What is it?
Dependence on the Internet is a modern deviation in a person's mental state. Dependence in general is not so little - there is dependence on tobacco, drugs, alcohol, gambling. Now there is dependence on the Web. Why the Internet has so captured people, not many know.
One of the reasons is a sense of security. On the web, we have the ability to communicate and receive information anonymously. It's not worth it to come up with a virtual character and its history to be believed in. This is a real rescue for shy people who in real life have difficulty coming into contact. Secondly, it is an opportunity to realize your own fantasies without effort. If a person dreamed of being beautiful and successful, then he should not describe himself as such, conduct a conversation, as if all dreams had already come true and reality is no different from virtuality, which gives the illusion of happiness. Thirdly, with the help of the Internet, a person has the opportunity to access a variety of information, constantly learning something new.
On the dependence on the Internet it makes sense to talk when the Network interferes with mental or physical health, affects relationships with loved ones, hinders work.
Symptoms
Calculating a person who is dependent on the Internet is not so easy. In our time, almost everyone uses the Network - adults and children. For work or for fun, we spend a lot of time on the web, which sometimes changes ten hours a day. But the time spent on the Internet is not an indicator of mental health, as sometimes it is a necessity, but a person easily refuses to use the Network when there is no need for it.
The first and most important symptom by which a dependent person can be identified is a lie. A person can lie about the amount of time he spends online, about the purposes of his being on the web, about the sites he visits. As a rule, this means that the problem already exists. If you suspect that one of your relatives has dependence on the Internet, watch him. A dependent person experiences a depressed emotional state and discomfort when he is forced to abstain from the Internet for a long time. When he gets to the computer, the contrast in the mood is noticeable at once - the person becomes joyful.
When the problem grows, difficulties begin with real communication. Since the virtual reality of a person to spend a huge amount of time, effort and attention, then sooner or later it will cause trouble in the family, at work or in school. At such moments, people usually start to sound the alarm, but whether it is necessary to say that the situation has almost got out of control.
During the examination, the doctor can detect chronic dryness of the eye mucosa, diseases of the joints and ligaments of the hands, headaches, sleep disorders, digestive problems. And this is only a minimal list of troubles that may arise due to dependence on the virtual world.
Treatment
Dependence on the Internet, like any other, can not be easily treated. The more difficult it is to cure without the patient's desire. The best choice will be a timely appeal to a therapist who will help solve the problem quickly and effectively. But people think about this only in the event that they do not manage on their own, but time is often already lost.
However, something you can do for yourself or your loved ones yourself. First, you need to limit the time spent on the network. Do not abruptly abandon the virtual reality, it is better to allow yourself access to the network for a short time several times a day.
Then, analyze which sites you visit most often and for what purpose. Those sites that do not carry any practical benefit to your life, should be removed from the list of bookmarks.
Look for interesting things around you. In addition to virtual friends, look at the real ones, perhaps they are already desperate to bring you back to real life. And if you do not have friends, then you should try to get them. In such moments, it is good to attend a master class or training aimed at developing communication skills. This will help to adapt quickly to reality.
Set yourself tough goals that you need to achieve in your personal life or at work. Perhaps you have a long delayed repair and an important report. Take care of these things, but do not think about virtual problems.
Of course, not everyone can get rid of dependence on the Internet independently. This can only be for people with a very strong will and character, however, and they are not immune from breakdowns. Therefore, it is better to combine one's own efforts with the help of relatives and specialists. Over time, you will learn how to properly treat the virtual world, it can bring you benefits, not problems.