The 8 signs of Internet addiction

Dependency problems associated with the use of new technologies and social networks are a phenomenon relatively recent, but its affectation in society is increasing and more palpable, especially in young people and teenagers. And when we are talking about addiction to the Internet and social networks, normalized elements even in minors and massive use in practically all the countries of the world the problems that can arise in this field have even more draft.

Therefore, in this article we will a review of the main signs of Internet addiction, so that this phenomenon can be detected as soon as possible and it is possible to seek professional help before it becomes definitively established in the person's day-to-day life.

• Related article: "Behavioral addictions: what they are, and characteristics"

The main signs of Internet addiction

The new modalities of social interaction, especially among the youngest, increasingly involve the use of virtual platforms such as meeting rooms. chat, social networks and even online video games, which has as a consequence an increase in all kinds of problems related to excessive use of the Internet.

And it is that although the network of networks is not in itself something bad nor does it have to generate psychological problems, if we mismanage the use we make With this type of resources, a problem can arise that is practically comparable to behavioral addictions such as pathological gambling. (gambling). This can happen especially in adolescents, who have less emotional regulation skills and are more oriented to short-term goals, something that the world of immediacy that reigns in social networks can constantly provide.

In order to learn more about this problem, below we will see a list with the main signs that can indicate a case of Internet addiction in anyone.

1. intrusive thoughts

Frequently harboring obsessive thoughts or ideas about the activity carried out in nla network is one of the most defining signs that we are facing a case of addiction of this type. guy.

People with this type of addiction are all day constantly and repetitively thinking about online activities that you have done in the past or will do in the future in this virtual context.

The fact of thinking about connecting to the Internet throughout the day, at all hours, makes it difficult to correctly carry out other daily activities that may be of great importance, such as work or social responsibilities and relatives.

• You may be interested in: "This is how intrusive thoughts give way to anxiety"

2. Well-being for the simple fact of connecting

Internet addiction, like other addictions, generates an extreme dependence on the Internet connection, and a consequent well-being every time the person connects with her computer or with any other mobile device, even if it is in the form of entertainment and an escape from reality, something that immediately vanishes as soon as you stop using that electronic device.

He reward system of the Internet addict's brain occurs whenever he has the opportunity to turn on any electronic device and You can browse the Internet freely or use any application or social network, something that generates pleasure.

3. Upset at being unable to connect

Just like the possibility of connecting and surfing the Internet can bring great pleasure to the person addicted, the impossibility of doing so usually generates a feeling of discomfort, suffering and impotence.

What the person usually feels when they cannot connect to the Internet are usually high states of anxiety, stress, anger, physical symptoms and a wide variety of other symptoms depending on your personality and level of addiction. It is not a withdrawal syndrome of the same type as that which occurs in drug addiction, but is based above all on what It is known as FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), that is, the anguish that the person feels when imagining everything that is being lost for Not following in real time the news that is being published on social networks, in WhatsApp groups of friends, etc

This discomfort can be greater or less depending on the degree of addiction that the person has and is usually reflected in irritability.; In the most serious or advanced stages, violent episodes can be triggered against people or objects of all kinds, due to frustration.

• Related article: "Irritability: what it is, causes, and what to do to manage it"

4. Social isolation

The progressive isolation of the person is another of the unequivocal symptoms of internet addiction, especially if she spends the whole day connected in her room and neglecting any of her daily obligations.

A progressive deterioration of face-to-face interpersonal relationships is also common., which become a source of stress, and a decrease in joint social activities that were carried out before. That is why the person will progressively stop seeing friends or relatives with whom they used to meet frequently, assuming that this deal can be replaced by chatting times.

In addition to the well-known affectation in the social sphere, Internet addiction also usually causes an alteration in the interpersonal relationships of those who suffer from this type of problem.

This affectation occurs both in friendship relationships and in family members and can also occur in the sphere of the couple and in love relationships.

• You may be interested in: "Unwanted loneliness: what it is and how we can fight it"

5. Change in lifestyle

As with any addiction, people addicted to the internet experience a progressive change in their daily life habits that usually negatively affect their physical and mental health.

In addition to losing friends, it is also common to stop doing sports or healthy activities, start eating poorly and at the wrong time, neglect personal hygiene and worsen academic performance or labor.

6. Guilty feeling

The feeling of guilt after having spent marathon days connected to the Internet, because of the feeling of emptiness and loss of time that occursIt is also one of the basic characteristics of people who have this problem, and a warning sign that should not be ignored. However, the guilt does not prevent that it will soon end up "relapsing" into the excessive use of digital platforms on the Internet.

7. Insomnia

He insomnia and difficulties sleeping are also considered a sign to be taken into account to identify a possible case of internet addiction. It is common for the person to continue using their smartphone or laptop even when they are in bed with the light off, and in turn, exposure to the intense light of the screen causes the circadian rhythms to be altered in the body, causing the body to "believe" that it is not time to go to sleep.

8. Aggressive reaction to restrictions

Finally, another of the signs that we can highlight when identifying whether or not a person has an Internet addiction problem is the Negative reaction to restrictions on the use of technology to connect; This also makes the person refuse to stay in places where they know they will not be able to access the web.

This phenomenon is more common in children and adolescents who are under the guardianship of their parents, and consists of a very excessive or negative reaction every time parents restrict Internet access or completely prevent it, or when vacation plans do not include going to a place with a good signal Wifi.