SHRINK RAP: ADDICTED TO THE INTERNET

18 Nov SHRINK RAP: ADDICTED TO THE INTERNET

Part-time Telluride local  Dr. Paul Hokemeyer is a nationally recognized expert on Eastern philosophies, relationships, and emotional healing. A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, he holds a PhD in psychology, as well as a doctorate in the law. A part-time Telluride resident, Dr. Hokemeyer is based in the New York City office of the Caron Treatment Center. He is also a contributor to The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, “The Dr. Oz Show,” CNN’s “Headline News,” and other media outlets, including “Good Morning America,” “truTV,” and “Oprah Radio.” The following blog is based on a recent TV interview featuring Dr. Hokemeyer.

Dr. Paul Hokemeyer

When love flips into obsession, it’s not a good thing. Think “Fatal Attraction.”

Well, some have that going on with the Internet.

Yes, we spend hours and hours online doing lots of great, fun stuff: we get information, surf sites that offer sales (not always a good thing), buy books, download music, play games, communicate with friends through social media, and so on.

But the amount of time some of us are doing all that is raising big red flags.

In a recent interview on “The Couch,” I was asked to explain the line between healthy and unhealthy online behavior and how to find a good balance.

To keep yourself in check, follow this short list of tips:
•    Keep a record of your use for one week – and write it down;
•    Set time limits for your use (like not using your BlackBerry or checking your iPhone before 9 a.m. and turning it off at 10:00 p.m.);
•    Reward yourself for your efforts;
•    Talk to someone about your use and bring them in as a buddy to help you manage your time on the Internet.

And…

Listen to my podcast with Susan Viebrock of Telluride Inside… and Out to find out more.