Exploring the Rise of Tech Addiction: When Fun Becomes Harmful
Technology has become a huge part of modern day to day life. Most people now own smartphones, tablets, smart watches and gaming consoles. Likewise, streaming platforms and social media allow us to work, socialise, learn and relax at any time of the day, whenever we want.
For many people, technology is a part of their identity, especially when it comes to things such as gaming. Gaming worlds, coding forums, online communities and streaming platforms have created a number of different platforms and spaces for millions of people to interact on a daily basis.
However, as technology has grown increasingly more immersive and accessible, more and more people are becoming addicted to their gadgets. This has resulted in the rise of tech addiction. What starts as fun, entertainment or simply just curiosity into technology can gradually turn into something more serious.
When someone is addicted to using technology or social media, it will most likely start to affect sleep, productivity levels, relationships and even some people’s mental health.
In some severe cases, some individuals who are addicted to using technology may require structured treatment, similar to other behavioural addictions. Treatment for an addiction can include a detox from technology.
This article will explore why technology can become so addictive, the warning signs of an addiction to technology, and how people can regain a healthier relationship with technology, social media and digital life.
The Growth of Technology
Over the past two decades, technology has evolved from just a helpful tool into a constant part of day to day life. In reality, this has happened incredibly quickly.
These days, smartphones rarely ever leave our hands and gaming platforms offer endless online worlds. Likewise, social media gives people a continuous stream of information and validation at the touch of a button.
It is important to understand that these platforms are not inherently bad or harmful. In fact, they offer lots of different benefits. For example, online gaming can improve social skills, problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a team. Likewise, social media can help people to find friends, niche interests and to find connections with people from anywhere in the world.
Likewise, technology has offered the opportunity of remote work and remote education has expanded opportunities for people across the world, no matter where they are born. When you zoom out, these things are all incredibly important.
However, the problem arises when technology becomes excessive or compulsive. Technology addiction refers to an unhealthy dependence on devices or online activities such as gaming, social media or online shopping. The problems start to arise when these behaviours begin to interfere with everyday life, often in ways the individual struggles to control.
Unlike substance addictions, technology addiction does not involve consuming a chemical substance. However, the behavioural patterns of a technology addiction can look remarkably similar to a substance addiction.
In fact, individuals suffering from a technology addiction might start to feel compelled to return to a game or app repeatedly, struggle to limit their use, and withdrawal symptoms and irritability when they are unable to access their technology.
Why Technology Can Become So Addictive
Unfortunately, technology companies design platforms to maximise engagement, therefore making them addictive. The longer someone remains on an app, the more successful the platform will become. While this might not be inherently malicious, it does create powerful psychological loops which can be hard to break.
In fact, there are several factors that contribute to the addictive nature of technology, which are discussed further below for you in this article [2].
1. Rewards and dopamine
Every notification, message or in-game reward that you receive provides users with a small burst of happiness and satisfaction. These small rewards stimulate dopamine in your brain, which releases itself within the brain, reinforcing the behaviour and encouraging the user to continue to use the platform or gadget.
Games often incorporate things that will stimulate a dopamine release, including things such as level systems, achievements and unlockable rewards. Likewise, social media platforms offer things such as likes, comments and shares which also all increase dopamine.
This comes from a human level, as all humans need social connection and acceptance. These are called micro-rewards and usually make it difficult for users to take a step away when dopamine is being released.
2. Endless content
If anyone is online, then they will know how much content lives on streaming services, online forums and social media feeds. Anyone who lives online will know how easy infinite scrolling, often dubbed ‘doom scrolling’ is which encourages users to continue consuming content long after they intend to stop. Without clear boundaries, hours can disappear very quickly.
3. Escapism
For some people, online environments and technology provide relief from stress, anxiety or even loneliness. Games, social media and online communities can feel safer or more manageable than the real world environment.
4. Social validation from peers
For some people who need it, online platforms provide approval from others. Positive feedback through likes, comments or gaming can strengthen the urge to use the platform. In some cases, individuals begin to measure their own self-worth through digital and online validation, which is where things can start to get worrying.
Internet Gaming Disorder
One of the most widely discussed forms of tech addiction is internet gaming disorder, also commonly referred to as IGD. Internet gaming disorder describes persistent and compulsive gaming use that disrupts your daily life.
Whilst many gamers play regularly without any issue, gaming can become problematic when it begins to replace other essential activities such as sleep, work, education or relationships.
There are a number of common characteristics of problematic gaming, including some of the signs and symptoms listed below for you.
- Spending increasing amounts of time playing games
- Difficulty when stopping or reducing the amount of gameplay
- Neglecting responsibilities or personal hygiene in order to continue to game
- Feeling anxious or irritable when they are unable to continue to play
- Losing interest in hobbies, loved ones or other social activities
The World Health Organization has now recognised gaming disorder as a mental health condition, which highlights how serious the issue can become for some individuals. For those affected, structured support might be needed which sometimes involves therapy, digital detox plans, or residential rehab treatment, focused on behavioural and gaming addictions.
Warning Signs of a Technology Addiction
Technology is highly embedded into daily life, so much so that it can be difficult to recognise when technology or gaming use has turned into an addiction.
There are a number of different warning signs that may indicate when an addiction is developing into a problem. Some of these warning signs are explained further below for you.
1. Excessive screen time
Many people spend several hours a day online. However, consistently losing track of time or staying awake long into the night due to gaming, online shopping, swiping or streaming may highlight an unhealthy addiction. You should always try to track how long you have been using technology for.
2. Withdrawal symptoms
Likewise, those who are addicted to technology will start to experience withdrawal symptoms such as feeling restless, irritable or anxious when separated from devices. In fact, some individuals experience genuine distress when they cannot access the internet, social media platform or their favourite game.
3. Declining performance at work or at school
When technology addiction begins to interfere with productivity, then the issue becomes a lot more serious. When this is happening, the individual will start to experience missed deadlines, reduced concentration or frequent lateness when it comes to work or school.
4. Social isolation
Ironically, technology designed to connect people can sometimes lead to isolation in the real world. People experiencing tech addiction may withdraw from spending time with family and friends so that they can continue to consume technology or social media.
5. Neglecting physical health and hygiene
Finally, long gaming sessions or constant technology or social media use may result in poor sleep, skipping meals or limited physical activity which can all lead to poor physical health and a lack of hygiene.
How to Build a Healthier Relationship with Technology
It is important to understand that technology itself is not the harmful enemy and that technology can improve and enrich our lives in many different ways. The goal is not to abandon technology but to use it in a balanced, healthier and more mindful way.
There are a number of different strategies that can help to better maintain that balance. For example, you should always try to set clear boundaries on how long you consume technology for. Likewise, you should try to set time aside each day for offline activities and hobbies.
It is also important to be aware of emotional triggers. These are things that might be drawing you to use technology or social media. For example, if something negative happens in your life, then you might find yourself reaching for Instagram or online shopping to improve your mood. You should be aware of what usually triggers obsessive technology use and try to find healthier coping strategies moving forward.
Further Reading
