Technology Addiction: Signs and Treatment
Oct 30, 2023

For many people their jobs require them to spend the majority of their workday online. Teens also spend a significant amount of time online, whether engaging with social media, chatting, or playing video games.
Covid-19 only extended the amount of time people spent online. A 2021 Pew Research study shows that 30% of adults are online “almost constantly.” While it’s easy to think that this is just teens playing video games, 48% of teens and young adults say they’re constantly, 42% of adults 30-45 fall into the category of being online constantly. While the majority of these people don’t face a technology addiction, some will develop a negative relationship with technology.
What is Technology Addiction?
Technology addiction, also known as digital addiction or internet addiction, refers to an excessive and compulsive dependency on various technological devices, such as smartphones, computers, the internet, and social media platforms. This behavioral addiction involves an uncontrollable urge to use technology, leading to negative impacts on one's daily life, mental health, and relationships. Individuals affected by technology addiction often exhibit withdrawal symptoms when not using devices, neglect real-world responsibilities, experience heightened anxiety, and have difficulty regulating their technology usage. It disrupts social interactions, sleep patterns, and overall well-being. The addiction can manifest through compulsive gaming, social media scrolling, online gambling, or excessive internet use, undermining a person's ability to function normally without technological stimuli.
Causes of Technology Addiction
While there is no singular cause of technology addiction, one study suggests that people's inclination toward online interactions over face-to-face connections significantly contributes to the emergence of adverse effects linked to problematic Internet usage.
Signs of Internet Addiction
While engaging online can be incredibly productive, excessive indulgence can detrimentally impact academic performance, professional pursuits, personal relationships, and mental well-being. When an individual finds more comfort in online connections than in face-to-face interactions or struggles to cease activities like gaming, gambling, or incessant checking of smart devices, they might be grappling with a cyber addiction.
Indications and manifestations of cyber addiction manifest diversely among individuals. Below are some common warning signs:
Losing track of time online: Frequently, a person might lose track of time and extend their online presence beyond the initially intended duration. Minutes easily turn into hours, and interruption of online time may provoke irritation or distress.
Difficulty completing tasks at work or home: Falling behind on responsibilities such as homework or professional obligations due to unhealthy online habits, causing a need for excessive late-night studying to compensate.
Isolation from family and friends: Excessive online engagement might compromise social interactions and neglect relationships. The individual might feel that their online connections understand them better than those in their physical, real-life circle.
Feeling guilty or defensive about internet use: Concealing the extent of online engagement, lying about the time spent online, or reacting defensively to concerns from friends, partners, or family regarding excessive screen time.
Experiencing a sense of euphoria during internet activities: Turning to the internet for stress relief, emotional support, sexual gratification, or excitement, finding a source of happiness and comfort in online activities.
Effects of Technology Addiction
Technology addiction can lead to various detrimental effects on an individual's life, including:
Physical Health: Prolonged screen time can cause physical issues like eye strain, disrupted sleep patterns, musculoskeletal problems, and a sedentary lifestyle, contributing to obesity.
Mental Health: Excessive technology use is linked to increased stress, anxiety, depression, and reduced attention spans. It may also exacerbate mental health conditions like ADHD.
Social Impact: Technology addiction can hinder face-to-face interactions, leading to social isolation, strained relationships, and a decreased sense of community.
Academic or Professional Impacts: Reduced productivity, lack of focus, and procrastination due to excessive technology use can harm academic performance or work productivity.
Financial Consequences: Online shopping, gambling, or in-app purchases associated with technology addiction can lead to financial strain and debt.
Emotional Well-being: Dependency on technology might lead to emotional instability, mood swings, and a decreased sense of fulfillment in real-life experiences.
Self-Identity: Over-reliance on social media or online presence can distort self-perception and create an unrealistic sense of self-worth tied to virtual validation.
These effects collectively impact an individual's overall well-being, indicating the importance of addressing and managing technology addiction.
Types of Technology addiction
Various forms of addiction manifest in different ways. Internet addiction can encompass several categories:
Sex: Individuals engage in online sexual activities, viewing pornography, or cybersex, neglecting real-world intimate relationships.
Relationships: Using online platforms for relationships at the expense of in-person connections, potentially leading to cyber affairs.
Compulsions: Using technology to gamble or engage in risky day trading and crypto trading behavior.
Games: Excessive gaming, gambling, or online shopping causing financial distress.
Information: Obsessive searching and collecting of information.
Social Networking: Compulsive monitoring of social media sites, frequently updating profiles and informing others about current activities on platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
Treatment For Technology Addiction
While there is no magic cure for technology addiction, therapists often find success with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational enhancement therapy (MET).
Both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) can be beneficial in addressing technology addiction.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT focuses on identifying and changing the patterns of thinking and behavior associated with addiction. It helps individuals recognize problematic thoughts and behaviors related to technology use.
In the context of technology addiction, CBT can assist by identifying triggers, such as specific situations or emotions, that lead to excessive technology use. It helps in developing coping strategies to manage these triggers, thus reducing the reliance on technology.
Through CBT, individuals learn to reframe their thoughts about technology, challenging irrational beliefs and developing healthier behaviors and attitudes towards its use.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
MET is designed to enhance an individual's motivation to change their behavior. It focuses on exploring and resolving ambivalence about changing addictive behaviors.
In the case of technology addiction, MET can help individuals recognize the discrepancies between their goals and the negative consequences of excessive technology use. It encourages them to find personal motivations for change.
MET uses empathetic and non-confrontational techniques to help individuals strengthen their intrinsic motivation to reduce technology use. It assists in building confidence and commitment to make necessary changes.
Both CBT and MET can be effective tools in addressing technology addiction by addressing underlying behavioral patterns, motivations, and psychological factors contributing to excessive technology use. They provide individuals with the skills, motivation, and support needed to modify their behaviors and regain control over their technology habits.
Some additional treatment options include:
Using external stoppers
Setting goals
Selective abstinence from certain applications
Using cues
Making personal inventories
Joining support groups
Family therapy interventions.
Finding Help for Technology Addiction
Finding help for technology addiction involves seeking professional assistance and support. Individuals can start by consulting therapists or psychologists experienced in behavioral addictions. Many addiction treatment centers offer specialized programs addressing technology dependency. Support groups, such as Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous or online forums, provide a sense of community and shared experiences. Self-help resources, books, and mobile apps designed to manage screen time and reduce dependency are also beneficial. It's crucial to establish a support network, set boundaries, and gradually introduce healthier habits to regain control over technology use.
References:
About three-in-ten U.S. adults say they are 'almost constantly' onlineCyber Addiction | Dean of Students | Michigan Tech
Internet addiction - Better Health Channel
Computer/Internet Addiction: Effects, Symptoms, Causes & Therapy | PsychGuides.com

