The first step is admitting you have a problem. But should the Internet be categorized alongside nicotine and alcohol as an addiction?

Some psychologists believe so. The DSM-IV, or ‘Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, recently established Internet addiction as a legitimate mental disorder due to the fact that it can spark unhealthy behaviors that the mind adapts to.

Given that we truly have little-to-no shame regarding just how often we use the Internet, we probably should have seen this one coming…

Our generation is slowly distancing themselves from one another, with a friend request being the highlight of social encounters for the week. Resulting isolation is then linked to depression and other serious disorders that are rising statistically, this has been proven by a majority of cases that have received recommendation for treatment.

As the Internet evolves, our blatant obsession with keeping up should be a pretty dead giveaway as to why lines should be drawn.

I’ll be the first to admit that shutting down isn’t necessarily the answer. The Internet has been accepted into our culture, and for good reason, we have adapted it into our everyday lives and now it is fair to say that a majority of tasks would be a nuisance if not for wi-fi.

With that said, we can rejoice in the fact that the Internet is not going anywhere. This network has the most lasting power as it modernizes, adapts, and updates constantly–which is more than can be said for any tangible piece of technology currently on the market.

It’s just a matter of prioritizing. Challenge yourself in the new year, find a hobby that doesn’t scroll, reward yourself for doing something other than completing an entire season in one sitting, see just how long you can go without asking for a friend/restaurant/neighbor’s wi-fi password.

Know when to take a step back from the computer, know when something really should be said in person; basically regain your common sense.