“Chronically online” describes individuals who spend an excessive and unhealthy amount of time on the internet to the point where it shapes their personality and perspectives. These individuals are constantly consuming content online and use the internet to do the majority of their communication and social interactions. People who are chronically onlineare strongly influenced by internet culture. It has become common for all of us to spend several hours per day online. This is especially true for teenagers who, on average, spend more than 12 hours per day online.However, there are negative side effects to being chronically online, and it is best to find a balance and live a healthy life.
Signs that You’re Chronically Online
Are you concerned that the amount of time you spend online is having a negative impact on your life? Here are some signs that you’re chronically online.
Excessive Time Online
Average screen time has gone up every year, especially among younger demographics. However, there can be several negative side effects to spending too much time in front of a screen and on the internet. Do you spend excessive and uncontrollable time online?
Constant Need for Connectivity
People who are chronically online often feel anxious or restless when they can’t access the internet. They feel as if they’re missing out on something important if they’re not constantly scrolling tiktok or twitter. If you have some of these feelings, you might spend too much time online
Impact on Sleep
There is a strong correlation between screen time and insomnia. The internet can be overly stimulating, and makes it harder to fall asleep. If you spend too much time online to the point that it is impacting your sleep, you should consider changing some habits.
Neglecting Personal Responsibilities
Do you ignore work, schoolwork, or household chores because you’re absorbed in online activities? Prioritizing online activities over ones in real life is a sign of having an unhealthy relationship with the internet
Emotional Dependence
Do you rely heavily on online interactions for emotional support, validation, or to feel good, often neglecting real-world relationships? If you’re finding yourself constantly reaching your phone and doom scrolling online, you might have an unhealthy relationship with being online.
Avoid Being Chronically Online
Set Time Limits
Allocate specific times for internet use and adhere to them. There are many apps that you can use on your phone and computer to monitor your screen time. Decide how much is a healthy amount for you, and set a limit.
Engage in Offline Activities
One of the best ways to spend less time online is to have stuff to do offline. Find hobbies that do not require technology. We have put together a list of screen-free activities for teens you can check out!
Create Technology-Free Zones
It is very common for parents to ban cellphones in their teen’s bedrooms at night. Having this physical separation from technology is a great way to reduce usage.
Socialize Offline
Prioritize face-to-face interactions with friends and family over online friends and social media. Instead of talking on facetime, consider going on a walk together and meet face to face. Instead of playing video games online with someone, consider meeting up in person and playing board games.
Remove Apps From Your Phone
If you find that you or your children are spending too much time on the phone, analyze which apps are being used the most. If there’s an excessive usage of a certain app, consider removing it for a week and see how that impacts quality of life.
Is “Chronically Online” an Insult?
When someone says that you are “chronically online”, they usually mean it in an insulting way. They’re saying that you spend too much time online and your personality and perspectives are skewed in a negative way. It is saying that your viewpoints are shaped by the internet and out of touch with reality. As with most insults, one should consider the reasoning and context behind it. Generally, when someone tries to insult someone else it does not come from a good place. They’re not trying to give you constructive feedback. Instead, they’re trying to make you feel bad. Ultimately, it is up to you to determine whether or not they were successful.