Technology addiction is a problem that affects many people in today’s society. It’s caused by a brain chemical imbalance and can impact your work, health and social life.
The disorder can be hard to diagnose and treat, but it is a growing issue that can be treated with a variety of approaches. Understanding the cause, symptoms and treatment can help you or a loved one take control of your technology use.
Causes
Technology addiction is a form of dependency on the internet, mobile phones or other technology devices that interferes with a person’s work, relationships and overall well-being. It often develops when a person begins to make the use of these devices a priority over other important aspects of their life, such as their family and friends.
There are several causes of technology addiction. One is depression or other mood disorders, wherein a person spends excessive amounts of time online to escape from reality and relieve feelings of anxiety, loneliness or stress.
Another cause is a social problem such as shyness or difficulty communicating with people in real life. Using the internet as an alternative to face-to-face communication allows these individuals to express their thoughts and ideas without interference from others.
The use of the internet can also be addictive if it leads to compulsive shopping, gambling or other similar activities. If a person has a history of such addictive behaviors, they may become dependent on the internet and this can lead to an even worse addiction.
Symptoms
If you have a hard time controlling how much time you spend on the internet, whether it is playing games, browsing social media or using chatrooms, you may be suffering from technology addiction. It may also be referred to as computer addiction, compulsive internet use or Problematic Internet Use (PIU).
Addiction to the Internet can lead to both emotional and physical effects. These include body aches, carpal tunnel syndrome, vision problems, sleep issues and weight gain.
In addition, it can cause problems with work performance and motivation. People with internet addiction also tend to develop withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the internet, which can be similar to drug or cigarette withdrawals.
Treatment for technology addiction is often a combination of medication and talk therapy. These medications can help manage underlying mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, which are common causes of Internet addiction. Once these illnesses are treated, Internet addiction will subside.
Treatment
Technology addiction is an impulse control disorder that involves obsessive use of mobile devices, the internet or video games despite negative consequences to the user. Like other impulse control disorders, technology addiction can be treated.
A treatment program focuses on creating boundaries and balance around the use of technology. It may also encourage abstinence from specific apps or sites that seem to be the focus of the addiction.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment option for technology addiction. It works by teaching patients to identify and change inaccurate thoughts, such as blaming themselves or other people for their problems.
Motivational interviewing is also an effective therapy technique for technology addiction. This evidence-based talk therapy aims to increase the patient’s motivation and help them make a commitment to change unhealthy behaviors.
Teenagers with technology addiction often have other underlying issues that they need to address as well, including depression or anxiety. If these underlying issues aren’t addressed, technology addiction can persist and even worsen.
Prevention
Technology addiction is a growing concern for parents of teenagers and young adults. This is a serious concern because it can lead to negative consequences for their health, education and relationships.
Prevention of technology addiction starts with setting boundaries. Talk to your kids about their screen time and set limits on how much they can spend.
Help them avoid downloading apps that may be dangerous or contain pornographic content. Also teach them to turn their notifications to “no” during family time and homework.
Similarly, encourage them to spend more quality time with their friends and families. These activities are more likely to distract them from their screens and limit their time spent online.
In the long run, technology addiction can be prevented. But it takes time and commitment. So if you or someone you know is suffering from technology addiction, it is important to get treatment and seek help. It can be a life-changing decision for everyone involved, so make sure to find the right treatment center.