The advancement in technology, the internet and the availability of devices has led us to depend upon the online world for almost all our needs. From watching videos to ordering food, the internet offers us all that we need at a few clicks away from our screens. This has provided us with the comforts of sitting at home and having the world at our fingertips but it has also come with its own set of challenges. With an over-reliance on the internet for all mundane tasks, we are in danger of becoming dependent on it and destroying our social lives as we know them.
Online obsession is the overwhelming reliance on the internet and the overconsumption of online content in order to escape from real life. People who suffer from online obsession often find themselves trapped in an endless cycle of browsing through social media, streaming services, or online shopping. They spend most of their time consumed by the digital world and this takes away from activities that can be done in the tangible world.
What exacerbates the problem is that the amount of time spent using the internet is often seen as a measure of success. The constant checking of our phones, tablets, or computers is praised as being productive. People strive to create the most perfect version of themselves online, leading to a cycle of envy, insecurity, and dissatisfaction. This behavior further leads to withdrawal from activities outside this digital world and a decrease in socialization within a normal environment.
The behavior which causes online obsession is deeply engrained in the majority of us. We all have faced the compulsion to keep checking notifications, update profiles, or browse for something to listen to or watch. This behavior is even more evident when the people around us engage in it as well. With the increased acceptance of constant internet use in society, coupled with the feeling of being left out of conversations and activities for not participating in them online, we are constantly being tempted to be drawn into an environment that we might struggle to get out from.
Online obsession can spiral out of control and lead to both physical and psychological health issues. By spending too much time in front of a computer or device, we are at risk of eyestrain, headaches, neck and back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and sleep deprivation. It can also lead to the weakening of relationships as socialization is neglected, causing further isolation. Online addiction can also cause increased levels of stress due to the strain of having to constantly check for notifications, updates, or new posts.
To counter the dangers of online obsession, it is important to establish a healthy balance between our digital and physical lives. It is always advised that the maximum amount of time spent using internet or devices should not exceed three hours so that your body does not become so accustomed to using them, that it craves it. Also, it is important to remember that your online presence is not the only measure of your success. Living a life with purpose and socializing in physical spaces should be the goal. Additionally, try and do more activities offline, like playing outdoor sports, or going for walks and hikes.
In conclusion, online obsession is a very real problem but one that can be managed by understanding the consequences of the online world and taking steps to create a healthy balance between online and offline activities. It is important to remember that the internet can provide us with an abundance of high-quality resources but if we fall too deeply into its gravitational pull, it can overpower our real world.