Time Calculator: How Much Time Do You Spend Online?

13 Years is Just the Beginning

Based on a 2022 survey of Canadians aged 16 to 64, people in Canada dedicate over 6.5 hours daily to the Internet. Social media, primarily Facebook, claims over 2 hours, while video games consume just over an hour. Moreover, Edgio's 2021 report reveals global gamers aged 18 to 60+ spend around 8.5 weekly hours on video games, marking a 14% rise from 2020. Of these, 44% play over 7 hours per week, and 11.4% surpass 20 hours. It's vital to note that the World Health Organization officially recognizes video game addiction, or gaming disorder.

However, the situation might be graver. Assuming an average Canadian starts using the Internet at age 16 (most likely even earlier) and continues till 83 — the average life expectancy for Canada in 2022, they will invest 18 years online. So maybe it's a good time to start thinking about whether you have an addiction. If you are already concerned and want to check if you spend too much time online compared to other Canadians, click the button below.

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Types of Internet Addiction

According to NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information), Internet addiction disorder is the “compulsive and problematic use of the Internet, resulting in significant functional impairment in several life domains.”

This happens when people spend too much time engaged in online activities. They ignore their responsibilities and personal interests, without realizing all the negative consequences that Internet addiction brings.

Computer or Gaming Addiction

Losing control over gaming, prioritizing it over other activities, and continuing despite negative consequences. They include troubled sleep, obesity, discomfort in the neck or back, strained eyes, challenges at work, school, or social situations. The addiction stems from brain dopamine surges, low self-esteem, social anxiety, and the need for escapism.
Cyber-Relationship Addiction

Getting addicted to social networking, chat rooms, texting, and messaging can reach a point where online friends start to matter more than real-life family and friends. Once individuals get wrapped up in an online identity, they might end up with fewer social skills and begin struggling with forming real-world bonds, making them more reliant on virtual connections.
Net Compulsions

Uncontrollable online gaming and gambling, trading stocks and cryptocurrencies, or excessive use of online auctions like eBay can lead to financial struggles and work-related issues. These patterns can disturb job responsibilities and harm financial security. Overspending or losing significant money can strain relationships and create stress.
Cybersex Addiction

Excessive engagement with Internet pornography, adult chat rooms, or adult fantasy role-play websites doesn't just affect the person struggling but also puts a strain on their partner and family. It can lead to lower self-confidence, feelings of isolation, reduced work efficiency, and can interfere with forming genuine sexual, romantic, or close connections in real life.
Information Seeking

Compulsive and uncontrollable Internet browsing or constant information hunting in the digital world. The abundance of online resources triggers a need for some to always crave more. In certain cases, the urge to seek information is linked to existing obsessive-compulsive traits. The addiction leads to lower work efficiency, potential job insecurity, and financial challenges.

My Name is Robert and I’m an Addict

Ratemycasino.ca has tried to describe what happens to a person as they go through Internet addiction. Meet Robert from Toronto. He’s fine now but let’s see what will happen after he goes through three stages of addiction.

stage 1

Who doesn’t love watching YouTube, playing Candy Crush, or Googling some peculiar topics in bed before sleep? Robert sure does. It’s super easy, it’s fun, it’s accessible, and it gives him a way to take his mind off work and other things once in a while. Nothing wrong with that, right?

stage 2

Any time Robert is out with friends, he cannot think of anything else than his phone and his gaming console. When he is away from them for too long, he becomes irritated, aggressive, and even depressed. He gets so bored that he'd rather check his email than be in the moment.

stage 3

Robert can’t sleep well because of all that insane amount of screen time. He stopped hanging out with his friends and loved ones. He hasn’t showered in weeks and gained a lot of weight from all the junk food and sedentary lifestyle. He doesn’t care for anything else.

3 years later — 3 years later — 3 years later — 3 years later — 3 years later — 3 years later — 3 years later — 3 years later — 3 years later — 3 years later — 3 years later — 3 years later — 3 years later — 3 years later — 3 years later — 3 years later — 3 years later — 3 years later — 3 years later — 3 years later — 3 years later

Robert doesn’t really enjoy gaming and Internet surfing like he used to. But he believes that the real world is too much to handle for him now.

Steps to Avoid Becoming Robert

Limit Your Digital Time

Giving yourself a digital detox is quite doable if you're committed. Start by putting limits on your online and gaming time. Try setting a rule to stay offline after a certain hour every day. These steps will help you stay in charge and keep things balanced.

Engage In Healthy Activities

Gym, sporting sections, jogging. It doesn't have to be sports – you can pick up any hobby that doesn't involve the Internet. Think about learning a musical instrument, mastering new languages, or getting into painting. Plenty of good options out there.

Socialize More

Call up your friends for some exciting activities. Step out more, making your loved ones a top priority. Spend quality time with them, do things you genuinely enjoy, and focus on nurturing your in-person relationships more than your online ones.

Prioritize Your Needs

Put your priorities in the spotlight. If you're a student, consider completing your homework before anything else once you're home. For a businessperson, focus on your meetings and schedules first, leaving internet use and other tasks for later.