Facebook addiction might sound like a harmless pastime that doesn’t result in the normal tragedies of other addictions like drugs, alcohol, and gambling , but studies have discovered that social media obsession is a serious issue – and it’s not to be underestimated .

The Facebook website is a global phenomenon, a place where people can socialise with each other on a user-friendly , online based interactive platform . Social media websites like Facebook have exploded to include hundreds of millions of users , and as a result people are adding new areas to their social lives by living ‘through’ the online experience.

How do you know if you, or a close friend or family member is demonstrating the symptoms of Facebook addiction? There are many symptoms that could mean a dependency is developing , and it’s these indicators that have so much in common with other forms of addiction.

An addict for example, goes into seclusion to pursue their addiction, as it takes up a large amount of their time and prevents them from functioning normally . An addiction to Facebook has left a great many people so involved with their online world that important relationships have suffered.

Children spend less time with their parents and siblings, co-workers spend their breaks on Facebook instead of chatting with their colleagues . It actively removes the addict from reality and instead offers them an unnaturally peaceful world where anything is possible and information is readily available, about anyone and everyone.

With Facebook becoming the social habit of the world, businesses, families and friends have become less important in reality. The Facebook addict will check their pages countless times a day, constantly on the look out for any new contact that will draw them in.

Often this compulsion is driven by the messages, invitations and IM’s that could appear at any time on their Facebook pages. Receiving such interaction is not only rewarding but satisfying, as other Facebookers reach out to include them in their lives.

Facebook addiction has led to many businesses banning the social media platform at work, because it has such a damaging effect on productivity. With employees losing hours on Facebook to connect with their online friends, it has proven to be a massive draw that many simply can’t resist .

If you feel uncomfortable or jittery in situations where you are unable to check your Facebook page, the chances are you have a burgeoning habit forming . The first step to recovery is to recgonise the problem and set personal goals to curb your habits on Facebook.

Revert to old methods of contacting your friends, and stop the email notifications filling up your inbox everyday. Facebook addiction can be just as problematic as other forms of addiction. It can ruin relationships, hurt friendships and force you into a cyber world where nothing is real.

If you find it uncomfortable to stop checking your Facebook page, and people start pointing out how often you are on it, then you need to talk to someone who can help you break this destructive habit.

Facebook addiction might sound like a harmless pastime that doesn’t result in the normal tragedies of other addictions like drugs, alcohol, and gambling , but studies have discovered that social media obsession is a serious issue – and it’s not to be underestimated .

The Facebook website is a global phenomenon, a place where people can socialise with each other on a user-friendly , online based interactive platform . Social media websites like Facebook have exploded to include hundreds of millions of users , and as a result people are adding new areas to their social lives by living ‘through’ the online experience.

How do you know if you, or a close friend or family member is demonstrating the symptoms of Facebook addiction? There are many symptoms that could mean a dependency is developing , and it’s these indicators that have so much in common with other forms of addiction.

An addict for example, goes into seclusion to pursue their addiction, as it takes up a large amount of their time and prevents them from functioning normally . An addiction to Facebook has left a great many people so involved with their online world that important relationships have suffered.

Children spend less time with their parents and siblings, co-workers spend their breaks on Facebook instead of chatting with their colleagues . It actively removes the addict from reality and instead offers them an unnaturally peaceful world where anything is possible and information is readily available, about anyone and everyone.

With Facebook becoming the social habit of the world, businesses, families and friends have become less important in reality. The Facebook addict will check their pages countless times a day, constantly on the look out for any new contact that will draw them in.

Often this compulsion is driven by the messages, invitations and IM’s that could appear at any time on their Facebook pages. Receiving such interaction is not only rewarding but satisfying, as other Facebookers reach out to include them in their lives.

Facebook addiction has led to many businesses banning the social media platform at work, because it has such a damaging effect on productivity. With employees losing hours on Facebook to connect with their online friends, it has proven to be a massive draw that many simply can’t resist .

If you feel uncomfortable or jittery in situations where you are unable to check your Facebook page, the chances are you have a burgeoning habit forming . The first step to recovery is to recgonise the problem and set personal goals to curb your habits on Facebook.

Revert to old methods of contacting your friends, and stop the email notifications filling up your inbox everyday. Facebook addiction can be just as problematic as other forms of addiction. It can ruin relationships, hurt friendships and force you into a cyber world where nothing is real.

If you find it uncomfortable to stop checking your Facebook page, and people start pointing out how often you are on it, then you need to talk to someone who can help you break this destructive habit.

There once was a time when computers took up an entire room. Now, every household has at least one. If you have computers (desktops and laptops) in your home and the kids have access to them implement a few guidelines to keep them safe while on the Internet.

Everyone in your household values their privacy. If you have teenagers this is most likely a big issue for you now. When it comes to online communication, their privacy will always take a back seat to their safety when they are in control. You lock your home’s door against predators, but unfortunately these slimy thieves have found another way to get in – your computer.

How can you protect your kids when they are online just like you do inside your home? Here are 5 ways to make computer time for your children safe and give you some much needed peace of mind too.

1. Communicate with your children. This is one of the main lines of defense against child predators. Open communication creates an atmosphere of trust in the home. You explain that the Internet can be dangerous and that certain safeguards are set up for your child’s protection. This doesn’t mean overreacting if they slip up. Kids are curious and these times are to be expected and dealt with appropriately.

2. Keep computers in a common area. When a child is using the computer behind bedroom doors it is harder to monitor what they are seeing and doing. In the family room or den, you can walk by or be in the same room while they are online. If a computer is allowed in the bedroom for school work, the door must remain open while they are using it. Usually this little nugget keeps most kids from viewing explicit pages out of curiosity since they know their parents might be watching.

3. Set up parental controls on your computer. Kids of all ages know how to use the Internet now. Parental controls stop them from accessing pages that have potential adult content on them. You can also use install software that such as McGruff Safeguard, ContentBarrier X4, and KaZipster to monitor their time online and prevent the sending, and/or receiving, of explicit material and personal information.

4. Teach kids not to send personal information to others. Some websites ask kids to enter personal information to sign up for contests or just to use the website like social sites. Giving out any information about yourself can lead a predator to your front door. It could be a setup to gain access to your child. Your kids should ask you before filling out any questionnaires or forms online that require such information.

5. Filter email accounts. Email is a common way for sending pornographic or other non-kid friendly messages. Let your kids add their friends’ email addresses to their address book, but block all others. This will keep them from opening emails from people they don’t know and seeing things that they shouldn’t.

Online safety begins at home. What your kids learn from you will help to keep them safe and online savvy even when away from home.