Show We have got used to seeing adults glued to their phones at social events and teenagers spending hours locked in their rooms with their laptops. While we may not give this a second thought, at what stage does the use of digital devices become a problem? Is technology addiction impacting our lives? The word addiction used to be associated with substance abuse, but now it includes other problematic behaviours, such as gambling and stealing. Technology addiction is a behavioural problem caused by the excessive interaction of humans with machines. People are in the habit of checking their social media profiles and emails and binge-watching their favourite TV series. Technology addiction is still not included in the international classification of diseases and mental disorders. However, experts recognize that there is a difference between the general use of technology and unhealthy use linked to social, physical, and psychological problems. https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/modern-mentality/201802/could-you-be-addicted-technology Some Benefits of Electronic DevicesClearly, there are benefits of electronic devices for age-appropriate activities that used to be done offline in the past. Some activities include:
Digital devices allow children to listen to music of their choice wherever they are.
Children access the Internet to explore their interests and connect with others who have the same hobbies.
The Internet is like a huge library that helps children to do research and complete their school assignments.
Children can go online to find and view educational and entertainment videos and movies.
Social media allows children to interact and maintain relationships with friends and like-minded people from across the globe. https://childmind.org/article/is-internet-addiction-real/ Problems with OveruseSome of the problems children face due to the overuse of technology are outlined below:
The excessive use of technology can cause mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. It can also reduce self-confidence, life satisfaction, and emotional stability.
Children who are addicted to social media and gaming tend to be tense, unable to relax, and sleep deprived.
Spending more time with a phone than in face-to-face interactions causes social withdrawal and hinders the development of social skills.
Too much screen time can cause blurred vision, headaches, discomfort, and eyestrain.
A child who spends too much time in front of a screen may lack physical fitness and develop musculoskeletal problems.
Electronic devices carry more germs than toilet seats, so they spread infection and cause disease.
Looking at electronic devices while doing other things like walking and driving can result in accidents and injuries. https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/modern-mentality/201802/could-you-be-addicted-technology Symptoms of OveruseChildren who are addicted to technology may display the following symptoms:
If your children are showing these symptoms, help them to overcome their technology addiction while they are young. They may stop listening to you as they get older, and may be stuck with these habits as adults. https://www.melbournechildpsychology.com.au/blog/does-your-child-have-a-technology-addiction/ Strategies to Control OveruseSome of the things you can do to wean your children away from technology addiction are mentioned below:
https://www.melbournechildpsychology.com.au/blog/does-your-child-have-a-technology-addiction/ Gradually introduce changes that will help your children to overcome technology addiction while they are young. Encourage them to spend more time enjoying activities that involve face-to-face interaction with peers. References:Share ThisBruce Youlden Dr Bruce Youlden took on the administrative responsibilities as the Managing Director of EDUCARE Specialist Services in January 2019. Following on from a career of 42 years in Educational Leadership settings, Bruce is now directing his energies towards the continuing growth and development of EDUCARE as a multi-disciplinary medical, health and educational practice. Related PostsWhat are the signs of being addicted to technology?What Are the Signs of a Technology Addiction?. Inability to moderate or abstain from technology or a. ... . Preoccupation with thinking about using technological devices.. Compulsive technological use or experiencing cravings and urges to use digital devices.. What is the cause of addiction to technology?Technology impacts the pleasure systems of the brain in ways similar to substances. It provides some of the same reward that alcohol and other drugs might: it can be a boredom buster, a social lubricant, and an escape from reality.
What is addiction to technology called?Technology addiction is an impulse control disorder that involves the obsessive use of mobile devices, the internet or video games, despite negative consequences to the user of the technology. The disorder may also be referred to as digital addiction or internet addiction.
What happens if you use technology too much?Too much technology can physically hurt you. It can give you bad headaches every time you have screen time. Also, it can give you eye strain known as asthenopia. Eye strain is an eye condition with symptoms such as fatigue, pain in or around the eye, blurred vision, headaches, and occasional double vision.
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