Computer addiction, signs, how to get rid of it and treatment for computer addiction

Content:

1. Factors contributing to the development of computer addiction.
2. Forms of computer addiction:

2.1. Online surfing. 2.2. Online gambling and exchanges. 2.3. Online dating. 2.4. Games.

3. Consequences of computer addiction.
4. Diagnosis of computer addiction.
5. Principles of treatment.

Undoubtedly, now it is difficult to imagine your life without a computer. This is work, and study, and a “window” into the world of diverse information, and relaxation. But at the same time, many do not notice when a much-needed gadget gradually displaces other life values. Instead of household chores, spending time with family members, walks in the fresh air, sports - a virtual world where you can be anyone, instead of real communication - social networks and correspondence with complete strangers or unfamiliar people. If earlier experts paid practically no attention to this, now the fight against computer addiction is more relevant than ever, especially since virtual reality is increasingly attracting teenagers and even preschool and primary school children. Parents usually see the only way out of this situation - strict restrictions or even abandonment of the computer. But sooner or later an explosion occurs - the child is completely out of control, which is fraught with even greater problems: drug addiction, early alcoholism, ending up in a socially disadvantaged environment.

Factors contributing to the development of computer addiction

Virtual reality is a way to get away from various problems, and this applies not only to the online space, but also to regular, non-network games. But what makes a person completely immerse himself in the world he has imagined and created? According to experts, there are a number of psychological reasons that contribute to the formation of computer addiction. This:

• the situation in the family and the desire to hide from constant conflicts, control, overprotection;
• lack of trusting relationships between spouses or with parents;
• lack of self-confidence, complexes;
• psychological trauma;
• bullying due to, for example, appearance, the presence of any diseases, etc.;
• fear of communication and meeting other people;
• fear of responsibility for one's own actions or words;
• inability to realize oneself in the professional sphere or in society, unsatisfied leadership ambitions;
• tendency to groundless anxiety and worry;
• frequent depressive episodes;
• dissatisfaction with one's own life, etc.

Identifying the specific cause of addictive behavior is very important - only in this way will it be possible to draw up a treatment plan for computer addiction. Yes, you can take away a gadget (especially from a child), limit access to the Internet, but if the main etiological factors are not eliminated, sooner or later the person will again “dive” into the virtual world.

Part 2 – Finding other ways to spend your time.

1. Exercise. Exercise can be a great way to take your mind off things. This keeps your body healthy and releases endorphins, which are feel-good hormones.

• Try something that can compare to what you like on the computer. For example, if you like computer games that involve exploring new places, try going on a hike in the forest.
• If you like computer games where you play with other people, try playing a team sport.

2. Try a new hobby. Take up creative activities such as music or art. If you don't know where to start, you can take a course. You can also ask friends to accompany you while doing the work if you don't want to do it alone.

• If you enjoy doing design work on the computer, you may enjoy the art class.
• If you use your computer to read and explore the world, try going to a museum or lecture.
• If you do a lot of online shopping, head downtown or to a local mall.

3. Find new styles of entertainment. If you enjoy playing games online, try playing board games with friends or at your local game store. If you like watching movies on your computer, go to the cinema.

4 . Spend time with friends. Choose friends who are not computer addicts. Plan to spend time together outside the home doing things that don't require the use of computers.

• If you want to play together, play board games or outdoor games.
• If you want to watch a movie, go to your local cinema.
• You can also cook a meal together or go to a restaurant, take a walk, or even listen to music on a CD or player.

Forms of computer addiction

Currently, there are several forms of this disease.

Online surfing

Usually the Internet is used to find the necessary information and purchases. But in some cases it becomes pathological. A person browses websites, online stores, forums, free classifieds sites without any apparent purpose, places orders without intending to subsequently pay for purchases. For him, the process itself is interesting, and not the end result - obtaining the necessary knowledge or acquiring the necessary things.

Online gambling and exchanges

With the ban on “real” casinos and slot machine halls, this industry has completely moved to the Internet, only now you can just click the mouse to start roulette. All kinds of online exchanges function similarly, where anyone, even without proper education and knowledge, can try their luck in trading stocks or currencies.

But in such a virtual world, the money spent is quite real. To start the game, you need to enter all the bank card details, and many lose sums that are quite significant for the family budget. This is even more dangerous than real casinos, since the addict does not actually hold the money in his hands and often comes to his senses when his credit card goes into the red.

Online dating

Finding a partner online (both with an eye to a serious relationship and for one-time sex) has almost completely replaced previously familiar acquaintances on the street, during a party, etc. Correspondence and exchange of photos (which are not always true) do not necessarily end in a date. Addicts use such sites simply for communication or for virtual sex; in real life, it is extremely difficult for them to make new acquaintances and maintain a conversation.

