Rebeca Mayo (2avm)

ARE YOU A COMPUTER ADDICT?



Do you spend more than five hours per day, in your spare time, in front of a computer? Are you always connected to programs such us “messenger” or “skype”? Do you check your e-mail at least twenty times per day? Is “switch on your computer” the first thing you do when you arrive at home? Do you feel anxious when you cannot use your computer? Have you ever cancelled a date with someone because you wanted to do something on your computer?

If the answers to these questions are “yes”, then you probably are a computer addict. According to some researchers, a computer addict is not someone who spends many hours in front of a computer, but it is someone who cannot stop doing it, because they would feel worried, anxious, or depressed. The main symptom that a computer addict suffers is complete dependence on computers, an item which they cannot live without. This addiction usually causes other side effects, such us difficulties in relating with other people, inability to maintain a normal conversation, problems at work or with their relatives, depression and withdrawal symptoms if they cannot use a computer for some days.



So, what can you do if you think you are a computer addict? The key to success is to have a busy agenda. The more things you have to do, the less time you will have to spend with the computer. Going out with your friends, practising sports, doing craft-works or just spending time with your family are some amusing activities that can help you to overcome your addiction. To sum up, try to switch off your computer from time to time and do not forget that there is life beyond computers.