I’ve found this last year or so that I just really like being alone. And part of me was always like ‘ah that’s great! We value independence’... but now I’m realising that essentially all I do when I’m alone is go on my phone. I’ll be on it for hours, on social media or YouTube or Netflix or playing games. And I know that that doesn’t massively set me aside from any other teenager. It’s just the fact that I like that MORE than social interaction. I’m just really scared that I’m broken for this. I don’t know how to spend a chunk of time alone without going on a device. But I like spending chunks of time alone. Can I change this? Or is this okay?

Yeah! I mean I’m still at school and spend a lot of time everyday with people. I guess just more ‘generally’ I prefer the idea of being alone. But not being lonely. I just hate how being alone for me is completely internet oriented.

I’m definitely the second one. But how can I work on changing this when I’m almost ‘addicted’ to the internet and the distraction it gives me? It’s like I want to change but I also don’t.

@garden There are three ways to do it. The first way is by thightening your belt and quitting cold turkey. Stop ASAP your addiction to social media. Imagine you are an alcoholic. You must stop. You can take it a day at a time. If you release, try again. Chose a day of the week you will not use it. Stick to it. Then add another day, and another, until you do not need it anymore. Or do what a lot of people do. Quit now forever. Never do it again. You will require a strong will and a strong discipline. You will also need something to take its place. Exercise. Lots. No need for equipment: run in place, do squats, pushups, sit ups. You may want to get into some sort of support group online. There are tons. This is the way usually followed by people with substance abuse whose addiction poses a threat to their lives. This is one way. To repress the cravings to do it. The second way to deal with this, is by not repressing your cravings but rather by transforming them. Do not stop watching social media. Do not stop using the internet. Rather, start changing the programming. Get into some philosophy and psychology groups on Facebook, for instance. Read the New York Times, USA Today, the Wall Street Journal or any of the other well reputed newspapers. Read books online, listen to spiritual teachings on you tube, follow an exercise routine video, etc. You do not have to change your own programming. You are just adding some channels. Little by little you will transform that addiction into something positive. This is the way of transformation. The third way to deal with this problem is not to consider it a problem at all. Who says it is a problem? Why? If you are happy doing it and no one else gets hurt, so be it. Who can tell you spending your life on social media is worse than working like a donkey to make money? Who can really say that socializing online is not a proper way to live, if living consist in being happiness? Who are we to decide that? If it gives you happiness and no one is affected by your internet addiction, then keep doing it. Play your games, visit your friends on social media, etc. Needless to say, there would eventually be bills to pay which would come between you and your social media use. This would be good for someone who has means and may not need to go to work. Because at the very moment when someone else has to pay your way, it stops being your choice. So that is the three choices you have. I think the second one may be better for you, unless your addiction is very strong or you are seriously affecting the lives of others, in which case you may have to repress your cravings and quit cold turkey. Keep doing what you are doing but add some channels. Little by little add more and more channels that can bring some benefit to you emotionally as well as spiritually. Now, if you have OCD and your social media addiction is part of it and you use that as a coping mechanism, it is best to be treated by a profesional. That is my humble advise. Be well.

@Anonymous Thank you SO so much. That means a lot. I even sent some of what you said to another friend of mine with OCD (she’s on this app just inactive) because it’s so helpful and well written

Wow thank you 🥺