What is computer addiction and how does it arise. Signs of such an obsession and its main types. How to deal with it and who to turn to for help. Computer addiction is a pathological connection between a person and a computer, the scale of which is growing every day. This side effect of technical progress is no less dangerous than other types of addiction - drug addiction, gambling addiction, alcoholism. She is also able to "knock" out of society and affect physical health.
Description and mechanism of development of computer addiction
The concept of "computer addiction" appeared in the 80s of the last century in America. Psychiatrists have noticed that a computer designed to help a person in various areas of his life can become truly irreplaceable. That is, to fill the entire living space of its owner with oneself, displacing relatives and friends, work and other hobbies from it, minimizing elementary hygiene and social skills.
Today it is really very difficult to imagine life without computers and the Internet - they help at work, at home and in school. Thanks to them, we find the information we need and share it, develop and communicate, learn and teach. And with the help of all kinds of computer games within safe limits, one can well develop logic, thinking and attention. Here are just clear safe limits of "communication" with a computer has not yet been established. Therefore, the line between a normal attitude to your gadget and dependence on it is very thin, and each has its own.
The core of the formation of such a mania is a failure in the mental mechanisms of perception of the world and processing of incoming information. This is facilitated by the level of development of modern computer technology, which can successfully replace the objective reality of the virtual.
The social qualities of the "slave" of the computer suffer most from such dependence: empathy, openness, sociability, friendliness, desire to communicate. Deeply rooted addiction to computer games displaces these qualities, causing social maladjustment. Children and adolescents are most susceptible to it.
The result of such a life in an illusion can be increased aggressiveness, asocial behavior, ignorance of duties (household, professional, family, etc.), external and internal degradation. Over time, the addict's body also reacts to going into virtual reality. Chronic fatigue, stomach and spine problems, hemorrhoids, visual impairments appear.
Important! Computer addiction is formed faster than all other addictions - from 6 months to 1 year of "communication" with your gadget.
The main causes of computer addiction
There are many reasons for leaving the virtual world. They can be inside a person and drag him into dependence without resistance. Or they can be around him and drag him into the abyss of virtuality gradually. The main "bait" of any gadget connected to the Internet is the satisfaction of three important human needs:
- Information hunger … Of all living beings on our planet, it is us, people, that information is very important and constantly needed. The computer is able to process, organize and save it, and the Internet can provide it in any quantity and for any question.
- Exercise for the brain … The nature of our brain is such that it cannot be calm. He simply "adores" simple logic puzzles and actions, the result of which is immediately visible. Working with a computer fully satisfies these requirements, since it is just a sequence of logical operations and actions.
- The need for communication … Another feature of a person is the need for communication. The World Wide Web makes it possible for absolutely everyone to communicate: from those who, in reality, cannot imagine life without communication, to those who, in the same reality, find it very difficult to get acquainted and find friends.
However, such "baits" by themselves will not work if the person does not have any psychological problems.
The main psychological causes of computer addiction:
- Personal qualities … Such as vulnerability, anxiety, low self-esteem, resentment. This can also include a tendency to depressive states, withdrawal, inability to solve problems, resolve conflicts, experience stressful situations, build relationships, including with the opposite sex. The virtual world, on the other hand, gives such people the opportunity to become ideal, drawing more and more into this illusion.
- Escape from reality … That is, from problems with loved ones, peers, employees. The computer here becomes a refuge from discomfort, pain, humiliation, conflict and the need to change something. It improves mood, creates the illusion that everything is fine - but only here, in virtuality. Thus, diverting from the solution of the situation in reality.
- Loneliness … Because of the inability to communicate, complexes, misunderstanding of others. A lonely person finds such necessary support in games or networks - there he relieves his emotional tension and anxiety, never having learned to solve his life situations on his own and ask for help from real people nearby.
- Side effects of parenting … Namely, overprotective, overstated requirements for the child. Also, communication problems and a lack of understanding in the family can be persuaded to communicate with a computer.
- Forced decrease in social activity … As a result of health problems (serious or prolonged illness, disability), lack of work, including because of the decree.
Serious diagnoses such as schizophrenia and depression can also contribute to the development of addiction to computers and the Internet.
Signs of an addicted person
Despite the fact that computer addiction is not yet generally accepted, the main diagnostic criteria for this mania are still developed. They are divided into two large groups: mental and physical.
