To quit the internet

[3kidsandadoggy]

Over the past few weeks I'm becoming increasingly aware that my internet usage is making me more anxious. I feel like I spend my whole life in front of a screen and on the internet. I don't pay my teenage kids much attention at times because of the internet (they are on it a lot too) and I sleep terribly if I spend most of the day on it. I've got the app thing on my iPhone that tells me how much screen time on average I've had each week and it can be an average of 8 hours a day some weeks. I've been having this problem since before Covid so it's not like I can blame it on that. I was just wondering if IABU to try and also if anyone has ever tried completely coming off the internet and if so if they noticed an improvement in the way they felt? (I also realise that this is slightly ironic as I'm posting on an Internet forum now!!) Thank you for reading

I’m totally with you. I desperately want to cut down my usage and am convinced my life will be so much more fulfilled; less comparison, desire for things and more time to spend in the moment. My usage has definitely increased with Covid though and the need to consume news. I’ll join you in an internet addicts’ support group, but no idea how to relinquish the hold!

I have a pretty good grip on my usage.

I moved to pay as you go and have no data allowance. That means when I am out and about my phone is only good for texts, calls, camera, podcasts and maps (if you download the google map of your area it uses GPS not data). I feel genuine relief when I am out of the house - free from notifications and whatsapp!

I have blocked most websites and apps that I waste time on using the screen time function on my phone. My husband knows the pin (and I don't) so if I really need an extra 5 mins on ebay or something he can override it for me. I've even blocked the news on it as I listen to Radio 4 a lot so get regular updates anyway.

That means I only really use the internet for browsing on my laptop which I keep plugged in and in the coldest room in the house so it isn't very pleasant. I am there now researching seeds to buy (annnnnnddd wasting time on mumsnet!).

I have given up Instagram and Facebook. When I look back on my life I don't want to think about the hours wasted on something so pointless and ultimately joyless!

Good luck and hopeful to read more tips on here!

Yes I agree
I wonder if there is a centre you can check into for detox and therapy.

I want to move away from the internet too. I'm spending far too much time scrolling through social media and forums and have noticed it also has a negative effect on my mental health. I go out for walks and leave my phone at home now, and I also put it in another room when my 8 month old is awake so I can fully spend my time concentrating and enjoying the time with him.

I'd love to get rid of Facebook as I spend far too much time on there but I'm in a different country and i have a private group on there where I post pictures and videos of my son for my family.

@Legwarmers

Yes I agree I wonder if there is a centre you can check into for detox and therapy.

You could google that.

It’s very comforting to hear I’m not the only one! I live down the road from a woman who has 2 children a few years younger than mine and they’ve never had screens (other than an old tv and old computer) at home and they are really happy and confident kids. I often wonder if that’s because they’ve not been parked in front of screens all day and have spent their childhood doing more traditional activities. I never spent much time on the internet until about 10 years ago and since then it has been like an addiction!