i literally feel like a drug addict sometimes, only with the computer. i don't sleep very much at night b/c i'm on the computer till 1am. i procrastinate studying and doing my homework, and all in all the computer is basically getting in the way of me living life.
but i don't know how to stop b/c i'm in a dorm room - so i sleep, study, and relax all in the same room, plus i need the computer b/c they post homework assignments on the internet. it's just that when i get on the computer i literally can't get off. i tell myself i'll only spend 10 minutes on it, but then i look at the clock a little whille later and an hour has gone by! i can't help but check my email like 3 times a day, and it's like once i get on the internet i just can't get off!
i have other hobbies like playing music...but sometimes i ignore them so that i can get on the internet.
this computer is ruining my life!! how can i stop my internet addiction???
2006-10-01 14:21:59 · 14 answers · asked by mighty_power7 7 in Computers & Internet ➔ Internet
Some practical advice for you ... because I have the same problem (once I get on, I can't turn it off).
Go to tucows (www.tucows.com) and put "timer" in the search box. Surf around and find a timer program that you can run when you're online. There are some that will do something annoying when the time's up (that you've preset) until you click on them -- like flash a screen at you or continue beeping. Get into the habit of starting that program up before going online. It won't turn the computer off automatically (although you can find programs that do that -- parents use these), but at least it will keep you aware of the time that you've spent. It's also a good thing for your eyes if you at least get up when that timer goes off, and walk around the room a bit.
It's also helpful to have very specific times that you check your email. Maybe you NEED to check your email 3 times a day, that's not unheard of. But ONLY do this at 9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 6 p.m., or whatever times are best for you.
It also helps to have a set time for internet work or browsing every day. When your time is up, you don't have to panic, because you know exactly when you'll be able to go back online.
You also need to decide how late you ever want to be online -- and then give yourself a mandatory "time off" -- when that timer goes off, you MUST turn off the computer, no matter what. Treat yourself like a child with a set bedtime.
Internet addiction is real. Here's a questionaire you can use to see what your level of addiction may be (this is a commercial site, but the test is free):
http://www.netaddiction.com/resources/internet_addiction_test.htm
There is also a very good resource here:
http://psychcentral.com/netaddiction/
One thing I've also discovered about myself is that this particular site (Yahoo Answers) can be VERY addicting and time consuming. I have had to restrict myself to clicking on 5 questions per session.
Another thing that I do is always drink water while I'm surfing. (I'm so accustomed to this that I'm probably just as addicted to the routine.) What this does for me is makes me have to get up and pee! That helps me keep track of the time. (A three-flush session means I'm up so late that I'm going to be terribly bleary-eyed in the morning!)
One final thing that I can share is that I have one completely computer-free day each week. I check my home email in the morning and at night, and that's it. My work email comes in throughout the day, each message pops up for me, so I don't have to go online to get it. I have come to love my internet-free days.
Good luck. Admitting you have this problem is the first step.
2006-10-01 15:03:11 · answer #1 · answered by Lisa G 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, I will tell you, I really don't think you are addicted, you recognize things that are priority on there and as long as you are getting those things done as well as the leisure things on here, I think you are doing alright.
I have the computer on from the time I get home from work to the time I leave for work in the morning, and, from the time I get home on the weekend to Monday morning hehehehe I don't consider myself addicted as I get other duties done as well. The computer can stay on 24/7 of itself, so it won't have any difficulty with it.
Like one person said, sometimes it's sort of boring, but other times I have gotten others information and I have communicated with a multitude of people and learned much about the world around me. Yet, there is a main reason I have a computer, that is my ministry within the church.
I really don't think you are addicted as long as you are making good use of it and making other things in life that are important not neglected. Oh, and hey, I met my beeeautiful wife online, what a huge blessing!
2006-10-01 17:08:13 · answer #2 · answered by asrtive 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have the same exact problem.. except I live at home. But I need the computer/internet to keep up to date with my classes. I recently got a job so that has taken up most of my time, but now it just makes me procrastinate my work even more because I feel like I have to be on the computer more to make up for the time lost. Try to plan to do things with your friends.. that always helps me. Friends/going out > the computer. Just try and ween yourself off, set an alarm maybe and cut back one hour each week until you don't need to be online 24/7.
2006-10-01 14:32:16 · answer #3 · answered by dakaraiobex 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hopefully it will die down on it's own. When I first got a computer I was that way too. Most of the time when people are addicted to the computer it's cause of people they only talk to though the internet. If you try to change your relationships from online, to phone or real life, that will prob help. Also, do everything else first, and then reward yourself by getting online. Good luck!
2006-10-01 14:24:50 · answer #4 · answered by alley 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't let anybody tell you otherwise. Internet addiction is a real and serious and debilitating affliction. Read the information below and go to a school counselor for help.
2006-10-01 16:20:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah ...me too..i have to get up at 4:00 in the mornings and i get on the computer and can't get off..i end up staying up too late and have a hard time getting up..i probley check my e-mail 6 or 8 times a day..an addiction for sure ..it was easier to quit my cigarettes...lol..i spend lots of time here at yahoo questions you know...anyway good luck...sorry i can't help you
2006-10-01 14:30:31 · answer #6 · answered by va8326 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
addiction is a sorry situation, a computer is a compelling convenience. Put together, is damn hoplessness. Talk to your dorm mates and keep your comp in their room so that you use it only when necessary ( to do your homework). otherwise join computer anonymous.
2006-10-01 14:30:21 · answer #7 · answered by Evan 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try using Google to find a support group for netaddics. My wife has made similar comments to me. For I also have the same problem.
2006-10-01 14:24:50 · answer #8 · answered by hydroco 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OK calm down...i know its hard to get off the computer when you get on it but... try not to get on if IT for other issues than homework..... takes time for this to kick in but you got to be patient...
2006-10-01 14:25:44 · answer #9 · answered by Unknown 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to the gym or go running itll make ur brain fresher and u wont want to spend so much time at the computer
2006-10-01 14:29:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