Technology impacts our lives constantly in the digital age, making it easier to stay connected, find information, pay bills, and more. But while certain types of technology can make our lives easier, the effects of the internet aren’t always positive.
Similar to alcohol and substances, technology use can become addictive. But how do you know if you’re addicted? Are some people more at risk than others? Here’s everything you need to know about technology addiction, including how you can prevent and treat it.
What is technology addiction?
Technology addiction is a set of unhealthy patterns and obsessive behaviors related to the overuse of technology. This could include:
- Playing too many video games
- Spending too much time on social media
- An obsession with online shopping
- An addiction to online gambling
Like other types of addictions, an internet addiction offers the user some sort of reward, whether that’s the high of winning money, beating a game, or having Amazon packages show up on your porch.
What are the symptoms of technology addiction?
With people around the world spending an average of six hours and 40 minutes online daily, it can be hard to know when your technology usage slips from a normal behavior into an unhealthy obsession. Here are some symptoms that may indicate a more serious issue.
Excessive time spent online
People with technology addiction report a constant preoccupation with checking their devices for social media updates, emails, texts, and more. This preoccupation may become strong enough to distract you from other important tasks, such as listening to a class lecture, paying attention in meetings, driving, or even during conversations with loved ones, also known as “phubbing.”
If you’re spending copious amounts of time online outside of work, school, or other tasks that aren’t solely for leisure, it’s time to assess your feelings toward the idea of cutting back.
Inability to stop
A common symptom of many addictions is a self-perceived loss of control. People with technology addiction feel like they can’t stop their online activities even for a short period of time, such as during stressful or negative life events.
When they do try to stop, they experience withdrawal symptoms, such as:
- Increased anxiety
- Irritation
- Social impairment
- Cravings
In rare cases, brief episodes of psychosis have also been reported.
Social withdrawal
People with an internet or technology addiction may begin to isolate themselves from friends and family. This could be skipping gatherings or eating meals alone to spend more time online.
Coping technique
Technology feels like an escape for some people. If you’re overusing technology to avoid certain feelings or challenges in your life, this is a sign of addiction.
Lying about technology use
Like with other addiction types, people with internet addictions may lie about their use or the amount of time they spend online.
How does technology addiction relate to chemical addiction?
Research shows that technology addictions impact your brain in a way that’s similar to substance use. Behavioral addictions affect the same neurotransmitter systems in the brain and respond with the release of dopamine and other feel-good chemicals, like serotonin, when the user is exposed.
Over time, the brain comes to expect a release of these chemicals each time you use technology and begins to crave it.
Who is most at risk of internet addiction?
Anyone can develop technology addiction, but certain factors can raise your risk. Studies show that adolescents are most at risk of developing an internet addiction because their brains are still in development, which means they are more easily influenced.
Other risk factors that play a role include:
- Existing social impairments
- Mental health conditions like substance use, depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- The amount of time you have available to spend online
- Gender (males are affected more than females)
What are the different types of technology addiction?
Technology addictions take many forms, depending on the type of behaviors, devices, and rewards that become addictive. Different types of technology addictions include:
- Social media addiction
- Gaming addiction
- Online shopping addiction
- Work-related addiction
- Pornography addiction
- Online gambling addiction
It is also possible to have more than one of these addictions at a time.
What are the negative effects of internet addiction?
Just like other addiction types, an addiction to the internet comes with its consequences – both mental and physical. Here are a few common ways people are negatively impacted by technology addictions.
Increased anxiety and depression
Technology addictions often lead to social isolation, a risk factor for depression and anxiety disorders. These addictions also lead to significant challenges related to work, school, and relationships.
Sleep problems
Many people with technology addictions have trouble sleeping. This could be due to an increase in anxiety or a high intake of the “blue light” emitted by digital screens, which suppresses the amount of melatonin your body produces.
Adverse effects to physical health
Internet addictions can lead to a host of problems with your physical health, such as:
- Weight gain from reduced physical activity
- Back problems
- Headaches
- Eye problems from straining
- Hearing damage from harmful sound levels when gaming
Strained relationships
People with technology addictions tend to spend less time around others, which can reduce social skills and significantly impact relationships with friends and family.
Ways to prevent technology addiction
The overuse of technology can quickly become a slippery slope. Here are a few tactics you can try to help keep your internet usage at healthy levels.
Set time limits
Consider limiting your technology use to a certain amount of time per day, such as four hours total or only one hour at a time. This will help give your mind and body much-needed screen breaks and keep your usage under control.
Cut your usage at night
Since technology use can impact sleep patterns, try cutting yourself off from all technology by a certain time each evening, such as two hours before bed. This will help your mind wind down to prepare for sleep and limit your blue light exposure.
Turn off notifications
We all know how addicting phones and computers can be when we’re constantly receiving texts, emails, photos, and alerts. Consider turning off notifications for email and social media so you aren’t as distracted throughout the day.
Start small
If you’re used to large amounts of time online, don’t try to cut out technology all at once. Start with small, attainable goals, such as turning off your phone at meal times, and build from there. This helps ensure your goals are realistic, which will increase your chance of success.
How is technology addiction treated?
The first step to getting proper technology addiction treatment is to realize the user’s habits are unhealthy. The user may come to this realization on their own, or it may be pointed out by a friend or family member.
Users should seek help from an addiction therapist, who can provide evidence-based tools and coping skills to work through the addiction. Medications may also be helpful if the user has an underlying mental health condition. Further holistic practices such as regular exercise and healthy eating also improve symptoms.
Finding balance in the digital world: addiction treatment at Red Ribbon Recovery
Technology is a powerful tool, but when overused, it can lead to significant challenges. Recognizing the signs of technology addiction is the first step toward regaining control and creating a healthier relationship with the digital world. By setting boundaries, practicing mindful usage, and seeking support when needed, individuals can prevent the negative effects of excessive screen time and improve their overall well-being.
For those struggling with compulsive technology use, professional treatment can provide valuable guidance. Therapy, lifestyle changes, and structured support systems can help individuals manage their habits and address any underlying mental health concerns. At Red Ribbon Recovery, we offer personalized treatment plans that address behavioral addictions, mental health challenges, and overall wellness.
If you or a loved one is struggling with technology addiction, help is available. Contact us through our contact page or by calling (888) 899-3880 today to learn more about treatment options and how to regain balance in your life.
