13 Easy Ways How to Prevent Internet Addiction Disorder
Internet Addiction Disorder truly exists and it can be devastating. It is when someone is so addicted to internet that it interferes with their daily life. You might be experiencing this disorder and trying to find ways to treat it or prevent it from taking over your life. This article contains 13 How to Prevent Internet Addiction Disorder. Before we get to that, know the causes and effects that the disorder can have on your life.
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Causes of Internet Addiction Disorder
Internet Addiction Disorder is similar to other kinds of disorders out there. It might be hard to see first, but there is always an underlying reason for it. Below are some of the common causes:
- Addiction to gaming
- Addiction to online shopping
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Hunger for knowledge
- Loneliness
- Boredom
- Low self-esteem
- Escaping reality
Effects from Internet Addiction Disorder
There are serious effects due to Internet Addiction Disorder. They can negatively affect oneself or other people. Moreover, it takes a toll on the physical body and the mind. Here are some concerning effects when someone is addicted to the internet:
- Disturbed sleeping pattern
- Headache
- Strained eyes
- Alienating friends and family in real life
- Change in behaviour
Ways to Prevent Internet Addiction Disorder
After knowing the underlying causes for Internet Addiction Disorder and all of its effects, you may need to manage the addiction before it gets worse. Below are some of the ways that you can try out:
1. Use Minimal Amount of Social Medias
By cutting out the amount of social medias that you use on the internet, you can reduce your internet usage. Minimise your exposure to the different social medias. You can just open them for a while then close them again. A better way would be to deactivate most of your accounts. Keep none or only keep one that you really need.
2. Limit Internet Gaming Hour
If you are an avid gamer then you need to limit your hour of gaming as well. Gaming on the internet can be highly addictive. Many hours can pass by without you even noticing. Set a timer to a certain amount of time while you are gaming.
3. Keep Laptop Away
If you are using your laptop for your internet use then try to keep it away from you. Keep it somewhere that you can’t see frequently. The less you see your laptop, the less tempted you will be to switch it on. Place your laptop within a reachable place but hidden from your eyes.
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4. Hang Out with Friends or Family
Turn away from internet and start connecting with people again. Make plans with your family. Spend the night watching TV or eat out at a restaurant together. Moreover, you can have a long weekend getaway with your family to lessen your internet usage. Other than that, you can also hang out with your friends. Go to fun places and make good memories together.
5. Pursue Other Hobbies
Rather than spending your time and energy on the internet, pursue other hobbies that do not necessarily need the internet. For example you can pick up a new hobby such as knitting, photography or rock climbing. Some hobbies require physical exercise which would also be good for the body.
6. Make Lists on What to Do Before Browsing
Before switching on your laptop or your phone, get a pen and a paper. Write down the things you want to do while you are on the internet. Once your gadgets are on and you are connected to the internet, stick to your lists only. Once you are done, switch off immediately.
7. Disconnect Internet on Phone
You can try to disconnect the internet on your phone. Once you disconnect the internet on your phone, you won’t be tempted to use your phone anymore. You can take a step further by not signing up to any internet data or plan for a certain period of time. This will make sure that you cannot use your phone for internet usage while you are out and about.
8. Turn Off Notifications
Turn off notifications from social medias or other applications. You can also turn off the push notifications from your phone. This will help you disengage the internet. If you receive less notification, you won’t feel the need to check out those applications on your laptop or on your phone.
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9. Call People Instead of Sending Messages
When you are using your phone, try to call people instead of sending messages through applications. Sending messages can seem more fun with additional stickers and emojis. Other than that, while waiting for a reply, you may open another application to kill time. But when you call people, you immediately talk about what you want with instant reply. You can also switch off the internet while you talk.
10. Have an Internet Area Only at Home
Specify an area in your home to be internet only. For example, you can only use the internet in your living room. Once you are out of your living room, no more internet usage at all. This will limit your exposure to the internet.
11. Block Certain Websites
Block some websites that you frequently use. When you block them, you have less chance of spending more time using the internet. This will help to lessen your addiction tremendously.
12. Keep Electronic Device Away from Bed
Another way to prevent your internet addiction is to keep any electronic device away from your bed. This will keep your eyes from browsing when you wake up and when you are about to fall asleep.
13. Have Someone Keep an Eye on You
You can have someone to keep an eye on you. Ask your parents or your sibling to call you out when you are using too much internet time. It’s a great way to encourage yourself to stop using the internet too.
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If you follow all those ways to prevent your internet addiction, then you are on the right track to recovery. Internet is a great source of information and helpful in connecting people. But too much of it can become toxic.
