You already answered your question. When something, anything, starts causing you to lose connections in the real world, it is affecting you in a bad way. I'm guessing that a lot of your surfing isn't really productive time either. How many cute cats have you seen this week? How many hours reading posts about "friends" great meals? Etc.
Using the internet as recreation is fine. It just needs to be balanced. One way is to establish rules around your internet usage. For example, set a timer and allow yourself X number of minutes of internet a day or only allow internet after 9pm, etc. You simply need someway to measure and control your usage.
Probably more importantly, start keeping a journal about your usage. I'm less concerned here about your usage but the "why" of your usage. So when you are reaching for the internet ask yourself, "why am I going to the internet instead of reaching out to the real world?" Write it down. Work to be brutally honest with yourself. I'm guessing that you have some fear or blockage with real world connections where the internet is easier. Work on that fear or blockage.