Internet is definitely helpful in many ways be it getting information for your work, or related to your doubts about number of things like health, education, home, business, remedies, recipes, jobs, consultation, shopping, buying, selling, playing games, video calling, watching movies, plays the list is endless just about anything, every little information is available on the internet. So, there is no doubt that you can get addicted to the internet, in fact, you may totally depend on the internet to solve every little doubt you may have and want a solution for the same.
In a way, your work gets done within no time. Don’t you think getting hooked to internet throughout the day can interfere with your normal life like you may not be spending as much time with your family, kids, at work or school, or college or not socializing because you think it is better to browse the internet for hours together instead of going out and involving yourself in other activities.
Remember when you are constantly checking internet day in and day out whether it’s for online shopping or playing games or browsing for the information you may be suffering from “Internet Addiction Disorder.” This has become a common disorder to affect millions of people around the world.
Symptoms of internet addiction
These are some of the following symptoms of internet addiction.
- isolation
- fear
- anxiety
- depression
- guilty
- withdrawal
- failure to prioritize
- mood swings
- loneliness
- a headache
- insomnia
- a backache
- weight gain/loss
- loss of appetite
- overeating
- neck pain
- poor eating habits
- not interested in other activities
Reasons for internet addiction
- One of the top reasons for internet addition according to studies is negative effects on the pleasure part in the center of the brain when you are constantly addicted to something it triggers a release of neurotransmitter dopamine which is known as pleasure chemical. Now in case of internet addiction disorder, your pleasure addiction is browsing internet constantly, which needs a continuous boost as it gives you immense pleasure and that leads to the release of an excess of dopamine that keeps you hooked to the internet.
- Another reason for internet addiction according to studies is due to changing brain structure which particularly affects the amount of grey and white matter present in the prefrontal brain – which is responsible for planning, focus, attention and prioritizing activities. If you are suffering from internet disorder you are prioritizing browsing internet over other work. You are giving importance to the internet over any other activities.
- The variable reinforcement effects of Internet addiction is another cause of this behavior. There is a theory called VRRS -which is variable Ratio Reinforcement Schedule, which says you might be addicted to internet activities because you think it gives you a chance to win a number of rewards. Like there are games in which you excel you may be getting some rewards or gift hampers, then there is facebook on which you can post your achievements, boots about your wealth, appearance, influence and you may get appreciation from many people from your friends circles, family, you may also find partners on your facebook who might constantly shower praises about your looks, the way you carry yourself or about your work all these are definitely flattering and you are bound to be engaged in internet for you are getting immense high by reading the good comments.
- Sometimes if you are mentally weak suffering from anxiety, depression or extreme stress you turn to the internet for relieving yourself from the pressures that life offers you. This could be a strong reason for you to get addicted to the internet. You may also find some people who are going through same situations like you are and that makes it even more valid reason for you to constantly engage yourself in internet conversations which will keep you occupied throughout the day that can be damaging for your mind and body.
Conclusion –These are some of the signs of internet addiction which needs to be tackled carefully and not ignored. If you are not able to get yourself out of internet addiction take professional help to fix your problem.