“Don’t you think dreams and the Internet are similar? They are both areas where the repressed conscious mind vents.” ~ Yasutaka Tsutsui
Social media has changed our lives forever. People of all ages, whether young or old, can be seen using social networking websites like WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok, Youtube, etc. The internet is a fantastic place, with so many valuable resources, materials, and information. One can watch movies, tv series, and music videos and spend time on social networking sites. It’s the story of almost every other individual who doesn’t even realize how they spend so much time online.
In the present-day scenario, even if someone does not want to use the internet, they can’t do so. Because whether a person is going to work or study, they need to go online. In the workplace, people must upload information online, send work emails, reach out to clients and stay connected. Even in schools and colleges, the curriculum nowadays is built so that it needs you to watch videos, read materials, visit sources online, and gather information for assignments. All these can only be done with the help of the internet!
And when there are so many fun and exciting things online, people can't work and not spend their leisure time online. However, it is essential to limit the time one spends online because internet addiction and social media addiction can hamper the daily lives and relationships of people. Too much time on the internet can lead to both mental health issues and health issues.
Spending long hours online can cause anxiety, irritability, depression, disruption in sleep, low self-esteem, a decrease in attention span, etc. Health issues like neck pain, vision problems, body aches, etc., can also happen.
How does one figure out if they are addicted to social media?
If someone is spending too much time online, or they are no longer able to do hobbies and other activities they earlier enjoyed doing, or they feel anxious if they cannot check their social media account. They cannot give time to their friends and family because of being online on social media; then there is a good chance that they may be addicted to the internet.
But one can overcome internet addiction. And the first step towards overcoming addiction is admitting it; you need to acknowledge that you are addicted, and only then can you change your lifestyle. By being determined and having strong willpower, you can reduce your internet usage and do a digital detox. You can meet up with friends and family and catch up with them. Or you could get your daily tasks and responsibilities like doing homework and assignments done first and later spend time online.
If you are unable to stop yourself from using the internet, then keep your devices locked away or inaccessible for a fixed amount of time. You could ask a friend or family member to keep them away from you till you aren’t done with your tasks and responsibilities. And if nothing helps, then you could consider going to a therapist for therapy.
To conclude, anyone can get addicted to the internet, and it is okay to ask for help if you cannot deal with a problem alone. Reaching out to a friend or family helps vent your emotions and reduce stress. It is essential to stay strong and believe in yourself; you can reduce your screen time and follow a routine. By using social media consciously and being conscious of the amount of time you spend online, you can reduce your internet usage and live a healthier life.
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