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Avoiding Forum Land addiction

Avoiding Forum Land addiction

Hi all, I am curious to know if I am the only person around here who has a propensity to get hooked on internet forums, social media sites etc. I have decided to instigate some rules for myself around how much time I spend here in Forum Land because I know how easily I can get hooked on such sites. It happened to me when I was at uni and spending a lot of time on the forums there - thus I am nipping it in the bud this time around.

I recognise that because I am very socially isolated, I get a real buzz (or more technically, a dopamine hit in my brain) each time I get a response or "like" from anyone and this motivates me to engage again in order to get another hit. I know there is nothing in the world wrong with gaining enjoyment from the social interaction that the forums provide...but there is great wisdom in that saying, "all things in moderation."

The other issue that I'm seeing in myself is that I'm hanging around here in Forum Land far too close to my bedtime. I realise that I need some non-screen time before bed in order to get a better night's sleep. Otherwise, I find myself going to bed still buzzing from all the interesting conversations I've had here in Forum Land.

So...this is my plan. I am going to give myself a Forum Land curfew of 9pm, except on Friday nights (because Friday Feast is so super fun). I think I will just work on that goal for now...and then work on reducing how often I jump on the forum during the day once I'm travelling ok with that first goal.

Alright, now that I've put this out there for the entire world to read, I would be interested to hear if anyone else has found themselves getting hooked on the forums???

117 replies

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In response to: Avoiding Forum Land addiction

Re: Avoiding Forum Land addiction

@Phoenix_Rising.
Yes you are awesome.
(Applause)

In response to: Re: Avoiding Forum Land addiction

Re: Avoiding Forum Land addiction

I'm baaaaack. Thank you everybody for sharing. @Former-Member that sounds like a clever app to block sites for a set time, I haven't heard of that one.

@Change123 I totally hear what you're saying about how online forums can sometimes bring us down rather than lift us up. This is the first MH-focused forum that I've really engaged with. I've tried a couple of others, but I found that they really did drag me down. For me, I think the difference with the SANE forums is how well they are moderated, and also the fact that there are lots of nice positive fun spaces to hang out.

I think for me, online interaction works much better than face-to-face. I actually have a very low need for human connection these days...I just need SOME. I think I get too easily overwhelmed with "real" human contact...and to-date every friendship I've had has fallen apart because the other person sure-as-heck gets overwhelmed with...well...me. So...thank you for providing me with the social support that I need to help me keep on keeping on.

In response to: Re: Avoiding Forum Land addiction

Re: Avoiding Forum Land addiction

Awwwww my self-imposed curfew has arrived. Well that's no fun! I think they say it takes two weeks to change a habit doesn't it...only 13 days to go. Night all.

In response to: Re: Avoiding Forum Land addiction

Re: Avoiding Forum Land addiction

good night @Phoenix_Rising well done little turtle 🙂

In response to: Re: Avoiding Forum Land addiction

Re: Avoiding Forum Land addiction

good afternoon @Phoenix_Rising how have you been travelling?

In response to: Re: Avoiding Forum Land addiction

Re: Avoiding Forum Land addiction

Hi @Former-Member, thank you for asking after me. I have been struggling with some big feelings today, but that's ok. I have had a vaguely productive day despite the big feelings so tonight I am allowing myself to do nothing except hang out here until 9pm.

In response to: Re: Avoiding Forum Land addiction

Re: Avoiding Forum Land addiction

your not alone there @Phoenix_Rising ive had a pretty rough day too

but its good you done soemthing productive today 🙂

In response to: Avoiding Forum Land addiction

Re: Avoiding Forum Land addiction

Good night @Phoenix_Rising c

In response to: Re: Avoiding Forum Land addiction

Re: Avoiding Forum Land addiction

@Former-Member I'm still a few minutes away from signing off for the night. It's all @CherryBomb's fault - I let her con me into taking a ride in a whale!!! I super love that you dropped by to say goodnight.

In response to: Re: Avoiding Forum Land addiction

Re: Avoiding Forum Land addiction

Ok, NOW I'm ready to sign off. Fifteen minutes isn't TOO late...given I was delayed by a whale and all...

My goal for tomorrow is to not appear on here until the evening. I can do that. Night everybody...especially @Former-Member who was so kind to drop by and say goodnight to me.

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