Mental signs
Mental signs of computer addiction:
- Dependence of mood on being at the computer … Behind him - an excellent mood, euphoria, mixed with a sense of guilt; without it - irritability, depression, aggressiveness, a feeling of emptiness and not knowing what to do with yourself.
- Loss of control over time … Internet addiction erases the boundaries of time, the concept of day and night for its captive. At the same time, communication with your gadget is steadily increasing imperceptibly for the addict.
- Inability to stop … It is often almost impossible to tear the prisoner of the computer away from the "occupier". The need to interrupt the game (communication, browsing sites, etc.) causes resistance, resentment, aggressiveness in the addicted person. Gamblers are often obsessed with the goal: to reach a certain level, get all the bonuses, go through the whole game, and then all similar games. At the same time, he has no final goal (thanks to game developers), since the game world is constantly being replenished with new versions of virtual reality. Even if for some reason he does not like the game, he will not get up from the computer. He will find another game.
- Ignoring the world around you … Internet addiction, like a jealous soulmate, eventually drives out from the environment of its "slave" everyone who can interfere with their "relationship". That is, family, work, study, personal relationships, hobbies and hobbies. The addicted person will prefer the computer to any other occupation, even the once most beloved one.
- Denying the problem … Like any other mania, computer gambling addiction is not recognized by the person who fell into its "embrace". At best, he realizes that he devotes too much time to virtual reality, and promises to improve (both himself and those around him). But he does not keep these promises, even resorting to lies. In the worst case, he simply denies any addiction and harm from it.
- Irritability … It is observed due to the inability to access the Internet (breakdown of the gadget, lack of Wi-Fi, unpaid traffic), as well as its low speed.
- Minimizing needs … A person trapped in a computer network ceases to take care of himself, to eat well, to get enough sleep. Leaves elementary hygiene procedures in the background.
Physical signs
Physical signs of computer addiction:
- Vision problems … Namely, myopia, dry eye syndrome, display syndrome, which occur due to overload of the visual apparatus, which, in turn, occurs as a result of prolonged work at the monitor.
- Pathological changes in the musculoskeletal system … So, a forced posture at a computer with a bent back over time can lead not only to pain in the back and neck, but also to curvature of the spine, the development of osteochondrosis and even intervertebral hernias. Tension of the muscles of the hand and fingers on the mouse can end, at best, with muscle pain, at worst, with pinching of nerves and tendons (carpal syndrome).
- Digestive system disorders … Irregular and inadequate nutrition can end up for a gamer or a lover of social networks with gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, chronic constipation. And in combination with a long stay in a sitting position - and hemorrhoids.
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system … A sedentary lifestyle and a long sitting posture promotes blood stagnation and, as a result, the development of varicose veins. The same sedentary lifestyle, supported by high-calorie snacks, can contribute to the appearance of cholesterol plaques in the vessels, that is, atherosclerosis.
- Depletion of the nervous system … Due to the need for constant attention and processing of large amounts of information, and in the case of games - and quick decision-making, the nervous system is exhausted. Fatigue sets in. As a result of lack of sleep, lack of fresh air, poor nutrition, the brain simply does not have time to rest, and the nervous system does not have time to recover. Therefore, fatigue gradually increases and turns into chronic fatigue. In addition, the nerves are constantly "undermined" by negative emotions - from scandals with family members, problems at work or school, their own bad decisions or wrong moves of other players, low-rated photos or deletion from friends on social networks.
Varieties of computer addiction
Experts who deal with this problem distinguish several of its varieties. This division was based on certain psychological prerequisites of the addict.
The most common types of computer addiction:
- virtual communication … Constant "freezing" in social networks over time replaces real communication, friendship, personal relationships. Risk group: insecure people, as well as those who have not realized themselves in life (at work, in the family, in personal life, in communication).
- Computer games … The most dangerous in this regard are online multiplayer games. They give the most optimal illusion of power, significance, participation, a sense of victory, success, luck. They give titles, titles, records and even love. At the same time, any mistake or wrong decision is not a problem. In the virtual world, you can fix everything, start over. That is, it has something that is not in the real world. Risk group: people who do not want to solve real problems, overcome real life obstacles.
- Passion for porn sites … A person suffering from such an addiction prefers sexual release at the monitor screen, rather than with a living partner. To do this, he uses porn sites and porn films, replacing real sex with virtual. Risk group: people who do not have a real partner, with dissatisfaction with the existing relationship.