Games

This is the most common form of computer addiction. And this is understandable in principle: today a person actively defends the interests of his homeland on the battlefield, tomorrow he turns into an elf, the day after tomorrow he flies on a dragon, etc. Colorful graphics, an interesting plot, the ability to “pump up” a character completely replace reality and, again, force you to spend real money.

How I got rid of computer addiction

In our modern times, the computer plays a big role, and we do not even notice that most of our lives we spend time sitting in front of the computer.
Many people develop computer addiction over the years. For us, it has become more important than other aspects of life, because it has everything, you can communicate, learn new information, play games, watch movies, listen to music. But where is real life? Where we communicate with friends not through a computer monitor and a virtual screen, but live? Or do we play real interesting games with family, acquaintances, and friends? For information on what you can do in your free time, read the article “What to do in your free time if you’re bored.”

With the advent of the computer, of course, everything changed. Yes, this has its advantages, you can, for example, quickly find the information you need, learn something new, but where is the line to all this? Before I move on to real tips on how to get rid of computer addiction, I’ll tell you my story of how I started getting acquainted with the computer.

Since I was 6 years old I had a computer on which I played games. But at that time, in the 90s, a computer was a luxury, so there was no particular dependence on it. Then we moved and sold the computer. And I didn’t see him for 5 years. At this time, they slowly began to appear for everyone, and modem Internet appeared. But I just dreamed that I would just have some kind of computer, so that I could print my studies, play games, and store my data there. Everything had to be written by hand, which was terribly inconvenient. When I was 15 years old, they finally bought it for me. My joy knew no bounds. But remembering that time, I understand that from that moment my life changed dramatically. I developed a computer addiction.

Firstly , I began to spend less time with friends; all my free time was replaced by a computer. She sat behind him without stopping. I could sleep only 4-5 hours and sit down at the computer again. And when the Internet appeared, you can’t pull it away at all. All communication with friends shifted there, to a social network, ICQ, and there was not enough time or energy for live communication.

Secondly , of course, I didn’t have any hobbies, although before the computer I was interested in knitting, making beaded bracelets, baubles, basketball, and I happily abandoned all of this. I became addicted to this computer machine. Day and night I played computer games, trying to at least find myself there, to become a leader. But then, with the birth of my daughter, everything calmed down, there was no time for a computer, and I managed just fine without it.

But the old habit returned when the daughter began to grow up. And somehow I started thinking, is my life really going to be spent sitting behind this car? I felt sad about this, and I decided to change my life and get rid of computer addiction. I began to understand that you need to appreciate every minute and do things in life that develop you and make you better. Read about this in the article by our chief editor Anastasia Gai “How to enjoy life.”

And I pulled myself together. How did I do this? I'll tell you now.

The first thing I did to get rid of computer addiction was change my way of thinking. I began to look from the outside and think about what I had done in this life besides sitting at the computer all day? And I realized that it was nothing. So I decided to finally change my life. And it usually begins with thoughts, and then actions. I thought about what I wanted to do for a long time, but didn’t have enough time, and made a list of my desires. Read about how to make your wishes come true in the articles on our website “Sunny Hands” in the section Fulfillment of desires.

Second. I finally deleted all the computer games I had on my computer, from the cute Sims to online games like Warcraft. Of course, this was not easy to do, but I took all my will into my fist and deleted them all in the control panel. But before that, I deleted all the created characters so as not to be tempted again. The avid gamers with whom I talked almost called me crazy, to take everything and delete it like that, after so many years of leveling up my character. But I didn’t care anymore, I decided to fight computer addiction and rebuild my life, and without any such games.

Third . I began to get interested in different cultures, read more books and articles, and finally began to engage in pleasant feminine activities. For example, taking care of myself, articles on the “Sunny Hands” website from the Beauty and Health section helped me with this, playing sports, knitting, sewing, and I began to go out more to meet friends. In general, I occupied all my free time with everything possible, but not with games or sitting on social networks for days.

Fourth. I started keeping a diary of my affairs. I wrote down everything I wanted to do in a day and made it happen. Therefore, there was no time left for the rest. Over time, I got used to this rhythm of life, and gradually there was less and less time sitting in front of the computer. By the way, I highly recommend that you read A. Guy’s article about keeping a success diary here.

Why did I share my story with you and tell you my actions to combat computer addiction? Because I wanted to tell you that people spend more than half of their lives on unnecessary things. A computer is great, it has a lot of possibilities, but you should also use it in moderation, without living only in the virtual world. For example, about how to teach a child to work on a computer, read the article at the link https://www.sun-hands.ru/17kak_nauchit_rebenka_rabotat_na_kompyutere.html

Man appeared in this world not for entertainment, not to waste time, but for his own development, because the more people begin to develop, the faster society changes for the better. This can already be seen in our time, now many people have begun to wake up from the current reality, they are beginning to see reality.

Therefore, I want to tell you, dear readers, value your life, change it, experiment, do not be at the mercy of the system. Let your life sparkle with new bright colors, because this is the kind of life we ​​should live in, and not in a fictitious reality.

