Internet Addiction and Social Media Detox: Symptoms and How to Treat It

As the internet becomes more dominant and integrated into most aspects of our daily lives, a new form of addiction has also become more widely known in today's society – internet addiction. 

With so much of our routine, businesses and personal communications relying on the internet, the concern over addiction to the internet is growing. Much of the discussion surrounds time spent on the internet and the harmful effects on behaviour that the internet may have influenced. But there is also an increasingly interesting discussion surrounding internet addiction existing at all. Let's take a look. 

What is internet addiction?

Internet Addiction (or referred to as compulsive internet use) can be defined as the compulsive need to spend an excessive amount of time on the internet, to the point where our relationships, health and work begin to suffer.

Individuals usually find it challenging to balance their time online and offline, which can severely affect their mental health. Often these individuals can experience negative (and sometimes violent) emotions when their access to the internet is restricted. 

There's no doubt that many of us spend an excessive amount of time on the internet. In fact, a 2019 digital report by Hootsuite and We Are Social found that the average internet user spends more than a quarter of their life on the internet. Additionally, it was found that the daily world average of internet use a day is 6h 42m (with Hong Kong coming in at 6h 23m). The internet has become an integral part of our work and personal life, helping us access content, communicate around the world and act as a library of resources. But the difference between just excessive internet use and internet addiction essentially becomes balancing your time and dependance on the internet. 

Some similar conditions, such as technology addiction and smartphone addiction, are closely linked to internet addiction, as they all refer to the excessive use of devices and the internet. 

Excessive amounts of time on the internet could indicate a deeper issue, and getting help for it can be beneficial to your mental health. The best option is to seek help to develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Symptoms

Spending too much time on the internet can negatively affect your mental health, but what are the signs that you may need a detox? Here are some symptoms to look out for: 

1. Spending more and more time on the internet (a common scenario is a person going from site to site for a sense of satisfaction, or staying on social media for a whole day)
2. Suffering from anxiety and moodiness when they cannot access the internet
3. Turning to the internet to cope with negative feelings (method of escapism)
4. Neglecting other aspects of life such as work and personal hobbies
5. Readiness to lose valuable relationships due to internet use

Some other symptoms can also be physical and include:

• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Body aches (more specifically back pain)
• Weight gain or loss
• Headaches
• Dry eyes or problems with vision

Some of these symptoms can also be attributed to other issues such as depression, isolation & anxiety. That may be fuelled by use of the internet. 

Why are we addicted to social media and the internet?

To date, there is no known or officially recognised cause of internet addiction, in fact the American Psychological Association doesn't recognise it, but some possible reasons can be attributed to: 

• Personality issues: Some personality issues can make individuals dependent on things that make them feel good about themselves; such as drugs, alcohol, gambling, and the internet.
• Instant gratification: The internet enables users to find what they need in a matter of seconds, and this includes addictive platforms like pornography and gambling.
• Escapism: It is commonplace for people to run to the internet to escape from their problems. Since it makes them feel good, they have a reason to go back.
• Social Connectivity and Validation: Social media platforms are designed to exploit human desires for social interaction and approval, which can lead to addiction. These platforms provide continuous opportunities for social connectivity, allowing users to engage with friends, acquaintances, and even strangers at any time. The instant feedback mechanism, through likes, comments, and shares, acts as a form of validation that can be highly rewarding. This reinforcement can make the use of social media compulsive, as individuals repeatedly check their devices for updates and new interactions. 

Treatment for Social Media and Internet Addiction

Treating social media and internet addiction involves various strategies designed to help individuals use the internet more constructively and address underlying emotional or psychological issues. Here are some effective treatment methods:

1. Digital Detox and Structured Internet Use

   Implementing a digital detox can be a crucial step in breaking the cycle of addiction. This may involve designated periods during the day when devices are turned off, particularly during meal times and before bed. Structuring internet use by setting specific times for checking social media and sticking to these limits can help reduce compulsive behaviour and dependency on digital interactions.
   
   

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

   Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is effective in treating various forms of addiction, including social media and internet addiction. CBT helps individuals recognize and alter destructive thought patterns that contribute to their compulsive internet behaviours. By identifying triggers and developing healthier responses, patients can learn to use the internet in a more balanced and controlled manner.
   
   

3. Therapy and Counselling Treatments

   If you have symptoms of social anxiety, depression or isolation, treatment is usually recommended in the form of therapy or counselling. Sometimes, your therapist and psychiatrist may recommend medication as a form of treatment. Psychotherapy can help teach individuals to identify these negative thought patterns and develop positive coping mechanisms to combat them. This form of therapy is helpful for social anxiety and depression. 
   
   

Seeking professional help

If you're aware of yourself or anyone showing signs of the above symptoms you should encourage them to get help as early as possible, whether they seem to be addicted to the internet or not. Often, seeking professional help is beneficial to help individuals talk through and confidentially discuss their issues. 

At OT&P, our dedicated mental wellness clinic MindWorX has the resources and professionals to help deal with a range of mental health issues. Book an appointment with us today if you would like to explore your counselling options.