INTERNET ADDICTION LESSON PLAN

Internet Addiction

LESSON PLAN

What does the word addiction mean? Can you give examples of different addictions?

In groups discuss your daily Internet usage habits. Share:

• How many hours you spend online each day
• Your favourite websites or apps
• Reasons for being online (e.g., studying, social media, gaming)
• Any concerns or challenges related to Internet use.

Have each group share a summary of their discussions with the class.

WHAT IS INTERNET ADDICTION?

Internet addiction is a behavioural addiction characterized by an excessive, compulsive, and problematic use of the internet, leading to negative consequences in various aspects of a person's life. It involves an uncontrollable urge to use the internet, a preoccupation with online activities, and an inability to reduce or cease internet use despite adverse effects on one's well-being.

COMMON SIGNS

INTERNET ADDICTION & MENTAL HEALTH

What causes Internet addiction? Discuss your ideas with a partner

The Internet addiction test

Are you addicted? Let's find out.

Group work

Come up with a list of five specific actions you can take to prevent or overcome Internet addiction.

Listen to the following tips and fill in the missing words. Read them aloud. Discuss the meaning of each tip with your partner. Which one do you think is most useful? Which one seems not that effective or realistic to follow?

1. Setting an __________ schedule or time limit for how much time you spend on the Net. 2. __________ yourself to stay away from the Net for several days at a time. 3. __________ yourself from certain types of online services. 4. Tell yourself never __________ to the Net when it's time to do your homework. 5. Establishing __________ (but not harmful) __________ for yourself for failing to keep your word. 6. Applying these __________ consequences until you do regain your ability to keep your word consistently. 7. Forcing yourself to do other things instead of spending time on the Net. 8. __________ to learn how to get other more healthy sources of pleasure in life to replace or even __________ the pleasure you got from being on the Net. 9. Asking for help whenever you feel you are not being successful. 10. Avoiding people or environments that might encourage you to return to your __________ behavior.

1. Setting an ABSOLUTE schedule or time limit for how much time you spend on the Net. 2. FORCING yourself to stay away from the Net for several days at a time. 3. BLOCKING yourself from certain types of online services. 4. Tell yourself never CONNECTING to the Net when it's time to do your homework. 5. Establishing MEANINGFUL (but not harmful) CONSEQUENCES for yourself for failing to keep your word. 6. Applying these SELF-IMPOSED consequences until you do regain your ability to keep your word consistently. 7. Forcing yourself to do other things instead of spending time on the Net. 8. RESOLVING to learn how to get other more healthy sources of pleasure in life to replace or even EXCEED the pleasure you got from being on the Net. 9. Asking for help whenever you feel you are not being successful. 10. Avoiding people or environments that might encourage you to return to your ADDICTIVE behavior.

HOW TO GIVE ADVICE

WOULD

SHOULD/OUGHT TO

I would suggest playing less video gamesI would recommend resting more than 8 hours a day

You should/ought to do more exercise.

WHY DON'T YOU..?

IMPERATIVE

Why don’t you do exercises more often?

Start going to the gym

HOW/WHAT ABOUT ... +ING?

SECOND CONDITIONAL

How about making a whole new site?

If I were you, I would make that hotel reservation right now.

LET'S / LET'S NOT

Let’s talk to the manager about it

CAN / COULD

Can you find an easy fix for this problem?

HAD BETTER

You’d better return the answers to the lecturer

Practice how to give advice in English

Situation #1I visited my Doctor and he told me that I should lose weight so tell me what I can do since I don’t have too much time to go to the Gym and I never like to follow a strict diet. Situation #2 I am going to be hired by an American company so I have to move to the United States in less than a year but the toughest part is that I have to be proficient in English so tell me what I should do in these few months to improve it. Situation #3 I am just a high school graduate but I don’t know what major to study or path to follow, My friends are making quick decisions and some of them are attending law school and medicine school and I don’t even know where to start, Tell me what I should do first.

Thanks!

Neglecting Responsibilities: Individuals may neglect their academic, work, or household responsibilities. This can lead to poor academic or job performance. Withdrawal Symptoms: They may experience withdrawal symptoms when not online. This can manifest as restlessness, irritability, and anxiety when attempting to reduce or stop internet use. Loss of Control: They may intend to spend a short time online but end up spending hours, and they may be unsuccessful in moderating their internet use even when they want to. Preoccupation with the Internet: Constant thoughts about being online, anticipation of the next online session. Escapism: Using the internet as a way to escape from real-life problems, stress, or negative emotions

Depression and Anxiety: Excessive internet use can lead to feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and social anxiety. Isolation and Loneliness: Spending excessive time online can lead to social isolation and reduced face-to-face interactions. Sleep Problems: Late-night internet use can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation. Reduced Self-Esteem: Excessive use of social media can lead to lower self-esteem and self-worth as individuals compare themselves to others. Attention and Concentration Issues: Internet addiction can impair one's ability to concentrate. Physical Health Problems: Sedentary internet use can contribute to physical health issues, which, in turn, can affect mental health.