Signs of Gambling Addiction in a Spouse
Nov 30, 2023
Jonathan

Signs of Sex Addiction
Nov 27, 2023
Jonathan

Gambling and Divorce: Statistics and Information
Nov 26, 2023
Jonathan

What is DFS Gambling?
Nov 19, 2023
Jonathan

Addiction Specialist: Helping You Overcome Addiction
Nov 18, 2023
Jonathan

Exploring the Different Types of Gambling
Nov 8, 2023
Jonathan

Technology Addiction: Signs and Treatment
Oct 30, 2023
Jonathan

Is Sex Addiction Real?
Oct 25, 2023
Jonathan

Is Options Trading Gambling?
Oct 23, 2023
Jonathan

Gambling Addiction and Treatment
Oct 16, 2023
Jonathan

Sex Addiction Treatment and Therapy Options
Oct 14, 2023
Jonathan

Signs of Gambling Addiction
Oct 7, 2023
Jonathan

Is the Stock Market Gambling?
Sep 25, 2023
Jonathan

Tips for Finding a Gambling Rehab Center
Sep 24, 2023
Jonathan

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Pathological Gambling
Sep 23, 2023
Jonathan

What Causes Porn Addiction?
Sep 18, 2023
Jonathan

Video Game Addiction
Sep 16, 2023
Jonathan

Porn Addiction Signs & Symptoms
Sep 11, 2023
Jonathan

Gambling Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms & Signs
Aug 29, 2023
Jonathan

