Online use has greatly increased these years. It has even given several different updated information and entertainment to people. You can connect with a lot of people through social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and more.

You also get the chance to keep in touch with your friends and family through online chat and even through message boards. We all benefit from using the internet. It’s even an indispensable tool for many as they are usually used for work too. So, what is internet addiction, then? How will you know if you are already using too much internet? What is healthy and what is unhealthy web usage?

The idea of addictive internet use is quite new. It’s not even recognized as a psychological disorder. On the other hand, there are increasing facts that makes compulsive online use interferes with the people’s everyday lifestyle. What worst is that it affects people’s work and relationships.

Now, let’s go back to the question “What’s healthy and unhealthy internet use?” I bet you are looking for answers this time. You may find it difficult to answer this question yourself as you use the computer for work. Perhaps you also rely on social networking websites to communicate with faraway relatives and friends.

Well, spending most of your time online is not really a big problem. However, if you are already neglecting your duties at work, at school or even with your love ones, then you may already be suffering from internet addiction.

If your online use becomes problematic and unhealthy that it really interferes your way of living a functional lifestyle, then it’s just time to go out of that compulsive web usage and ask for help if necessary.

Remember, the number of hours each day is not at all the basis of compulsive online use. It also does not have to do with the number of words you type in a day. However, there are warning signs and symptoms that your web usage has already turned into a problem. The following are key indicators that may be found in a person suffering from compulsive internet use.

1. Losing Track of Time

If you constantly lose track of time web browsing, playing online games and checking social networking sites, then you are somehow considered an internet addict.

2. Having Problems Finishing Several Different Tasks

If you find it difficult to wash your own clothes or even prepare food for dinner and run late to school, work or other appointments because of online use, then you may already suffer from online addiction.

3. Suffering from what We Call “Social Isolation”

If you find yourself thinking that nobody understands you and you just spend most of your time online for relief then you are one of those who are considered to be experiencing problematic online usage. You spend most of your time online and you even neglect your family and your friends in the offline or real world.

4. Feeling Defensive About Web Usage

If you want nobody to interrupt you and you feel happy since you can just keep on using the internet and you also lie whenever your parents or spouse ask you about your online use then you may be considered as an internet addict.

Although research is still ongoing regarding internet addiction, it’s good to keep these indicators in mind in order to avoid the problems that it can cause. Also, it’s better to think about other productive and fun activities aside from using the internet so you can avoid being an internet addict. You know that prevention is always better than the cure.

Author Bio: Irsan’s passion is to write on variety of subjects. Please visit his latest website at Presto salad shooter which contains the reviews and deals on Presto electric skillet and other information about salad shooters and electric skillet.

Category: Self Help
Keywords: Internet Addiction