It manifests itself in the inability to control the use of gadgets. Technology is an integral part of our life. All kinds of devices are indispensable at work, they provide an opportunity to have fun and are always at hand. The reverse side of this phenomenon is technological dependence.
Technology addiction: causes and how to avoid it
When used wisely, devices bring many benefits. But for some people, gadgets turn into the meaning of life. And then it becomes extremely difficult to control their use. Without a device at hand, a person practically loses the ability to reason and make decisions.
The essence of technology addiction
As with any technology addiction, it is difficult for a person to control the time and intensity of using a certain device. If at the moment the gadget is out of reach, the reaction of a person will be anxiety, stress, irritability and even aggression.
That is, it is not a matter of dependence on a particular substance, but in behavioral patterns that generate and maintain this addiction. The body begins to synthesize neurotransmitters (dopamine). On the other hand, over time, more and more reinforcement and satisfaction are required.
Elements of Behavioral Addiction
- Loss of control.
- Development of dependent relationships.
- Growing need to increase the amount of time devoted to a given activity.
- Violation of her normal rhythm of life.
Reasons for tech addiction
There is no single cause, but different causal relationships between certain factors (psychological predisposition, social influence) come into force.
But technology and games are designed to impress and hold the attention of a person. This is the #1 hurdle to overcome. Video games are a vivid example of the development of addiction, which is difficult to identify precisely because everyone considers it normal.
How does technology addiction affect a person?
Tech addiction spoils both health and relationships. Here are some of its consequences:
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia).
- Difficulties with attention and concentration.
- Difficulties with memory. It is difficult for us to remember information, since we use devices for this.
- Anxiety and over activity.
- Problems in interpersonal communication.
- Mood swings.
- Sometimes monophobia develops – an irrational fear of being without a smartphone.
How to Avoid Technology Addiction
- Restrict device usage hours. You can set an alarm as a reminder that it’s time to stop “communication” with the gadget.
- Get things done without using devices. Sports, walks, meetings with friends will help.
- Set rules for using gadgets at home (do not use smartphones and tablets at the dinner table).
- Technology alone is not the main cause of addiction. We need to look at the problem more broadly in order to develop smarter use cases for these useful and necessary devices.
Technology Addiction in Teens
Technology addiction (also called Internet addiction, or Internet use disorder, among other names) is a broad term used to describe any obsessive tech-related behavior, be that gaming, online shopping, social media use, video watching, or anything else involving digital technology.
While technology addiction is not included in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, the APA recently published a book on the topic that covers the different types of digital addiction and how they affect various populations, including youths. In a press release, one of the book’s editors, Petros Levounis, noted that while most people can enjoy technology’s benefits with no or minimal trouble, some develop a serious addiction requiring psychiatric evaluation and treatment.
Also noteworthy is that the World Health Organization lists gaming disorder, which includes digital and video gaming, as a mental health condition in its International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.
Effects of technology addiction
More than likely, when we say we say “tech addiction” or “digital addiction,” we’re really talking about teenagers’ inability to do without a favorite game or their phone and the negative behaviors that can come with that.
Tech addiction doesn’t have to be clinically classified as an addiction to be a serious problem, however. Along with comparing this issue to “digital cocaine,” some have linked increased screen time to a rise in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), adolescent anxiety, depression and suicide risk factors.*
Clearly, there’s a problem.