Information and communication technologies have become a blessing, but at the same time they have brought with them a serious psychological problem. Computer addiction develops in both adults and children.
The denial of the fact of addiction by most people makes it possible to develop a psychological problem to such a scale that even long-term psychotherapy becomes ineffective.
Hence the need for a small educational program.
Easy and easy communication at a distance, behind a computer monitor, all kinds of ways of self-realization, Internet services and numerous sites contribute to the desire to constantly spend their free and working time at the computer. First of all, the Internet is to blame. The second - computer games that do not require access to the network.
Computer addiction develops if a person gives preference to networks, replacing real communication, outdoor recreation and other hobbies that are so important for normal life.
Psychologists have long sounded the alarm, faced with aggressiveness, isolation, not being adapted to the life of their patients. And they did a lot of research, which made it possible to establish many factors that exacerbate the situation and describe the signs of computer addiction.
In addition to mental manifestations: aggressiveness, nervousness, strange behavior, increased excitability and causeless high spirits, intolerance, irresistible craving to return to the computer, take it with you on a long trip, constantly communicate in social services. networks and live in the virtual world of the game. There are physical manifestations, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Computer addiction in children and adolescents, in addition to the same “adult” manifestations, is also accompanied by: deterioration in learning, breaks in friendships, inability to make contact, communicate with peers for a long time, make friends, unwillingness to walk, do anything other than a computer.
The consequences can be dire, especially for children. The destruction of family ties, friendships, the inability to adequately navigate in real life lead to complete social disorientation, and many others, even unforeseen changes in the psyche, can tear you from life. Computer addiction is really dangerous! Especially for children: such negative violations cannot be allowed during the period when the psyche is just being formed!
It can be difficult to overcome the negative effect of a computer even for an adult, but for a child it is impossible without the help of specialists (all attempts by parents to "save" their child from addiction do nothing, and bans even exacerbate the situation).
First of all, you should look for a really interesting occupation, a hobby for your interests and abilities, capable of capturing you as a whole (at least temporarily tearing you away from the computer). You can try yourself in many areas. Physical activity can help: walking, running, swimming, a fitness club - all for the sake of returning the "patient" to a full life.
And in order to minimize virtual communication, you should learn to maintain a conversation, visit places of entertainment with friends, go to resorts and places of active recreation. Try to taste life without a computer. Try to work without it: write on a piece of paper instead of constantly printing texts in a computer editor. Enlist the support of loved ones, let them watch for you.
Computer addiction will pass over time. But remember, this is a long and difficult process: it is not in vain that it is compared with dependence on cigarettes, alcohol and drugs. You will need maximum volitional efforts, self-restraint and will to live. The main thing is to redirect your enthusiasm into real life.
And be sure to consult a therapist if it is a child.