Spending time on the computer

[MCBTunes]

So, I have this problem... I spend way too much time on the computer and accomplish absolutely nothing... (I mean this literally my computer useage is summed up in browsing a couple forums, and chatting on MSN...

This needs to stop. I cant not spend time on the computer becase i'm a computer science major... so I cant put it back in its box . But I cant just leave it turned off... there is too muc temptations I would go as far as calling it an addiction. I know I get nothing done, and I dont even like being on the computer for such a long time, I get bored and get headaches. Then I dont even want to do my homework.

End result of my computer addiction is... I have no motivation to get back in shape after recouperating from my motorcycle accident and I am waaaay behind in every subject at school... which is starting to look ugly as it gets tough...

How do you deal with an addiction?

 

[lemur821]

A start would be to set yourself some time limits. One hour of aimless browsing per day, for example. Besides that, no computer use besides that required to complete your assignments. If you can't manage to do that then get complicated, but it may be enough just to give yourself that limit. I was able to go a week without the net (although I did do some programming) for a class of mine. Even though I normally have trouble not spending a lot of time on the Internet, I was able to manage it because my goal was clear cut. Maybe a definite limit will help you too.

 

[Sonic_Death]

I have the same addiction, and honestly, I have not managed it well at all. I don't think I'll ever get over it because I am a computer person at heart, but the addiction should still be moderated.

When I got a girlfriend I certianly got out more and spent less time on the computer, but once she left, the computer replaced more of my time.

It may just be my rationalizing my addiction, but I don't see that much wrong with it (as long as you can get away from it when necessary). The problem I see from what you've said though is that you get nothing done, so that is not a good thing at all.

Although it may not truly be 'dealing' with the addiction, but you should try to find some other ways to fill your time. That, or the dreaded time limits: Settings certain hours where you spend leisure time on the computers, versus watching tv, or doing any other hobbies.

I'll try to think this over some more and maybe repost and see what others say.

 

[jkritchey]

Sorry, dude, can't help you. If you find something that works, let me know...

 

[Poop-Loops]

Asked to get banned from the forums you go to. At least until school's out. That way going on those sites will be pointless. I did that. But... then I had to write an essay on the topic that the message board was about (martial arts) so I had to get un-banned.

 

[RWP]

Sorry to hear about your bike wreck man. If nothing else you need to do what ever the doc says to get better physically. I can relate to computer addiction. I have had one for a LONG time. Like you computers have been my life for many years. From fixing to programming to selling the damn things.

Talkbass has been the worst for me. So many cool people here talking about stuff I can relate too. Maybe we should start computerholics anonymous and make a few bucks in the process. "Hello, my name is Bill Gates and I am a Computerholic.... "
Anyway, you are not alone.

 

[MJ5150]

Put a timer with a loud alarm by the door as you walk into the room with the computer. Decide on an amount of time you will allow yourself to pointlessly roam the internet. When the alarm goes off, get up and go turn it off. Don't go back in the room.

All you need here is self-will and determination. There is no magic solution for solving an addiction of any kind. Break it down to a battle of wills. Don't let a weakness of yours rule your life. Banish the addiction, and become free of the chains of slavery to your PC. Are you going to let a little plastic box with a screen on it rule your life? Come on! You can do it!!

-Mike

 

[Poop-Loops]

If self-will and determination was enough to get me off of here, then I wouldn't be here still typing this, now would I?

 

[MCBTunes]

Well guys, I'm going to start the 1hr suggestion tomorrow... as i have already spend way over an hour on here today haha. I have my doubts. The computer is in my bedroom on it's own desk right beside the desk i do my homework at... So whenever i'm in my room it rules me! And since I got my own desktop, I havn;t had to worry about other people being on it.

I'm doomed! I dont know a single smoker that can handle 1 smoke a day when they are used to a pack haha.

 

[Dave Grossman]

Sorry, dude, can't help you. If you find something that works, let me know...

Ditto.

- Dave

 

[MJ5150]

If self-will and determination was enough to get me off of here, then I wouldn't be here still typing this, now would I?

Well, you do not have enough of either.

-Mike

 

[Neb Maro]

Is there a way you can get the computer out of your room? I dunno, consign it to the garage or someother place where is it accessible, but not as easily as before. Then do as suggested with set times to go and mess around. Will, determination and possibly intervention if those don't work.

 

[Kosko]

Your a comp sci major! you're allowed to. But! why not have a programming window open, practice graphic arts while texting, explore your comps registry a bit, browse slashdot, learn asp.net 3.0, do things that will help you in the long run. Even if its not programming directly, but things that would just help you in the workplace, keep up to date on upcoming technologies, learn about different OS's, learn to use SSH and telnet, all sorts of stuff. You dont have to limit your time, just aim it better.

 

[SnoMan]

You could always go try to get laid.


If that's not enough motivation...then I can't help ya.

 

[tplyons]

I don't want to hear it, look at MY post count.

 

[MAJOR METAL]

It is a habit thats for sure.

 

[RWP]

To bad the database does not allow a sort by post per day. That would be intersting.

 

[FunkSlap89]

I think this may be a bad place to ask, because clearly, everyone here is addicted as well. I'm planning on stopping once i get into the heavy part of the college application process.

 

[MCBTunes]

Sorry to hear about your bike wreck man. If nothing else you need to do what ever the doc says to get better physically.

Thanks for the sympathy man, it has been real hard recovering from my accident.

I'm not sure this is an addiction, so much as laziness.

Life is hard, and rewarding things don't come easy. Time to buckle down, and work harder!

Man, I'm old.

this isnt the problem, I'm not lazy.. trust me..

You could always go try to get laid.


If that's not enough motivation...then I can't help ya.

you talk as if this is a difficult task?

I don't want to hear it, look at MY post count.

I feel your pain, .

Honestly though, I really need to get over this computer thing... if i was actually doing stuff on the comp like playing a game or something that would be ok... but I am doing nothing... I surf forums and look at the same threads over and over, contributing and learning very little... (but i get to see a lot of nice basses).

I already used up my hour this morning... so when I get home from school... the computer stays off. I dont even mind if I watch a movie instead... I just dont want to be on the computer... although I dont know a smoker that has handled to to

 

[Vandelay]

An idea: when your hour is up, shutdown and UNPLUG the computer from the wall. That way you won't jump back online as a quick impulse -- it'll take some actual effort.