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| Internet Addiction |
It generally happens without us realizing it is happening...suddenly the Internet becomes the center of the world, we do not care about friends, leaving home seems completely unnecessary, we check e-mails and other messages in the middle of the night, and everything seems to be fine, natural and normal. But the truth is that this is not natural and normal. It looks like you have become addicted to the Internet. |
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| What is Internet Addiction? |
There are those who claim that Internet addiction is like any other addiction – that spending time in front of a computer causes the brain to release a chemical material similar to adrenaline, and when we are busy on the Internet we immediately feel relaxed, excited and in a good mood. When we leave the screen for a while, we feel depressed and wait impatiently for the next session at the computer. |
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| Does it Only Happen to Me? |
Definitely not. The phenomenon of Internet addiction is known and recognized and has even acquired a name – “netholics”. The American Medical Association, which has examined the phenomenon in depth for many years, has discovered that 8 million men and women worldwide, of all ages, are addicted to the Internet in varying degrees. |
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| Why is the Internet so Addictive? |
Three major factors cause the Internet to be addictive:
• Anonymity – The possibilities that the Internet offers to obtain information, to ask questions and to meet people without having to disclose real details about ourselves, provide a pleasant feeling of control. Furthermore, the possibility to be a different person each day is for most people the ultimate realization of their fantasies.
• Convenience – The Internet is a highly accessible tool; you do not need a driving license to get there, you do not have to leave home, it usually is installed in our room and we do not have to tell lies or hide when we use it. All these factors make it easier to use.
• Escape – Just as a gripping movie or an exciting book are an escape from reality, so is the Internet. On the Internet we are never alone, we can be any person we want to be, we will always find friends there, and there will always be something new and interesting that we can do or learn about. |
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| How Can I Overcome Internet Addiction? |
The good news is that if the situation is not yet particularly serious, there is something you can do, and it is not especially difficult.
• Set aside in advance one or two afternoons a week to do something away from home: a walk somewhere, meeting with a friend, shopping, or anything else that you once enjoyed doing.
• Force yourself to meet with friends at least once a week .
• If you have a friend you talk to a lot on Messenger, ICQ or Odigo, take a chance and arrange a face-to-face meeting. You might discover that everything you enjoy talking about on one of these instant messaging programs, you will enjoy even more when you meet in person.
• Find a good book, decide in advance how many pages you will read a day (even if it is only two or three) and stick to it.
• If none of this helps and you feel you need professional help, contact one of the associations assisting youth in distress:
ERAN – Emotional First Aid by Telephone (Tel: 1201, ICQ: 296004540)
Elem organization - Youth in Distress in Israel (Tel: 03-7668666)
The Sahar organization (Hebrew) - Support and Listening on the Internet (ICQ: 179201498 / 332927574)
The Green House (Hebrew) |
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