I am in the middle of jobs, have not much to do, so all my free time is wasted on scrolling the web. Sometimes I start doing something challenging, quickly get frustrated, and open porn. I am tired of this, I want to get rid of my laptop and phone. Can you suggest any strategies?
Ask HN: How to Fight Internet Addiction?
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Re: Ask HN: How to Fight Internet Addiction?
#2Read a book! Would you/do you enjoy any specific genres?
How much do you exercise? Even if you walk around the block, that's awesome. Try to challenge yourself if you don't, start with 1 mile, then 2, etc. to the point where you feel it's as far as you can go.
I wouldn't get rid of your laptop since you need it for job hunting, but you could get a dumb phone.
What other hobbies do you have? If none, what kind of facilities/3rd places are near you to facilitate hobbies? Are you rural, suburban, or urban?
Re: Ask HN: How to Fight Internet Addiction?
#3Read a book! Would you/do you enjoy any specific genres? How much do you exercise? Even if you walk around the block, that's awesome. Try to challenge yourself if you don't, start with 1 mile, then 2, etc. to the point where you feel it's as far as you can go. I wouldn't get rid of your laptop since you need it for job hunting, but you could get a dumb phone. What other hobbies do you have? If none, what kind of faci…
I love reading and running actually, but when I am in this procrastination mode I can’t push myself to even start reading or go outside. I live in the city.
Re: Ask HN: How to Fight Internet Addiction?
#4Read a book! Would you/do you enjoy any specific genres? How much do you exercise? Even if you walk around the block, that's awesome. Try to challenge yourself if you don't, start with 1 mile, then 2, etc. to the point where you feel it's as far as you can go. I wouldn't get rid of your laptop since you need it for job hunting, but you could get a dumb phone. What other hobbies do you have? If none, what kind of faci…
I love reading and running actually, but when I am in this procrastination mode I can’t push myself to even start reading or go outside. I live in the city.
Therapist to start discussions about depression and porn addiction. As for engaging in new things, it's hard to say without knowing what city and I don't suggest saying which here, but maybe find the subreddit for your city and asking for ideas.
Re: Ask HN: How to Fight Internet Addiction?
#5Earlier quoted context omitted.
I love reading and running actually, but when I am in this procrastination mode I can’t push myself to even start reading or go outside. I live in the city.
Therapist to start discussions about depression and porn addiction. As for engaging in new things, it's hard to say without knowing what city and I don't suggest saying which here, but maybe find the subreddit for your city and asking for ideas.
Thanks. It does not feel like depression as I had a few and they felt different. But definitely related to the lack of goals and meanings.
Re: Ask HN: How to Fight Internet Addiction?
#6Get a dumb phone. Carry a real book you like and read it --not a kindle or such. Read it when you get bored. If you need a laptop use it for work only otherwise get a desktop that's outside your bedroom. Remember to read the book instead of the web. Cannot read anymore, too much, walk to the store and get your groceries or clean your home or plan a project or take a walk or,or, or, anything constructive but the internet. Make a list of things you like or want to try.
Do it soon. Otherwise, you can, and likely, lose your future by getting sucked into the web and show nothing for it.
Re: Ask HN: How to Fight Internet Addiction?
#7The difference that ADHD meds made in my life: Effort finally led to results.
Before I'd throw will and habit-making-changes at compulsions (like posting for hours) but it never really got better. When I went on Adderall, I gained critical control over my thinking. I could direct myself where I needed to be and didn't need to struggle every second with it.
I later realized that control belonged in my hands all along but it had been stolen by cognitive issues.
I do not know that this is your answer. It was absolutely mine tho.
Re: Ask HN: How to Fight Internet Addiction?
#8I have this problem too, other than the porn thing, which I would suggest you avoid looking at because it'll desensitize you like a drug habit which is no good.
Strategies are tough.. logically, we all know what needs to be done. Follow-through is the hard part. It's easier when there is someone there saying do this, do that.. but when you don't have that governor it's all on yourself to do and it can be tough to recognize yourself or manage yourself. It's what's needed, but it is tough for sure so instead of trying to do everything all at once, you should do things in bite-size chunks instead.. maybe even on a timer..
Progress is incremental, not all at once.
Re: Ask HN: How to Fight Internet Addiction?
#9The difference that ADHD meds made in my life: Effort finally led to results. Before I'd throw will and habit-making-changes at compulsions (like posting for hours) but it never really got better. When I went on Adderall, I gained critical control over my thinking. I could direct myself where I needed to be and didn't need to struggle every second with it. I later realized that control belonged in my hands all along…
How did you decide to go for meds? Some people mention that the usual sign is having study/career issues, but I don’t have any.
Re: Ask HN: How to Fight Internet Addiction?
#10I have this problem too, other than the porn thing, which I would suggest you avoid looking at because it'll desensitize you like a drug habit which is no good. Strategies are tough.. logically, we all know what needs to be done. Follow-through is the hard part. It's easier when there is someone there saying do this, do that.. but when you don't have that governor it's all on yourself to do and it can be tough to rec…
Porn does feel like a drug indeed. Good idea about a timer, I’ll try it.