I am not sure if I could be called an internet junkie, but, every morning after my spiritual rituals, I turn to the internet for help with my daily routines.70% of my shopping are done online, I chat on WhatsApp and video call as well. My phone has become my personal assistant and with the help of the internet I check my emails, reply emails, have business meetings and keep track of my children’s progress with touches on the buttons of my phone.

I have apps that help with everything and I sometimes get bored if I have no internet on my phone. I recently started an online workshop where I meet with people on Skype and we exchange views. I have grown to like the use of the internet, the benefits are enormous and I ask myself every day ” Am I addicted to the internet?”.

I, however, can still do without my phone or laptop. I sometimes leave my phone uncharged or at home when going for a walk. People that are close to me complain about me not picking my calls. I have a love-hate relationship with my phone and I’m not willing to work on this love affair.

According to The Guardian, March 23, 2008,”Internet addiction is now a serious public health that should be officially recognised as a clinical disorder. New evidence shows that heavy users suffer from isolation, fatigue and withdrawal symptoms”.

Internet addiction is when you cannot stop yourself from checking your phone, laptop, tablets for texts, messages, emails, dating sites, social medias, news etc. This addiction is also known as “Nomophobia”,  which is the fear of being without a mobile phone or internet connection .

There are internet addiction clinics, therapy, detox and discussion boards everywhere with goals of weaning people off the use of the internet. A lot of people are now seeking help from the disruptions the use of internet has caused.

Internet addictions have resulted in many problems and affected many relationships. Research has shown that people often become depressed if they receive less or no likes on the pictures they put on social medias, there are many grudges that started online. Friends and families are now using social medias as a form of vengeance. It is not uncommon for friends to unfriend their friends or unfollow them due to online grudges.

It might be difficult to diagnose yourself of the internet addiction, but, you might be close to it if all you think about is the internet and the activities going on it. You are addicted to the internet if your thoughts and efforts are to please your online friends, the likes and the gossips.

You might be addicted to the internet if you have an unbridled lust to be online and you cannot control the huge even if you try to cut back on time you spent online. If you use the internet to escape from your problems or worries, you are addicted to the internet.

If you feel restless, depressed, irritated and moody because you are not spending enough time on the internet or because you have no internet access, well, you might be addicted to the internet.

You might be addicted to the internet if you have physical pains such as headaches, backaches or your weight fluctuates due to internet usage.

Has your internet usage taken over family-time? Do you eat or drive while browsing the net? Has a child ever asked you ” why are you  always on the phone?”.  Perhaps, you suffer sleeplessness due to activities online or all you do is to watch movies all night? Can you control the amount of time you spend online?

You might be addicted to the internet if you lie about the amount of time you spend online or if you have risked losing your job or relationship due to internet usage.

Is your life on display on the internet? Do all your online friends know what you eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day? Does everyone online know the full content of your wardrobe?

The real question is: Are you addicted? You need to identify the problem before looking for the solution.

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