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Are you addicted to the internet?

If you had to tally up all the minutes that you stare at your smartphone or computer screen, would you say that you are addicted to it?

Most would probably say ‘no’, but recent research suggests that more of us are addicted to our smart devices than we think.

Research firm Columinate conducted a study among more than 2 000 people who make use of the internet every day, and (rather unsurprisingly) 64% revealed that they can’t go by one day without being connected.

Rather shockingly, as much as 50% said that being connected to internet has at one point or another interfered with their daily lives. We know being connected to the internet is vital these days. But when it gets to that point, we definitely think that you might have a problem.

It can also be used as a stress reliever, as 39% admitted that when they are stressed, anxious or depressed, being connected to the internet makes them feel better.

“It is concerning that about 30% of people who took part in the survey showed signs of addiction to the internet,” said Columinate in a statement.

The research company highlighted that there are definitely signs that you might be addicted to the internet which would place you inside the sphere of IAD (Internet Addiction Disorder) or PIU (Problematic Internet Use).

  • It interferes with your daily life

Half indicated that the internet has interfered negatively with their daily life.

  • Others have told you that you are addicted

34% admitted that others have told them they use the internet too much, while 30% have argued with their partners about excessive internet usage.

  • You’ve tried to cut down, but without success

34% have tried and failed to reduce their time on the internet.

  • You’ve withdrawn from social situations to use instead

18% have turned down invitations from friends to spend that time online; that may not sound like much, but it is almost 1 in 5.

  • You use to forget about your problems

26% admitted that they use the internet to forget about their problems.

But Columinate explains that while it is not classified as a mental disorder by the Psychiatric Association, more medical practitioners are paying closer attention to the signs and symptoms.

It has one suggestion though on how to overcome it: a digital detox.

“Less time online gives you more time with your family and friends, more opportunities to breathe in that crisp spring air, and (if your gran is to be believed) lessens your chances of getting square eyes from all the screen time. So the real question should be: why not? If the internet has crept in and taken over your life, we suggest you seek professional help”, it concluded.

[Image – file]

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