
many benefits.
Regular exercise can
help keep you
healthy, boost your
mood, make you more
self-confident, sleep
better, and much
more. If you are
struggling with
Internet addiction,
exercise will also serve
as a good alternative
use of your time.

11. Find a support group.
Awareness of Internet
addiction is growing, and
there are now sources for
help in many locations.
Support groups for Internet
addicts can provide an
understanding community,
strategies for successfully
overcoming your problem,
and information about
additional sources of help.
Check with a local
community center or ask a
trusted person, such as a
family member or doctor, to
help you find a support
group in your area.