Obsession to Smartphones and the Internet

Afraid of being monitored for too much time on the phone or computer? Follow these guidelines to help you break the habit and find a healthy equilibrium between your online and offline life.

Can you define smartphone and online dependency?

Compulsive use of a smartphone, tablet, or computer, while it can be an immensely productive tool when used appropriately, can disrupt work, school, and personal relationships. It may be time to reevaluate your technology use if you find yourself spending more time online, on social media, or playing games than engaging with real people, or if you find yourself checking texts, emails, or apps frequently despite the negative effects this has on your life.

An internet overuse issue or internet addiction disorder is a common cause of smartphone addiction, also known as "nomophobia" (the fear of being without a mobile phone). The games, apps, and virtual realms that we have access to through our mobile devices are usually what cause us to become addicted.

Addiction to smartphones can lead to issues with emotional control that range from:

Connections in cyberspace. Some people may become so dependent on their use of social media, dating apps, texting, and messaging that they begin to value their online connections more than their actual peers and family. Everybody has seen the couples at an eatery who aren't talking to each other because they're too busy looking at their phones. Online interactions are not a healthy replacement for face-to-face interactions, but the internet is a wonderful place to meet new people, reconnect with old friends, and even start romantic relationships. Friendships formed online have a certain allure because they are often more carefree than those formed in the real world. Addiction to online dating can make you less interested in building meaningful connections with other people and more focused on finding quick flings.

Overwhelming data. The negative effects of spending too much time alone online, whether it's for business or school, are well-documented. Use of the internet and mobile applications can become addictive, leading to a loss of interest in, and time spent on, other areas of life, including important relationships and interests.

The compulsion to engage in cybersex. Negative effects on one's personal relationships and mental health can result from compulsive use of internet pornography, sexting, nude-swapping, or adult messaging services. Internet accessibility, anonymity, and convenience all contribute to the rise of online erotica and cybersex addictions. It's very simple to waste a lot of time on unrealistic dreams. It can be difficult to develop long-term intimate relationships, or it can damage an existing one, if one uses dating apps that enable casual sex too frequently.

Problems with finances and careers often stem from compulsive use of the internet for things like gaming, gambling, stock trading, online purchasing, or bidding on auction sites like eBay. Although problem gaming has been known to plague some communities for quite some time, the advent of online casinos has greatly expanded gamblers' options. Both compulsive stock trading and internet shopping can have serious negative effects on one's finances and social life. Many eBay users will get out of bed at ungodly hours just to make sure they don't miss the final minutes of a sale. In your eagerness to place the winning bid, you may end up buying items you don't need and can't afford.