Technology Addictions: Types of Compulsive Tech Use Today

KEY POINTS

• Over 35% of individuals struggle with an internet addiction.

• 31% of American adults are chronically online, according to Pew Research.

• Smartphones made it easier for Americans to go online instantly.

• Internet addiction increased at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

• Teens are the most prone to technology addiction, with 45% online. 

Technology addiction has become an increasing problem around the world. And it's not just associated with teenagers; it can impact just about anyone, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity as the world has become more dependent on technology.

Unfortunately, technology addiction can have major impacts on people's mental and physical health. According to one study, the average individual spends as much as nine hours on a smart device. It's worth noting that technology addiction is a term that encompasses internet addiction, online shopping addiction, social media addiction and porn addiction.

What is Technology Addiction? What types are there?

Technology addiction is sometimes referred to as digital addiction or internet addiction. This behavioral disorder involves compulsive and excessive use of technological devices, despite the negative impacts. Individuals with technology addiction might feel anxiety, irritability, guilt or depression when not using technology. Technology is often no longer seen as fun or relaxing. 

The most common types of technology addiction are gambling addiction, gaming addiction, internet addiction, online shopping addiction, pornography addiction, and social media addiction. All of these behavioral disorders share similarities in that they're categorized by compulsive and excessive use of online platforms. This guide will explain each of these addictions in greater depth. 

Video Gaming Addiction 

The DSM-5 recognizes video game addiction as an "internet gaming disorder." Both are categorized by a compulsive need to play games. This can cause significant impacts on hygiene, self-care, academics and work. Video game addiction can impact any individual, regardless of age.

Social Media Addiction 

Social media addiction can happen with one platform or all of social media. This behavioral disorder is categorized as an uncontrollable urge to look at social media. Social media keeps people connected, but it can also isolate some individuals. It can negatively disrupt an individual's life, including their work and personal relationships. 

TikTok

TikTok addiction has been linked primarily to Gen Z, but it can happen to anyone. This platform is addictive because of its constant flow of short videos. TikTok also has a "For You" Page that's tailored to each individual and allows users to scroll for hours. Users can become unaware of how much time they spend on the app. 

Instagram

Instagram has taken cues from TikTok, contributing to Instagram addiction. For example, it has an endless scrolling model. You will never run out of content to look at it, no matter how long you spend on the app. The "Explore" feed also offers users additional content they wouldn't usually get on their traditional timeline. 

Facebook

Facebook addiction occurs when an individual compulsively uses the website or app to the point that it disrupts their life. Some people with this behavioral addiction spend most of their time on Facebook. It may override other responsibilities and tasks. Individuals might visit Facebook to escape the pressures of daily life or for social stimulation. 

YouTube and Twitch

YouTube and Twitch addiction are similar in that there's a compulsive urge to consume video content. Both of these platforms allow users the opportunity to spend hours watching videos or listening to audio. An individual might be addicted when they feel anxious or depressed when not on either platform. 

Snapchat

Snapchat doesn't get as much focus as the other social media platforms. However, a Snapchat addiction can occur when an individual overuses the app, which starts to negatively impact their everyday life. Compulsive use of Snapchat can cause some users to isolate themselves from others in real life and ignore important responsibilities in order to continuously use Snapchat. 

The Snapchat feature “streaks” encourages constant use to keep streaks alive, compelling users to open and engage with the app to maintain their streak status. This can lead to a harmful cycle of compulsive use.

Online Gambling and Sports Betting Addiction 

Online gambling addiction and sports betting addiction share many similarities. Individuals who struggle with these addictions might be unable to control or set limits on their gambling habits. Some might chase losses to recoup what they lost. It could cause them to take financial risks and place wages when they don't have the means to do so.

Online Porn Addiction

Individuals who struggle with online porn addiction might have experienced a lack of control over their adult viewing habits. They might spend more time or money watching online porn, including new paid platforms like OnlyFans. This behavioral addiction could cause them to use porn even with the negative outcomes. Online porn addiction can cause decreased emotional well-being, strained relationships and other significant impacts on everyday life. 

Online Shopping Addiction

Online shopping addiction involves compulsively shopping online despite the risks. Most individuals are addicted to the rush and immediacy that online shopping brings. Common symptoms include financial problems, impulsive shopping habits, co-occurring mental health issues, and depression or boredom during withdrawal. This behavioral addiction is sometimes referred to as digital shopping addiction and is a real, worrying issue.

Work Addiction on Digital Platforms

Work addiction to digital platforms can also be a problem. This involves constantly checking emails and notifications from messenger platforms. It's something that can affect one's work-life balance, mental health and emotional well-being. It may also lead to increased stress, sleep disorders and poor social relationships. 

Signs of technology addiction 

Technology helps people feel more connected with the world and one another. However, technology addiction can become a problem that affects one's work, family situation, and social relationships. You might have a technology addiction if you struggle with the following: 

• Compulsively check notifications, texts, and emails

• Spend the most time on a device, even with friends or family

• Become preoccupied with spending time online

• Lie or hide online activities or smartphone use 

• Feel irritability or anger when controlling or quitting online behavior

• Increased time spent online to achieve the desired result 

• Find it hard to control or quit technology 

Technology addiction treatment options

Treatment for technology addiction is similar to treatment for other behavioral disorders. It includes a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement therapy (MET), exposure therapy, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Experts and researchers recommend these therapies as they can be effective at addressing technology addiction. 

Interestingly enough, virtual treatment can also help with technology addiction. These platforms use similar approaches, such as CBT and motivational enhancement therapy. Birches Health has licensed clinicians who are knowledgeable in behavioral disorders such as technology addiction. 

Here are some ways to get started with Birches Health:

• Speak with our Care Team 

• Refer Someone You Know

You can also just call 833-483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com to connect with the Birches team right away.

Technology addiction statistics 

• Teenagers spend, on average, 8 hours on their screens. 

• Internet addiction is more common among teenagers and young adults.

• 71% of people check their phone when they wake up first thing in the morning.

• Adults and teens are more likely to struggle with social media addiction.

• Internet addiction has been linked to the LGBTQ community. 

• Technology addiction rose by 26% globally. 

Sources:

• The Growing Problem of Technology Addiction

• Technology Overuse and Addiction - Northwestern Medicine

• Technology Addictions: Social Media, Online Gaming, and More - Psychiatry.org

• The Truth About Internet Addiction - Shift

• How Much Time Do Americans Spend Online and Texting?

• Internet addiction during the COVID-19 pandemic among adolescents in southeast Nigeria and implications for adolescent care in the post-pandemic era: A cross-sectional study

• Share of of teenagers in the United States constantly using the internet as of October 2023, by gender 

• Screen time in teeangers: how can we manage it? | My Kids Vision

• Study: 71% Of People Check Their Phone First Thing In The Morning | News On 6

• How has Internet Addiction been Tracked Over the Last Decade? A Literature Review and 3C Paradigm for Future Research

• Technology Addiction Facts and Statistics 2024