The internet is considered one of the biggest revolutions in human history. It has changed the way we see the world, learn, communicate, and exchange ideas. It is also one of the major contributors that made globalisation a reality. Today, around 66% of the world’s population has access to the internet.
Among these 5.35 billion people, close to 210 million people are addicted to the internet and social media. So, what’s the solution here and is there any de addiction therapy for internet cravings? Let’s explore!
Understanding Internet Addiction
As we all know, addiction is something that makes one feel trapped in a cycle of dependence, even when they know that it is harmful.
People can get addicted to more on online websites that includes gaming. Internet addiction is also among the many types of addiction. However, there’s still debate going on whether internet addiction is considered a formal diagnosis.
Internet addiction is characterized by spending many hours online to get a sense of satisfaction and one may feel unpleasant if they are unable to access the internet or go online.
Causes of Internet Addiction
The actual cause of Internet addiction is not known, however, like all other addictions, internet addiction too has multiple factors that may contribute to its development. Here are some of the common causes of internet addiction.
Genetics: Yes, it is true that genetics can play a role in one developing internet addiction. Some individuals are genetically inclined toward addictive behaviours and these individuals are quite susceptible to internet addiction.
Psychological Factors: Conditions like anxiety, depression, low esteem, etc. can lead someone to find solace on the Internet as it offers them a way to escape unpleasant emotions.
Easy Access: As mentioned at the start, the Internet is easily accessible to the majority of the population and sometimes this can provide unchecked or unsupervised access to young children, which may over time lead to problematic Internet use.
Biological Factors: There are many studies that suggest the use of the Internet can cause dopamine release in our brains, leading to increased urge and can sometimes lead to compulsive use of the Internet.
Design of the Internet: The Internet offers a multifaceted aspect that can keep one engaged for hours. For example, social media or online gaming, these examples are associated with excessive internet use among adolescents in many Western countries.
Other than these aforementioned causes, there are a few more factors such as social setup, interpersonal difficulties, and environmental factors which may make one addicted to the Internet.
What is De-addiction Therapy?
De-addiction therapy in simple terms means therapy that helps one overcome addiction such as substance, abuse, Internet addiction, etc. and achieve abstinence from addictive behaviours.
Types of De-addiction Therapy for Internet Addiction
Before we start discussing the therapies available to treat Internet addiction, keep in mind that Internet addiction is not a diagnosis, but shares its similarity with behaviour addiction.
In general, Internet addiction is considered to be a treatable condition and multiple therapies are available for the same. Here are some of the therapies available for Internet addiction.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of talk therapy that helps you identify negative thought patterns and behaviours that are contributing to your addiction and change those with positive behaviour. The therapy also helps you learn coping mechanisms to fight the urge to use the internet excessively.
Group Therapy: Group Therapy is another effective tool that can help one recover from the addictive phase of internet use. It provides a safe space where you can connect with people who understand the challenges, thus reducing the feeling of isolation. It also helps you learn new coping mechanisms and improve self-esteem and problem-solving skills.
Family Therapy: It is a form of psychotherapy that helps in improving relationships and behaviour among family members. The therapy takes place under the supervision of a trained mental health professional who provides support, guidance, and education to family members which helps them function and support better.
Self-Help Strategies
Dealing with Internet addiction can be challenging and seeking professional help is one of the best ways to counter the urge of excessive internet usage.
However, there are a few effective strategies that you can implement in your day-to-day life to reduce its impact. Here are some of the self-help strategies.
- Set the time limit: Decide how much time you want to spend online each day.
- Engage in activities: Find healthy activities or hobbies you can replace with internet use.
- Exercise regularly: By exercising you are not only making your body healthy but also improving your mood, and reducing stress which are contributors to internet addiction.
- Get enough Sleep: Sleep is the foundation of being both physically and mentally healthy. So, try to get at least 6-8 hours of sleep.
