Whether or not you buy into the concept of excessive computer usage as a true addiction, there are warning signs to alert you to its possible dangers. Here are some things to look for if you think you or someone you love may be addicted to the allure of the computer and the Internet.
If you're concerned about someone near you, there are some things you can monitor for potential computer addiction. If you're concerned about children of teens, one of the strongest indicators would be falling grades and incomplete assignments. If it's an adult you're watching, a warning signal could be a decrease in performance in the workplace.
If it's yourself you're thinking about, there are a number of signs to watch for. For instance:
- Do you experience feelings of emptiness when you're not online?
- Do you ever wake up early or stay up later than you had intended because of being on your computer?
- Do you find yourself getting nervous and edgy when you haven't been able to check your email for several days?
- Do you take your laptop with you when you're going to be away from your desktop for any length of time, and do you find yourself feeling anxious if you can't find a place to plug it in?
- Do you have one or more people you've met online that you consider your best friends, even though you've never met? Do you find that you prefer their company to people you encounter physically in the "real world?"
All of these could be symptoms of various stages of computer addiction.
There are many people who find themselves hooked on computer games, as well. Here are some warning signs to look for:
- Do you find yourself more likely to play video games than interact with your friends and family?
- Has your amount of computer use caused friction in your family?
- Do you ever play computer games as a way to relax and escape from personal problems or anxieties?
- Have you ever had to lie about how much time you spend playing computer games by severely reducing the amount of time you actually play every day?
- Have you ever played so long that you've failed to get a scheduled task or assignment done on time?
If you've answered yes to more than one or two of the questions above, it may be time to reexamine your computer habits and usage and if you find that you may actually have a problem, to seek help. If you find that you've answered affirmatively to several questions, but still don't think you have a problem, it may be well for you to remember that denial is one of the classic symptoms of addiction.
Computers have been a boon to humankind, but there's no doubt that they can also be a tempting way to spend huge amounts of time…time that could be well used for far more productive things. Help is available, but you must first take an honest look at your computer usage and admit that you might have a problem before you get in deeper than you had ever planned.
Online Gaming Addiction
Jeanette Fisher helps home makers create homes for healing and happy living. In her research on happiness, she found that many people today suffer from depression and one big recent problem is computer addiction.
More information about Design Psychology Expert Jeanette Fisher
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Life Beyond Computer Addiction
