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While excessive cyber or internet activity has not been listed as an official disorder, it can be problematic, compulsive, even dangerous. Have you ever felt that while your computer is booting up it should display an ominous warning message similar to signs on highways for curve ahead, falling rocks, slippery when wet, not to mention speed limit signs?
Risky Business
Human beings log onto the internet every minute of every day. There is no manual or required training course with a certificate of completion. Thus many innocent, fragile and oblivious internet newbies are unaware of the pitfalls that may lie head. The internet is extremeley addicting.
Human weaknesses of all sorts can be satisfied with a few clicks. Playful flirtation can lead to dire real-world consequences. The internet is a dangerous cyber world that requires strong warnings instead of the assumed enter at your own risk attitude.
A Few Tips to Avoid Trouble
People who realize they have problems with sexual activity can change their habits by changing their boundaries such as:
- Keeping their computer in plain view on the main floor of the home instead of in a private office.
- Choosing a non-sexual screen name.
- Using the computer only when working.
- Not logging in and avoiding sexual sites.
- Sharing your password with your boss or co-worker so they can check for emails, files etc.
First-Order Changes
You need restrictive boundaries, limits and controls that give you little room for error. As you gain more control over time, you will be able to loosen the self-imposed restrictions.
- Set a reasonable period of abstinence from all internet activity.
- Move the computer to a high visibility area of the home, like the family room.
- Don’t go online unless other people are nearby.
- Set strict time limits. Even use an alarm clock to go off when time is up.
- Use a family-oriented internet provider. Set parental controls to “on.”
- During work hours, leave your door completely open. Place monitor where co-workers can view it.
- Avoid all sexual websites and chat rooms.
- Use your real name and email address. No more hiding your identity.
- Confide in family, friends, spouse about your problem.
- Confine your email, text, chat to people you actually know in your real life. No cyber buddies.
- The internet is not a video cyber game, Talk, chat with real people.
- Place photos of your family, loved ones on or near your computer.
- Allow a trusted friend or family member access to your computer history.
- Find online support user groups.
- Find recovering sponsor.
This report is not a diagnosis. We hope this information can guide you toward improving your life.
Review our Knowledge Base or the links displayed on this page for similar and related topics.
See Also:
Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP)
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT)
National Clearing House for Alcohol and Drug Information
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)