Unfortunately, we as a world, are living in an era of internet addiction. And the compulsion to stay stuck to the mobile screens, laptops, and desktops has become so much a part of our lives, that now it doesn’t even count as an addiction for most of us. The truth is if one is unable to voluntarily stop himself from checking the phone or going online all the time, then he is suffering from internet addiction. Internet addiction has many other names such as Internet Addiction Disorder, Problematic Internet Disorder, or Compulsive Internet Use.

Causes
The causes of internet addiction are both obvious and subtle. First of all, the pleasures one receives from browsing the internet, logging on social media etc are quite similar to any other kind of addiction like substance abuse, gambling, alcohol etc. This pleasure/reward-seeking creates a loop and the addict cannot help but look at the screen time and again. Another major reason is that every single thing or service is available on the internet, regardless of what time of the day it is, which includes shopping online, playing games, watching movies, making friends, learning something, booking tickets and many other important and unimportant things.

Effects
Internet addiction has serious effects on our body, mind, and personal lives. Surprisingly, the internet addiction disorder does the same to the wiring of our neurons as is caused by any other addiction to drug or alcohol. Our thought process becomes blurred, decision-making and priorities are hampered. Nothing seems important when compared to staying online. The social damages caused include confinement of virtual relationships with friends and family. Faceless conversations are taking over our lives. Going out for a walk to the nearby local grocery stores has become a thing of past. This means sticking to the chair for a longer time, with no physical activity and no fresh air, leading to weight gain and depression. Other physical and mental troubles consist of a headache, insomnia, spinal problems, boredom, dry eyes, and mood swings.

Prevention
Denial is the biggest hurdle in treating any disorder. So, being honest about internet addiction may be a nice start. Planning physical workouts in groups, spending more time in the real world, meeting friends, or planning a small trip or outing with family are some of the small yet effective steps that one can take. In severe cases, therapy groups and cognitive behavior therapy may help a lot. Keeping a track of limited online time and being accountable for it to a loved one works great in order to curb the internet addiction. If one is self-aware and willing to get out of this disorder, then sometimes the problem dissolves on its own.

Conclusion
Dealing with internet addiction is challenging because it is available to us all the time. However, limiting the online hours, being self-aware, including a daily work out in the routine, using apps that warn you when you have exceeded the daily limit of internet usage would really help in creating an internet-free atmosphere around you and bring the life on a healthy and positive track.

For help:
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