How often do you check your emails, RSS feeds, Facebook, Twitter and other similar sites? Is it hard for you to move away from the computer or leave your cellphone aside?
It's hard to resist the temptation: the internet is always there available και παρέχει άπειρους συνδέσμους και πληροφορίες όσον αφορά την μουσική, το βίντεο και άλλους τρόπους ψυχαγωγίας. Τα παιδιά στην Ευρώπη ξεκινάνε να χρησιμοποιούν το διαδίκτυο κατά μέσο όρο στην ηλικία των 7 ετών. Μέχρι να γίνουν 15-16 ετών, σχεδόν τα τρία τέταρτα των νέων συνδέονται στο διαδίκτυο καθημερινά, ενώ το 30% των νέων ηλικίας 11 έως 16 ετών έχουν βιώσει συμπτώματα που σχετίζονται με την υπερβολική χρήση του διαδικτύου.
While doctors and researchers are still studying the problem, they believe it is similar to other dependencies: the irresistible desire to be "made" - to post another update of their profile or to go to the next stage of a game - and the sense of euphoria they acquire dependent users reinforce this behavior.
Did you know that?
The average European age of 15-16 years is connected to the internet on an average of 2 hours per day.
A healthy balance
It is important to maintain a healthy balance. Those who are addicted to the internet, spend endless hours on the computer, neglecting relationships in real their lives, even basic needs such as cleanliness, food and sleep. Physical symptoms of addiction may include withdrawal syndrome, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, dry eyes, migraines, and sleep disturbances.
Ask for help
If you feel that you are suffering from excessive internet use, it would help to confess it to someone you trust: a person who exists in real life, not someone you only know online! This person can be your parent, your teacher, your doctor or even your older brother / sister. You can also contact free Helpline 70 000 116 of the Safe Internet Center.
There are also things you can do to help yourself, such as transferring the computer from your room to the living room. So you will not be alone with the computer, but there will be others around you who will be able to see how much time you spend on the internet.
Software is available that restricts internet usage. Also, you can try to find another outlet for your interests. For example, if you spend a lot of time online playing fantasy role-playing games why don't you try reading a novel or attending a play team;
Are you worried that you spend too much time on the internet?
Here are some things to ask yourself:
- Do you neglect your lessons to access the internet?
- Do you wake up late on the internet?
- Do you continue to be connected to the Internet even when you miss your interest?
- Have you lost contact with your friends in the real world because you prefer to be on the internet?
- Do you feel angry, frustrated or uncomfortable when you are not on your computer?
- Are you secretive about the time you spend on the internet and you are lying when they ask you about it?
When the game stops being so fun
Online games can sometimes be intensely absorbing and you absolutely want to beat or advance to the next level. It's possible to become addicted to online games, so try to limit the time you spend on the computer… and remember, it's just a game!
