The Internet and Other Addictions



                                                                                       Image taken from Change.org

Internet addiction can be very subtle. Checking our phones immediately after waking up, as well as feeling urged to regularly open Instagram or Facebook have become part of our routine. Very often we grab our phones just to check a message and end up tied to it for the following twenty or forty minutes. In addition, posting on social media when an event of global commotion occurs is considered mandatory by some people. Such was the case of Amelia Vega, whom a fan rebuked for not posting anything when a helicopter crash claimed the life of Kobe Bryant earlier this year. This fan literally insulted her because she had not posted anything in regards to the matter, to which Amelia responded that there are other ways to express condolences than just social media. 

This led me to the question of how being addicted to the internet changes us as society. We seem to care more about trivial things than about real social problems. We make memes out of everything and jokes about things we should be protesting about. Even human dignity has been lost, as people record and share violent videos that show how people die. We watch and share them just for the sake of morbidity. We should instead think twice about these things, not just go with the flow. Is the internet distracting you from what really matters? 

Internet addiction can affect your mental health as well. Depression and anxiety can be a result of being overexposed to it. You might want to track your screen time per day to fully know how much time you are devoting to being online. If you find that it is too much, you should ask for help whether it be therapy with a professional or a support group. Do not take for granted the effects of internet addiction, take action!

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