Published 22:48, November the 9th, 2009
For the Facebook addicted
A friend of mine is obsessed with Facebook and is online all the time. The lines between cyberspace and reality seem blurred for her. Is she addicted? What can she do to break it?
Facebook has many benefits that include connecting with old friends, making new ones, promoting a business and branding. However, there’s also a downside. Social networking sites reek of “look at me” and users may be driven by their insecurities and narcissism. These sites provide users the dubious validation that their lives are important. Know the difference between an online and real-life friend and ask yourself the true reason for posting. If it’s to engage in social interaction, then make direct contact, or use the telephone. If you knew you weren’t going to get a comment on a posting, would you still put up such minutiae?
The larger issue of being online “all the time” is a problem if it interferes with major areas of one’s life: career, relationships, health, and finances. Excessive use may serve as a gross distraction from reality and an escape from stress.
– Jonathan Alpert is a licensed psychotherapist. E-mail him your questions at jonathan@jonathanalpert.com
Metro does not endorse the opinions of the author, or any opinions expressed on its pages.
Social withdrawal
Here’s how to cut down on your Facebook face time:
If you’re stressed out, anxious, or have relationship issues, get help for the real problem rather than burying yourself online.
Identify triggers. Are you bored or lonely? If so, create a list of alternate ways of dealing with those feelings.
For compulsive users, reduce time spent online. Total abstinence is unlikely given the extreme usefulness of the Internet, so set reasonable goals instead. For example, if you spend 10 hours a day online, cut it by 2 hours. Plan short but regular use as this will help to eliminate cravings.
Rearrange your schedule to disrupt your routine. If you typically check e-mail first thing in the morning, wait until after breakfast.