Internet Addiction is a growing problem for much of today’s youth. In today’s world, it is common for people to spend 10+ hours a day online, with much of this time on non-work or school activities. In 2016, Common Sense Media found tweens and teens spend six to nine hours a day with media, not counting school work (Common Sense Media, 2016). If our children spend this much time online, what is this doing to their mental development? As someone who was an Internet Addict, I know full well how destructive and addictive the Internet can be.
What is Internet Addiction?
Internet Addiction occurs when a user’s life is disrupted by excessive online time. Like chemical addiction, behavioral addictions like Internet Addiction feel good, to the point the addict wants to spend most of their time online. As a result, real-life responsibilities fade, resulting in the deterioration of relationships. Unfortunately, the Internet addict justifies this time and does not often consider themselves addicted. Addictions such as Internet Addiction usually last for months and years, with the addict unaware of the damage they are doing to themselves.
Internet Addiction is personal to me, as I was an Internet Addict. I spent 10-16 hours daily playing an online game for six years. During this period, my grades in college were not as they should have been, and I had few real-life relationships. My life was a game. To me, Internet Addiction occurred because the game supplied Needs that were lacking in my real life. This is often the case for most Internet Addicts.
How Do I Treat Internet Addiction?
First, I work with the Client to determine the problem’s extent. I ask questions designed to help determine if an addiction exists, and sometimes I give assessments. Next, I work with clients to change their behaviors to reduce online time. During this process, I work to determine which Needs have not been met and find real-life alternatives. I have 14 years of experience treating children, adolescents, and adults who are addicted to games, social media, or any other online addiction.
While treating Internet Addiction, abstinence is not recommended. It is impossible to abstain from the Internet, as work, school, and social relationships are often online. Most of my Clients have tried to refrain from the Internet entirely, only to have failed, leading to feelings of failure and worthlessness. In therapy, I work to integrate access to the Internet in a more controlled manner. For children, this means access is given to the Internet by their parents and monitored by the parents at set times. This way, they can control the access and content while teaching their child how to manage their time online.
I also work to treat other conditions besides Internet Addiction, such as Autism, Social Anxiety, or Depression. Rarely have I seen a Client addicted to the Internet who does not have another condition. This other condition is often hidden, with the Client unaware. For example, many of my adolescent Clients have Social Anxiety, limiting their real-world interactions. They gravitate towards the Internet as it is an easier communication method and become addicted. Without resolving the Social Anxiety, they will relapse into the addiction or find a new addiction.
How Can You Determine If You Have A Problem?
First, ask yourself the following questions:
- Am I spending excessive amounts of time online?
- Am I neglecting work, school, or social obligations, to be online?
- Do I often think about what I will do online when not online?
- Are my relationships with my friends and family suffering because of my time online?
If you answered yes to three or more of these questions, you likely have a problem. You likely need a therapist to help, as the Internet can be just as addicting as drugs, and a therapist is likely needed.
How Can I Get Help?
If you are in the State of Texas, I can help you turn your life around with Teletherapy. I have afternoon and evening sessions available and am accepting new Clients. Understand Internet addiction is like any other addiction and will take time to overcome. To set up an initial session, Contact Me.
I recommend purchasing my books if you are outside Texas and still need help. I have developed a 30-day Guide that can help teach someone addicted to the Internet how to manage their time and control their addiction. The Book: Internet Addiction, Kicking the Habit: 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life is available on Amazon as an E-Book or Paperback. I have also created a book for parents with children addicted to electronics, Is Your Child Addicted to Electronics? 30 Days of Healing & Recovery for Your Child and Family is available on Amazon in E-Book and Paperback. Many of the therapeutic exercises I use in therapy are included in the books. I also recommend finding a therapist in your area that understands Internet Addiction. Contact Me if you need help in this search, and I will help you find a therapist.
