The University of Surrey’s Internet Addiction Spectrum

The University of Surrey recently developed a new internet addiction “spectrum” that categorizes internet users into five groups. According to Dr. Brigitte Stangi, the lead author of the study, the main aim was to clarify the difference between problematic internet use and addiction. The study also found that young people have a higher risk of internet addiction.

In today’s world, the internet is ubiquitous in our lives, but it shouldn’t preoccupy every moment. It’s important to know when to log out and return to reality to avoid causing harm to our relationships, careers, and other important aspects of our lives. Fortunately, the internet addiction scale developed by the University of Surrey can help gauge your dependence.

Let’s take a closer look at each category of the internet addiction scale to see which one fits your daily online habits:

1. Casual Users (14.86%): These individuals only go online for specific tasks and log off immediately. They show no signs of addiction and have an average age of 33.4 years. They have the least interest in testing new apps.
2. Initial Users (22.86%): These people tend to stay online longer than initially intended and often neglect household chores. However, they don’t consider themselves internet addicts. The average age of Initial Users is 26.1 years, and they have a moderate interest in new apps.
3. Experimenters (21.98%): This group feels uneasy or anxious when not connected to the internet. Being online makes them feel better. Experimenters are more willing to try out new apps and technologies, with an average age between 22.8 and 24.3 years.
4. Addicts-in-Denial (17.96%): These users display addictive behaviors, such as forming new relationships online and neglecting real-world responsibilities. However, they won’t admit to feeling uneasy when they’re not connected. They are also confident in using mobile technology.
5. Addicts (22.36%): This group openly acknowledges their internet addiction and recognizes its negative impact on their lives. They are the most confident in using new apps and technology and spend significantly more time online than Casual Users.

Dr. Brigitte Stangi emphasized the need for tailored interventions and support for individuals at various stages of internet addiction. The findings of this study will also impact the design and development of digital services and AR applications, ensuring they cater to the diverse needs of users in the current digital environment.

The Symptoms of Internet Addiction

If you suspect that you have internet addiction, see if your internet activity matches the scale above. The University of Melbourne lists the following symptoms:

• You spend increasing amounts of time on the internet, even when offline.
• You struggle to reduce or stop your internet usage.
• You use the internet as an escape from your problems.
• You experience mood swings, including anxiety, depression, irritability, and restlessness.
• You prioritize internet usage over relationships, studies, and careers.

How to Overcome Internet Addiction

If the internet addiction spectrum results have concerned you, there are several ways to curb your excessive use of online devices and services:

1. Admit that you have a problem and accept the need to take steps to address it.
2. Consider a digital detox to fight internet addiction. This involves reducing the amount of time you spend on gadgets, such as limiting online chats to 30 minutes.
3. Turn off or silence notifications for apps and websites to prevent the temptation to go online.
4. Use a free app to limit internet usage or use your iPhone’s Focus Mode when focusing on something important.
5. Find hobbies that don’t involve the internet, such as playing sports or drawing.
6. Spend more time with friends and family and talk to them about your addiction. You could even ask someone close to you to keep your devices for a specific period to reduce your internet time.
7. If these methods don’t work, consult a psychologist. A mental health professional can help you address the root cause of your internet addiction.

Conclusion

The University of Surrey’s internet addiction spectrum aims to provide assistance to those struggling with this condition. It is essential to understand the importance of setting limits on our internet usage to maintain a healthy and balanced life. This article does not offer medical advice, so consult a medical professional if you have been struggling to quit for an extended period.

Learn more about the latest digital trends at Inquirer Tech.

Reference

Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.