How to Stop Online Gambling
Aug 27, 2023
Jonathan

Does Medicare Cover Gambling Rehab?
Aug 19, 2023
Jonathan

Gambling and Dopamine
Aug 12, 2023
Jonathan

How to Stop a Porn Addiction: Tips & Treatment
Aug 11, 2023
Jonathan

Porn Addiction Counseling
Aug 7, 2023
Jonathan

Is Fantasy Football Gambling?
Jul 24, 2023
Jonathan

Signs of a Day Trading Problem
Jul 19, 2023
Jonathan

Why is Gambling Addictive?
Jul 18, 2023
Jonathan

The Arizona Lottery and Gambling
Jul 16, 2023
Jonathan

Is Poker Gambling?
Jul 15, 2023
Jonathan

Is Crypto Gambling?
Jul 14, 2023
Jonathan

Gambling and Sports Betting Among College Students
Jul 8, 2023
Jonathan

Updates Made to Gambling Disorder Clinical Criteria Between DSM-III, DSM-IV, and DSM-5
Jul 8, 2023
Cara Anderson

Combatting Gambling and Alcohol Addiction
Jun 30, 2023
Jonathan

Medication for Gambling Addiction
Jun 27, 2023
Jonathan

The Seven Types of Gamblers: Are You One of Them?
Jun 25, 2023
Elliott Rapaport

10 Questions to Ask If You Think Your Loved One Has a Gambling Problem
Jun 24, 2023
Cara Anderson

Signs of a Sports Betting Problem
Jun 21, 2023
Jonathan

Exploring the History of Gambling in the US
Jun 17, 2023
Elliott Rapaport

Gambling Treatment in Arizona
Jun 15, 2023
Jonathan

Voluntary Self Exclusion to Stop Online Gambling
Jun 15, 2023
Cara Anderson

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Gambling Treatment?
Jun 13, 2023
Jonathan

The Growing Issue of Loot Box Addiction: What Parents Need to Know
Jun 11, 2023
Cara Anderson

Gambling Addiction Hotline
Jun 5, 2023
Jonathan

How to Stop Gambling
Jun 1, 2023
Jonathan

Can Gambling Addiction Be Cured?
May 31, 2023
Jonathan

Why Is Gambling So Addictive?
May 30, 2023
Elliott Rapaport

Abilify and Compulsive Gambling
May 26, 2023
Cara Anderson

How to Stop Gambling: Strategies for Regaining Control
May 21, 2023
Cara Anderson

How to Stop Gambling and Save Money
May 18, 2023
Cara Anderson

How to Help Someone with a Gambling Addiction
May 16, 2023
Elliott Rapaport

Microbets and Online Gambling Addiction
May 13, 2023
Elliott Rapaport

Cryptocurrency Addiction
May 9, 2023
Tobias Jackson

The Rise of Esports Gambling
May 6, 2023
Cara Anderson

How Day Trading Can Create a Dangerous Addiction
May 4, 2023
Elliott Rapaport

How Addictive Memes Have Fueled Problem Gamblers
May 2, 2023
Elliott Rapaport

Clinical Screening Tools and Quizzes to Answer the Question: "Do I have a Gambling Problem?"
May 1, 2023
Tobias Jackson

Sports Betting Problems and What to Be Aware Of
Apr 30, 2023
Elliott Rapaport

Insurance Coverage for Gambling Addiction in 2023
Apr 29, 2023
Elliott Rapaport

How to Stop Sports Betting
Apr 28, 2023
Cara Anderson

Helping a Loved One with a Gambling Addiction
Apr 27, 2023
Cara Anderson

Self Care for Problem Gamblers
Apr 26, 2023
Cara Anderson

Can NCAA Athletes Bet on Sports?
Apr 25, 2023
Elliott Rapaport

Glamorized Gambling and What To Be Aware Of
Apr 24, 2023
Elliott Rapaport

What is March Madness and Should You Be Worried?
Apr 22, 2023
Elliott Rapaport

What is Sports Betting and Event Wagering?
Apr 21, 2023
Elliott Rapaport

What is Problem Gambling?
Apr 20, 2023