Internet addiction, no matter how silly it sounds, is no joke. The need to be online 24/7 poses work risks, threatens young students, and may even hold long-term societal consequences.

Swansea University's College of Human and Health Sciences published a study last February, which was the first of its kind to reveal that internet addiction is no laughing matter. For some participants, being without the internet resulted in withdrawal symptoms similar to those experienced by serious drug users.

"Our results show that around half of the young people we studied spend so much time on the net that it has negative consequences for the rest of their lives," said Dr. Phil Reed, one of the researchers. "When people come offline, they suffer increased negative mood, just like people coming off illegal drugs like ecstasy. These initial results, and related studies of brain function, suggest that there are some nasty surprises lurking on the net for people's well-being."

Participants were first given psychological tests to explore existing levels of internet addiction, mood, anxiety, depression and autism. Next, they were given internet access for 15 minutes and retested. The study summarized: "Internet addiction is associated with long-standing depression, impulsive nonconformity and autism. High internet-users also showed a pronounced decrease in mood following internet use compared to the low internet-users."

Internet addiction also presents an especially pressing problem for those who spend longer hours in front of computers due to work or school. Here are a few suggestions to help keep you and your family accountable and productive, without jeopardizing health and emotional well-being:

Keeping Time. Knowledge is power and simply tracking how much time you spend on a program can often solve the tendency to overuse it. Software like TimeSnapper or a browser extension for Firefox like TimeTracker can keep track of your web usage (or any other program).

Surf-Free Blocks. Everyone knows the importance of focusing when at work or studying, but full-time internet connectivity encourages web surfing. If tempted to surf the web, designating "web free" hours can help. Experts suggest brains function better when working in 90-minute increments with short breaks in-between. Increasing your "focus time" will help productivity and give the brain variety, which is also important for its health.

Internet Fasting. That's right, take a whole day offline each week. When it comes to food, the benefits of intermittent fasting have long been known to improve digestion and give bodily systems a rest. The brain and emotions could use a mini-vacation too! Brief fasting from the internet, television (even if it's just the news), talk-radio, or any media that causes emotional stress can be a welcome addition to a weekly routine-this may become a very welcome weekly habit!

Instant Message Mastery. Keeping work and personal instant message accounts separate is key. Friends mean well, but if they see others online they will feel free to send the latest viral video or website, eschewing personal productive time.

Following a few of these tips on a regular basis will help you live less of your life in
the virtual world and more time enjoying what the real one has to offer. And feel free to share this article with those you care about.