Do you experience a lack of control over your internet use? Does your mind is constantly occupied with the internet? Do you neglect activities such as studying, socialising or self-care? Then you might be suffering from an internet addiction.
When I was playing online games with friends, it could take hours. Sometimes the sun would come up again before we finally crawled into bed.
The internet is extremely popular with young people. 40% of people between the ages of 18 and 25 use social media and the internet for three hours or more every day. 4% of young people have problematic internet use, and 1% are struggling with an addiction, which goes hand in hand with neglecting other activities such as studies and maintaining friendships. The fastest growing group of internet addicts is online gamers. This affects men in particular.
Social media and the internet are an important part of our daily lives. The internet is crucial for daily activities, studying, working, social activities and leisure. It gives
Most young people use the internet without any problems. Internet use becomes problematic when you spend too many hours online, when your mind is constantly occupied with the internet and you neglect other activities such as your studies, your personal hygiene or social contact.
Very often you also develop physical complaints such as headaches, eye issues, an unhealthy eating pattern and sleeping problems, such as a poor sleep quality and shorter sleep duration.
Problematic internet use is especially common among young people who play online games or use social media.
Excessive internet use can be a step towards internet addiction. This is a disorder that is often linked to other problems such as depression and social anxiety.
Symptoms that indicate that you have an internet addiction:
These symptoms don't all necessarily indicate an internet addiction, however. Someone who uses the internet a lot may just as well do so for work, study or other purposes. Addiction only occurs when an inner urge to use the internet arises and affects your normal functioning.
The most common forms of internet addiction are:
Often online? Would you like to find out how risky your internet use is? Do the anonymous self-test on Drugline.be and get immediate advice.
Some tips to keep your internet use in balance:
I'm glad that I discussed my excessive internet use with my study coach. We've now made a concrete list of tips to make my use more balanced.
Do you spend too much time online? And does this affect your studies and contact with friends? Have a conversation with someone you feel comfortable with and trust, like a good friend, your parents, sister or brother. This can bring relief and help you sort things out. You can also find help together.
If you don’t immediately have the courage to tell someone in your direct surroundings, then try to approach someone who is familiar with similar experiences, such as a GP or a student counsellor at your college or university.
Would you prefer to share your story anonymously? You can always call on Awel (102 or awel.be) or Tele-Onthaal (106 or tele-onthaal.be). If you have suicidal thoughts or questions about suicide, contact the Suicide Hotline (1813 or zelfmoord1813.be). Talking helps.
If you think you are addicted to the internet or have difficulty controlling your internet use, it is important to seek professional help. You can contact a counsellor who specialises in addiction, for example. More information can be obtained anonymously from Druglijn.be or directly from your doctor.
Multiple types of assistance and help are available, though there is no single magical method that will solve all your problems at once. Practically all types of help have several active elements in common, including:
- enhancing your motivation to quit or fitting internet use into your everyday life without disrupting it
- teaching you to identify risky situations
- enhancing your self-confidence, for example by emphasising your abilities and skills
Have you noticed that a friend spends too much time online and that it interferes with their daily life? Then you may not know what to say or do.Talk about the problem, don't judge but voice your concern.
You are not alone. Get inspired by other students' stories about vulnerability and doubt. But above all about the power of connectedness.
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