Addicted To Computer :/

[superfoodist]

So, I'm addicted to the computer.

I've tried several times to quit, but I just subtly work my way back into wasting all my time on the computer after a few days.

I'm usually researching stuff online, or looking on forums like this for interesting posts, so not ALL my time is wasted, but I'd like to completely quit.

I'm a musician, so I use the computer for my music social networking sites as well, like twitter and facebook, which is my usual excuse of why I can't really completely quit the internet. (Not like I have a ton of fans/followers yet)

I also have minor social anxiety (because it's much better then it used to be, and still getting better), which seems to go away when I don't spend time on a computer or browsing stuff on my iphone. It seems the slightest amount of time on a computer can get me really agitated and mess me up socially, but when I stay away from it, my personality is awesome.

I'd like to read books more as opposed to lounging on a computer chair all day as well, and I also know that so much time on the internet kills my attention span which makes it harder to read..

Ughhh I know what I have to do, I have to just QUIT. I think I just came here to rant, but if any of you have any comments/advice, please feel free to share it!!

[Clint Cora]

If I need to focus on something, I would usually move to another room where my computer is not located. If that doesn't help, I go to the library. So it depends on what you priorities are for the day. If you have some stuff to do which do not involved using your computer but you know that you can be easily lured to your monitor, it may help to physically remove yourself so that you don't have access to it until your tasks are done. Hope this helps - this is what I do.

[Philemon]

What if you discontinue your internet connnection? You would save money. And if you really NEEDED to use the internet, you could go to the library, or to an area with free WIFI.

I only use the internet at work for the similar reasons you cite - I tend to waste too much time if I have it accessible at home. My home has no TV or internet, and I'm a musician too. This means downtime at home gets dedicated to creative works, reading, household chores, meditation and general rest - not much time being filled idlely.

Good luck.

[superfoodist]

Thanks for the replies, guys.

@Clint Cora - It's not necessarily that there's some specific thing I need to focus on.. It's more that I end up sitting on the computer (whether to find beats online to write lyrics to, or check facebook, or anything really) and I get distracted really fast and end up spending HOURS on there (usually most of the day until work, or the whole day on weekends). I'll just do searches online about stuff that interests me, or read on forums, and accomplish nothing.. In that same amount of time, I could be reading TONS of books!

@Philemon - I'm only 19 and still live with my family, and they rely on the internet for certain things as well, so canceling it isn't really an option. I'm thinking about just getting rid of the computer in my room, and when I really NEED to use one, I can go on the studio computer located in a different area of my house, and make sure I use it only specifically for making music, promoting music online, ordering something I need, or doing some kind of school work.

I'm not sure how this would turn out though. I think my room would look rather dull without my computer and 2 speakers next to it to add flavor.

[Clint Cora]

Some of the work you do online sounds quite worthwhile since they are related to your music interest. But it seems that once you go online, you are prone to straying a bit which cuts into your time. So how about if you go online for a specific task (like to search for beats), you give yourself a set time - like 30 minutes or even 60 minutes tops.

Then schedule other non-online things you have to do that day. This forces you to spend the time you are in front of the computer at the most efficient manner. You do what you were set to do in that time period so you can't stray off.

Once that time limit is reached, you shut off your computer and go do your other stuff. Have a clock right there near your computer to monitor your time.

This might help discipline yourself not to stray so much while online.

[quiethumir]

What works for me is to post pone getting on the computer (unless I need to use computer for schoolwork etc.). Momentum is very important. I find out that when I start using the computer, the longer I use it, the harder it is to get off it. That's why when I get home, I decide right away to start doing my schoolwork and do all my computer stuff at night or later. Surprisingly, when I start doing the schoolwork, I really get into it and I'm not thinking about using my computer. Hope this helps.

[superfoodist]

Hmm, I think I'll just try getting rid of the computer in my room.

I just hope it doesn't look too boring in here afterwards ><

[DarkTears]

why dont u replace your computer with a laptop instead, that way, you can take it on the the go and you wont be using it everytime, because if you stop completely it will backfire 50% of the time, maybe even more............