It's who we are. There's really not a 'cure', I don't think. There's 'less harmful stuff' and 'being LESS possessed' by our various addictions, but they are unlikely to ever be totally cured.

So ... do you not go to work, ignore family, phone calls, miss kids or grandkids birthdays because you're consumed with the internet every moment?

I'm guessing not, but even if so, and that's the worst of it, could still be you're doing pretty good. You're not gambling or drinking your money and life compulsively away, no needle in ya arm, no straw up your nose ...

Could things be better? Could you be more involved with others, doing more that's productive, having a more 'quality life' ... were you spending less time on the internet? My guess is ... yes. But ... it's also important to consider ones comfort zone, and how important it is to stay away from LITERALLY things that will cause our demise. If being on the internet, learning and sharing, is your cocoon, and keeps your mind and thoughts away from what is really much more dangerous stuff ... it's the sort of 'addiction' that may make sense.

Or it may really not ... everyone is different, and capable of different things, and has different priorities.

If you're in a group, and/or have a sponsor, ask them what they think

(taxes, house repairs, decluttering, organizing and filing stuff, etc.) and too often take a "break" by going to DU and other groups "to see what is going on" several times a day.

I've taken "vacations" from DU (which is by far the most time-consuming "group" for me) for as much as 3 weeks once, maybe a couple of other times for about a week, where I use my alternative browser -- which isn't logged in -- just to catch up on Latest Breaking News. Since I'm not logged in, I can't post anything or reply to anything (unless I log in). Anyway that works -- I just don't take these "vacations" often enough.

I am mostly housebound and spend an unhealthy amount of time online every day. When the internet goes out, I get irritable and anxious and feel lost. Not good.

There have been a few drastic changes in my life recently. As part of my fresh start, I hope to significantly reduce screen time and replace it with walking, gardening, and reading while sitting outdoors (actual books, not kindle). And more interacting with people, too. It's been going in fits and starts so far.

My 21yr old son was always an avid reader growing up. He buys many books and has a lovely bookshelf to display them on. He still reads, but only on his Kindle.
I myself am a slave of Audible.

Wonderin' what to do
One that makes me feel like I feel when I'm with you
When I'm alone with you.

Is not good for me.

I hit the internet tubes in the morning and a couple'a times during the day when I am not hiking, yard working or whatever.

When power went out for 15 days after Hurricane Sandy, it didn't bother me. Losing T.V. did.

Some days, I am glued to the keyboard and then I will go weeks without even checking the news. I do agree, when there is breaking news, I kind of get caught up in a feedback loop. The housework still gets done, I cook elaborate meals for 2, the dogs and I still get our exercise. If it's an addiction then it's one I can live with. At least I am not eating pills and watching FOX news 24/7 like so many of my generation.