Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Suggest Remedies For Social Networking Addiction

This is about my daughter 21 years old who got addicted to the Internet, from being a top student she dropped out of one college, enrolled in another and almost got dropped out from there too. She slept in class, missed many morning lectures , behaved disrespectfully towards one professor . She basically changed into a person I can t recognise. It s been years she has been on the Internet social sites especially facebook and whatsapp. She chats with random strangers well into the night and sometimes forgets dinner and other necessary chores. At any point of time she has a favourite stranger who she chats compulsively with. With her staying in a hostel we don t know what to do. She doesn t have many friends as she is very temperamental with them.
Fri, 14 Jun 2019
Report Abuse
Radiation Oncologist,  's  Response
Hello,

I am sorry to hear about your plight, I am sure it must be a very difficult and frustrating situation for you.

Addiction is a strong word, I would like to use the word habituated if you don't mind.

It is very common among youngsters to get habituated to social media, social media like WhatsApp and Facebook, provide a platform where they connect with others, sometimes to the point that the real world becomes non existent/ not worthy to them.

sleeping in class, missing morning lectures is most likely due to being awake during night hours. Also please try to find out, she is not a victim of substance abuse.

I would advise a few steps that might help:-

1. Try talking to her as a friend, not as a parent or with reprimand, try listening to her, is there something which is bothering her and using this social media route as escapism.

2. Get her involved in outdoor physical activities such as some local sports club, drama, dance, etc whatever she enjoys or she might enjoy.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Jatin Bhatia, Radiation Oncologist
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
Suggest Remedies For Social Networking Addiction

Hello, I am sorry to hear about your plight, I am sure it must be a very difficult and frustrating situation for you. Addiction is a strong word, I would like to use the word habituated if you don t mind. It is very common among youngsters to get habituated to social media, social media like WhatsApp and Facebook, provide a platform where they connect with others, sometimes to the point that the real world becomes non existent/ not worthy to them. sleeping in class, missing morning lectures is most likely due to being awake during night hours. Also please try to find out, she is not a victim of substance abuse. I would advise a few steps that might help:- 1. Try talking to her as a friend, not as a parent or with reprimand, try listening to her, is there something which is bothering her and using this social media route as escapism. 2. Get her involved in outdoor physical activities such as some local sports club, drama, dance, etc whatever she enjoys or she might enjoy. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Jatin Bhatia, Radiation Oncologist