Online Addictions, Cyberbullying & Online Affairs
"The Internet is so big, so powerful…that for some people it is a complete substitute for life."Andrew Brown
Therapy for Online Addictions, Cyberbullying, and Online Affairs in Fort Lauderdale.
At The Psychology Group we help individuals, couples and families navigate the challenges of the complicated digital world.
We are living in the era of the Internet without a “surgeon general’s warning” on our devices to inform us of any potential negative side effects. The Internet has provided us with 24-hour access to activities and interactions that could lead to online addictions, cyberbullying, and online affairs.
Individuals are struggling and relationships and families are being torn apart due to betrayal, job loss, crime, a lack of self-esteem, a need for immediate gratification, financial ruin, academic decline, and online safety issues.
Your loved one picks up their phone, turns on their computer, or starts to play video games and you start to ask the following questions:
Why do they have to watch porn so much; am I not enough?
Why can't I get my child off this video game?
My child is tortured by other kids bullying them online, how can I help?
Is it cheating when they are direct messaging and liking their ex's pictures on social media?
Reach out!
Statistics
At The Psychology Group we focus on treating the 3 main types of online addictions:
- Pornography
- Gaming
- Gambling
In the U.S. 18% of porn users become addicted, while 7% of video gamers and 3% of online gamblers develop an addiction.
A third of divorces are being caused by online affairs. The ability to have an affair without even having to leave the comfort of your home coupled with the ability to easily locate and reconnect with an ex can be too tempting for some spouses.
It is alarming that 52% of adolescents report being cyberbullied. The difference with this new age bullying is that there is no escape. The cyber acts reach beyond the victim’s playground, classrooms, or halls at school and follows them home on their devices.
We Can Help
At The Psychology Group Dr. Tenille Richardson-Quamina is our specialist who will help you disconnect from the Internet so you can reconnect to living your best life.
We utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, The Gottman Method, Positive Psychology Interventions, Art Therapy, and psycho-education to prevent or overcome issues resulting from Internet use.
Clients have been able to improve their overall well-being, start and maintain their recovery, increase academic and work performance, and rebuild trust in their relationships.
What to Expect From Therapy
- Help starts with giving us a call at (954) 488-2933 x10
- Our practice offers complimentary 15-minute phone consultations. During this consultation we will learn more about your needs and goals and will be matched with one of our expert therapists.
- Your initial session will include an assessment, thorough review of your symptoms, background, and history.
- You and your therapist will review your assessment and goals to determine which of our 3 therapeutic programs will be beneficial:
- Internet Proof Recovery- To Beat Online Addictions
- Internet Proof Preteens/Teens- To Counter Online Cyberbullying
- Internet Proof Relationship- To Prevent or Overcome Online Affairs
Signs & Symptoms
Due to the Internet being a newer phenomenon, warning signs that an issue may be developing are not always easy to identify or understood. The signs and symptoms listed below of online addictions, cyberbullying, and online affairs will equip you with more information to determine when help is needed.
Reach out!
Online Addictions
Even though an online addiction does not involve drugs or alcohol, it can be as equally destructive. Online addictions are a disease of the brain’s reward system which is easily reinforced by the immediate gratification, visuals, sounds, and wins provided by Internet 24/7.
Excessive Internet use can decrease a person’s quality of life by causing relational, career, financial, health, legal, or educational issues.
Online addictions are not just identified by the amount of time spent on the Internet but also by how your use is impacting your life. For more information visit http://netaddiction.com/.
Symptoms:
- Lying or hiding the extent of Internet use
- Internet use has increased over time
- Backache
- Neglecting responsibilities to go online
- Attempts to cut back have been unsuccessful
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Headaches
- Poor nutrition and personal hygiene
- Changes in sleep or eating habits
- Going online to escape or decrease stress
- Withdrawing from friends and families
- Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
Cyberbullying
The Internet has created a false sense of anonymity and an ease of sharing information that has fueled cyberbullying. For an act to be considered cyberbullying, it has to be an intentional repetitive act sent on an electronic device that is meant to cause harm to another person.
These acts include spreading rumors, sending threats or hurtful comments, or sharing compromising videos or pictures of the victim. In the cyber world a bully doesn’t have to be stronger or bigger, the power lies in their typed words or the information or picture in their possession. For more information visit https://cyberbullying.org/.
Warning Signs A Child May Be a Target of Cyberbullying If They:
- Stop using their device
- Spend less time with peers
- Lose interest in activities that they used to enjoy
- Refuse to talk about their online activities
- Appear nervous or jumpy when using their device
- Changes in sleeping and eating habits
- Appear uneasy about going to school or outside
- Appear to be angry, depressed, or frustrated after going online
- Become withdrawn or depressed
- Talk about suicide
- Increase in absences or early pick up from school due to illness
A Child May Be Cyberbullying Others If He or She:
- Hides online activities
- Uses device late at night
- Has multiple online accounts with fake names
- Refuses to talk about their online activities
- Laughs while using their device, but won’t discuss what is so funny
- Becomes withdrawn or isolated
- Has anger outbursts when unable to find their device
- Starts to hang out with the “wrong” crowd
- Appears overly concerned with popularity or continued presence in a particular social circle or status
- Increase in behavioral issues and violent tendenciesInsensitive to peers
Online Affairs
An online affair can be both emotional and physical due to the advances in technology. Communication via online text, pictures, virtual gifts, and chats can facilitate the development of an emotional affair. Physical affairs can occur with the use of porn, cybersex, and sex toys that are operated via online technology. These affairs can even escalate to offline contact.
Most couples have an understanding of what an offline affair is but are unclear regarding online affairs. This lack of clarity can cause problems in a relationship.
A passive online affair occurs when an accidental exposure to inappropriate activities such as banners, pop ups, or the initial likes or comments from others. If a partner makes the decision to click on inappropriate pop ups or fails to block inappropriate online contact, he or she is moving from a passive to an active affair.
Active online affairs are deliberate acts that are known to be inappropriate, which is more concerning as it demonstrates a lack of regard for a relationship. For more information visit https://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/03/internet.
Signs:
- A demand for privacy
- Evidence of lying or hiding activities
- Loss of interest in sex
- Change in sleep patterns
- Becoming withdrawn and cold towards a spouse
- Household chores left undone
- Decreased interest in spending quality time or activities that were previously enjoyed by the couple
Get Matched With A Therapist in Just a Few Moments
Give us a call or send us a message and someone will be in touch with you asap.
(954) 488-2933
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