How to Avoid Internet Addiction
Steps
1
Admit you have an addiction. Understand that you do have an internet addiction, and that there is no use in avoiding the truth.
2
Do you want to stop going online so much? Hmm? Well then stop! You want to stop, right? Constantly remind yourself. There will be times you are in the computer room and hear the sound of the computer. You'll think "Oh, I'll just check my email" But that's how it gets you!! Set a certain time and make a habit of sticking by your rules. It will be hard at first, but then it will get easier over time.
3
Realize that more and more people on the world are becoming addicted to the internet. You are not the only one with this problem, it is becoming more and more common and more and more well known. Do not be embarrassed, find others with the same problem and help each other beat it.
4
Get a hobby or an interest that doesn't involve the internet, video games, TV or computers. Get involved with teams, clubs, sports, church, music, dancing, singing, etc. Go for a run with a friend or get exercise some other way. Go to bed on time and get a good night's rest. Keep up with the local events in your community. There may be talks, film screenings, concerts, local sporting events, and book signings etc. Find some, as long as it is not on the internet, and get involved.
5
Complete your studies. If you are a student then do your homework and study. This is a great thing to do right away when you get home. You will feel great knowing that you did your homework early. Read books or research at the library instead of browsing Wikipedia for information. Teachers would rather have you use a real book than Wikipedia. Study lessons that you learned for the day, whether there's a test the next day or not.
6
Help with meals. Your parents will be happier that you're helping out with dinner or dishes instead of chatting online. Cook or bake something one night for the family. Anything that gets you off the computer for a while will help and increase your confidence that you can stay off even longer.
7
Hang out with friends. Plan a trip to the bowling alley, mall, or ice rink. Get a friend to walk a dog with you for the afternoon. Avoid places that have free internet access such as coffee shops.
8
Plan family nights. Instead of watching TV or doing individual things during dinner time, eat dinner as a family on the table and plan games afterward.
9
Limit your computer time. Make sure not to turn it on too many times a week. If you have a laptop, make sure to put it somewhere that you can remember but not somewhere that you see every day. Try keeping the lid closed when you are not using it; when the computer is not looking at you, you are less likely to use it. If you have a desktop PC, try not to go near it or put something over it like a sheet.
10
Call people instead of sending instant messages. Call a friend and ask them to go outside for at least 3 hours a day. This will distract you from the computer. Also try doing your homework together.
11
Use an alarm clock or timer. Before using your computer decide on a time limit such as 30 minutes. Set the clock or timer and make sure that you get off the computer when the time is up. Alternatively create a shutdown timer shortcut on your desktop (google search "shutdown timer" for tutorials). This can be programmed to shutdown your computer after a predesignated time after it has been activated.
12
Don't eat meals at your computer! Eating at a separate place will help you to not go online.
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