Article protected by copyright and related rights. When using or reprinting material, an active link to the women's website sun-hands.ru is required! All the best and be happy! Maria Dukhovitskaya.

Consequences of computer addiction

Spending long periods of time at the computer negatively affects not only the psyche, but also the physical condition. Maybe:

• decreased intellectual abilities: use of special programs for spell checking, mathematical calculations, etc. leads to a reduction of even basic school knowledge;
• development of rigidity of thinking;
• social degradation;
• destructive behavior (typical for children and adolescents due to addiction to computer games that promote cruelty);
• curvature of the spine, which entails cerebral circulation disorders, headaches, cardiac problems;
• sleep disorders;
• weakening of concentration and cognitive functions;
• general weakening of health due to physical inactivity and lack of age-appropriate physical activity;
• deterioration of vision (and in adolescents this is often associated not with organic problems, but with a spasm of the visual muscles);
• regular pain in the joints of the hand due to constant work with the mouse and keyboard.

Signs of computer addiction in adolescents and adults

The first and most striking sign is the presence of withdrawal symptoms. Just like alcoholism or drug addiction, computer addiction leads to a “withdrawal syndrome.” If a person does not get his “dose” of games or the Internet for 2-4 hours, he begins to show anxiety, becomes irritable and aggressive, and cannot concentrate on the current task.

Other symptoms of addiction include:

• Disturbed sense of time. While behind the monitor, the addict loses the sense of time. Hence the frequent delays and missed deadlines.
• Wasting financial resources on constantly updating gadgets, software, and purchasing new games.
• Memory impairment due to a large amount of information. The brain is not ready for such loads, so a person often forgets about his promises and upcoming deeds.
• Violation of the daily routine. In order to spend as much time as possible online, the addict refuses walks, physical activity, and good nutrition, replacing it with snacks.
• Insomnia. With computer addiction, patients often suffer from sleep disturbances: they cannot fall asleep for a long time, they go to bed in the morning, and spend most of the day in bed.
• Narrowing the range of interests. A person may give up his previous hobbies, stop meeting with friends, and leave the house less often.

Despite the fact that computer addiction is classified as psychological and not physiological, its consequences are no less destructive than the consequences of alcoholism or drug addiction.

Selection of treatment

Diagnosis of computer addiction

The diagnosis is made based on information received from the patient’s relatives. They note an almost uncontrollable desire to sit down at the computer as quickly as possible, check the latest updates on news sites, and messages on their social network pages. To determine the severity of the disorder, the psychotherapist uses special questionnaires and questionnaires adapted according to the patient’s age.

Principles of treatment

Some doctors believe that treatment for computer addiction is not necessary, since at a certain point a person simply becomes fed up with the gadget and begins to engage in it either professionally (for example, programmers, system administrators, etc.), or loses interest in the computer.
But most psychotherapists consider such tactics unacceptable, since it is unknown whether the moment of returning to work or school will be missed. Treatment of computer addiction is especially important in childhood due to the risk of serious mental disorders. The main importance is individual and group psychotherapy, which consists of several stages:

1. Overcoming objections and refusal of therapy.
2. Awareness of the existing problem.
3. Preparing the patient for upcoming changes, drawing up an accurate treatment plan.
4. Supporting the patient’s desire to get rid of the constant desire to spend as much time as possible at the computer, adjusting therapy.
5. Rehabilitation to prevent relapse.

Treatment is often supplemented with antidepressants, sedatives, and vitamins. Sports activities (if necessary, under the guidance of a rehabilitation specialist), physiotherapy (massage, reflexology, etc.), and nutritional correction are required.

Internet addiction treatment

Sometimes the methods described above do not help, so immediate intervention by specialists is necessary. Our Phoenix rehabilitation center is ready to help cope with complex and neglected situations.

Experienced psychologists work according to the effective “7 Habits” program, which is time-tested. You can count on the fact that your loved one will leave the walls of the establishment completely healthy. He will not spend all his free time on the computer, as he will have other hobbies. There is no need to hesitate, because every minute counts. Entrust your treatment to our qualified professionals who will do everything correctly and effectively.

To clarify any questions you may have, dial the number listed on the website. Communication with managers will allow you to understand the nuances and details of freeing a person from computer addiction. Return to normal life by establishing relationships with loved ones and friends!

Literature:

1. N. Nosov. Virtual psychology. / Publisher: Agraf Series: XX century, 2000
2. Yuryeva L. N., Bolbot T. Yu. Computer addiction: formation, diagnosis, correction and prevention / Monograph. - Dnepropetrovsk: Porogi, 2006.-196 p.
3. Volkova, Elena Nikolaevna. Psychological features of the development of computer gaming addiction in early adolescence / Monograph / Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Nizhny Novgorod State Pedagogical University named after Kozma Minin (Minin University). Minin University Publishing House, 2020. - 186 p.

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