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Warning Signs And Self Help
Increasingly people are asking whether it is possible to be addicted to "Twitter" or "Facebook" or "Mx-it". Sadly it is possible and the same factors that contribute to other kinds of addiction are at work here. It is possible to “lose yourself’ in the social network sites and virtual friendships and connections take the place of face to face interactions. It is also possible to download any amount and type of sexual pornography or to encounter sexual predators on internet chat rooms. So there is reason to be concerned.

Warning Signs of a Possible Computer or cell-phone problem:
  • You have mixed feelings of well-being and guilt while at the computer/cell-phone.
  • You make unsuccessful efforts to quit or limit your computer/cell-phone use.
  • You lose track of time while on the internet.
  • You neglect friends, family and/or responsibilities in order to be online.
  • You find yourself lying to your boss and family about the amount of time spent on-line and what you do while on it.
  • You feel anxious, depressed, or irritable when your computer time is shortened or interrupted.
  • You use the computer or cell-phone repeatedly as an outlet when sad, upset, or for sexual gratification.
  • You develop problems in school or on the job as a result of the time spent and the type of activities accessed on the computer.
  • When you are not on the computer, you think about it frequently and anticipate when you will use it again.
Self-help steps to recovery:
  1. Recognize the problem. Keep a log of how much you use the Internet. Write down the date and the times you log on and off. Are there times of day that you use more? Is there something that happens at these times to trigger you to use longer than you intended?
  2. Set goals for when you can use the Internet. For example, you might try setting a timer for usage, scheduling use for certain times of day, or making a commitment to turn off the computer at the same time each night.
  3. Avoid the social network sites. Sign off from these and maintain social contacts via e-mail. Limit your non-work activities to research
  4. Replace your Internet usage with healthy activities. If you are bored and lonely, you will find it difficult to stay away. Plan to fill your time by being away from your computer. Try playing a sport, walking, jogging, visiting with friends for coffee.
  5. Identify any underlying problems. If you are struggling with depression or anxiety, consider therapy or treatment. If you previously had a problem with alcohol or drugs, consider returning to your 12 –step meetings.
  6. Increase your coping skills. If you have healthy alternatives to reduce stress and handle emotions and relationships, you are less likely to seek escape on the internet.
  7. Strengthen your support network. The more ‘real-life’ relationships you have, the less you will need to spend time on the internet. Consider the following options. Set aside time for your partner, family and friends. Try and join an interest group,( a sports club, gym, dance class or book club)