We have talked a lot about technology in the last few posts… We talked about how the internet can affect our self-esteem and body image and maintaining a healthy mindset. We also talked about nomophobia– the fear of being without your phone.
Finally, we talked about internet addiction and its side effects; trouble sleeping, eye problems, headaches, feeling aggressive or hyperactive, depression and eating disorders (Smahel, Wright & Cernikova, 2015).
Can you see the link between internet and technology overuse on your health? Can you relate with any of the symptoms?
If you scored high on the quiz from “are you addicted” post or answered yes to our last question, You’re in luck! Today we are going to talk about the cure for internet addiction. Is there even really a cure?
Although Internet addiction is not officially a diagnosis, it is becoming increasingly popular among psychologists and psychiatrists. There are already treatments out there for techaddicts or people who may become techaddicts.
The first one is Cognitive behavior therapy or CBT. It works by encouraging clients to engage in offline activities, manage their online time, and improve their real life social relationships. This is similar to our technology challenge from this blogpost.
Second is Internet-based therapy or IBT. It is an “up and coming method” of treatment and seems to have gotten popular in recent years. During IBT, Trained therapists use interaction sessions and other structured treatment programs on the internet to help their clients. There have been suggestions that IBT can be effective if done over a long period of time and may produce positive behavioral changes among the youth (Blasxcxynski & Gainsbury, 2011).
We at fixtheinternet2, suggest stopping internet addiction before it starts! Join us as we learn to use technology and the internet in moderation. Use the hashtag “#moderationisKey” to tweet at us, or comment on our blog, facebook or instagram!
Let’s stop technology from taking over our lives!
PS: its not too late to join our technology challenge! Take a picture of yourself and your friends/family doing an activity that does not involve technology (except your camera) or the internet (e.g. playing a board game, or going ice skating) and share with us on Facebook, Instagram and twitter. Don’t forget to tag us and use these hashtags too; #notechtoday #fixtheinternet #realfun #playtime and #moderationisKey!
Till next time,
KISS! (Keep the Internet Safe and Sweet)
References:
Blasxcxynski, A. & Gainsbury, S. (2011). A systematic review of internet-based therapy for the treatment of addictions. Clinical Psychology 31(3). 490-498
Smahel, D., Wright, M.F., & Cernikova, M. (2015) The impact of digital media on health: children’s perspectives [abstract]. International Journal of Public Health.
Picture from: http://www.wlssd.com/images/MedsGroup_000.jpg
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