- Obsessive surfing … Internet surfers can surf the net for hours in search of information. However, they are not necessarily looking for something specific. Often such people simply follow interesting links from one site to another. As a result, overfed by a huge amount of diverse information, the brain eventually loses its ability to think deeply and critically. Risk group: curious people who have a lot of free time at their disposal, shopaholics, as well as those who want to compensate for their external shortcomings or lack of self-confidence with knowledge.
- Passion for gambling and online money betting … Today, almost every internet site is full of advertisements that promise huge winnings and earnings. Such virtual casinos, stock exchanges and bookmakers successfully play on the passions of gamblers. Especially those who do not have the opportunity to visit a real casino. Risk group: gamblers, as well as those who seek easy money.
To summarize, in any case, a person is pushed into virtual reality by dissatisfaction with his real life and unwillingness (fear) to change this life.
Ways to combat computer addiction
Again, drawing parallels with other addictions, treatment for computer addiction will only be successful in one case. If the addict admits his problem and really sincerely wants to get rid of it. Otherwise, the pathological addiction will only worsen. The main role in the treatment of such addiction is played by psychologists and psychotherapists with the obligatory assistance of the addict's relatives, and in the presence of physical consequences - by doctors of the appropriate profile.
Preparing for Computer Addiction Treatment
Almost always, excessive enthusiasm for the computer is first noticed by the environment of the addicted person - his relatives, friends, colleagues. But not himself. Therefore, it is they who are beginning to look for a solution to this problem.
Most often, those interested in returning the virtual "vagrant" to reality try to do it themselves. First, persuasion is used (sometimes even in the form of an ultimatum) on an intuitive basis, then on the basis of relevant literature, articles and forums on the Internet. And only after realizing the failure of such a campaign, those who have not lost heart yet seek help from specialists.
Thus, the first consultation with a psychologist or psychotherapist takes place not with the addicted person himself, but with those people who want to help him. In the course of it, the specialist helps relatives (friends) with advice on how to behave with the addict, so that he admits his addiction and wants to cure him.
Psychological correction of computer addiction
The main goal of a specialist in the treatment of computer addiction is to find the reason for the patient's departure to the virtual world, and then determine a way to return it to reality and help to get used to it. Thus, at the first stage, the causes of addiction are diagnosed and depression and psychiatric problems are excluded.
Only after that, you can choose the main vector of psychological correction: improving relationships with relatives, peers, the opposite sex, developing self-regulation skills and the ability to cope with difficulties, fostering volitional qualities and increasing self-esteem.
One of the important areas of such treatment is to involve a computer dependent person in the real world. Show that it can also be interesting and exciting even without the Internet and a gadget. For this, you can use different types of entertainment, sports, art. For example, bowling, paintball, football, hiking, picnics, dancing, music, family rituals (pizza evenings, outings with children, etc.) or parties with friends.
Since at this stage the specialist cannot do without the help of the addict's relatives, he continues to work with them. He not only helps to create the necessary atmosphere at home, but also advises how they themselves do not lose faith in the success of the treatment. Because this is also an addiction. This means it will not be easy to get rid of it.
If psychotherapy methods are ineffective, the specialist can use a more difficult way to overcome addiction - hypnosis.
Important! Today there is no universal guaranteed way to get rid of computer addiction. The treatment is selected individually and largely depends on the patient himself and his environment. Moreover, it is this dependence that is considered one of the most difficult in terms of recovery.
Drug treatment of computer addiction
Medication is not the main treatment for this type of addiction. They help solve physiological problems that have arisen as a result of addiction to a computer.
Based on the disturbances in the body caused by computer addiction, the following groups of drugs can be prescribed:
- Antidepressants (in case of depressive conditions).
- Sedatives (to relieve irritability, excessive nervousness). Including plant origin (preparations of oregano, Rhodiola rosea, ginseng). The latter have not only a calming effect, they can improve brain function, normalize sleep, and stimulate immunity.
- Vitamins, or rather vitamin-mineral complexes (to compensate for the deficiency resulting from nutritional disorders). The main focus is on vitamins A and E, selenium, which have a positive effect on the target organs of computer addiction - the brain and eyes.
- Symptomatic drugs for the treatment of problems with the eyes, spine, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system.
Any medication in the treatment of addiction should only be prescribed by a doctor. In the same way, the effectiveness of their application should be under the control of a specialist.
How to get rid of computer addiction - watch the video:
It is impossible to completely isolate a person from a computer today, but it is very easy to become addicted to him. And in order not to waste your strength and the strength of your relatives on healing, it is better to learn how to find the right emotions and solve problems in reality.
