A very famous one study for Wi-Fi and the Internet που διεξήχθη το 2012 από την company Broadcom has shown that too many Americans are close to dependency, or are already dependent on wireless network connections and Internet. Of the approximately 900 respondents:
More than half of them can not stay away from their Wi-Fi connection for more than 24 hours.
Many would negotiate other common dependencies (coffee, chocolate) in exchange for a Wi-Fi connection to the Internet.
If nothing else, the trend seems to be getting worse over time instead of improving. The phenomenon of seeing young and old, constantly looking at their device, is now everywhere. On the street, on the subway, on the bus, at work. Interpersonal relationships and social activities have been replaced by social networking sites.
But let's look at a series of common symptoms that can show you if you are addicted to Wi-Fi. If you identify with any of them, don't pay attention. But if the match exists for more than one points, ask for help.
- The need to connect online is the first thing in the morning, before breakfast or shower
- Great impatience when you are in public places where no Wi-Fi service is available
- Parking in the parking lot of a restaurant to use the free Wi-Fi service and not to eat
- Spending too much time mapping public hotspots before going to any taxidi
- You spend several hours every day playing games with your mobile
- There is always a gadget with Wi-Fi in bed to have extra time online before going to bed.
- Difficulty sleeping
- Reducing the quality of interpersonal relationships. You lie to friends or family about your online activities
- Decrease in work performance or school, often due to loss of interest.
- You are shy about the problem or deny it categorically.
What can you do about all this?
Limit the hours you are allowed to be online. Start with a relatively large limit and then gradually reduce the hours. Use a timer to measure the actual time spent online and to push when it's time to close the connection. Keep mobile devices that use Wi-Fi away from you to avoid unnecessary temptations.
Seek the help of friends and family. Ask them to stop talking about the Internet. Ask trusted friends who have portable devices that can be connected to keep them away from you.
Ask for professional counseling. A professional counselor has the experience and knowledge to help and educate a person with a dependency. Much easier than friends or family who have busy lives and other responsibilities.
