Technology addiction has become a growing concern, affecting children, teens, and young adults worldwide.
Have you noticed your child or teen spending more and more time on smartphones, social media platforms, or gaming? If it becomes all-consuming, it may impact their well-being and mental health.
Internet Addiction in Young People
Gen Z is the first generation to grow up immersed in technology, never knowing a world without constant online access, social media platforms, and mobile apps.
This early exposure has a profound impact, as developing minds are especially vulnerable to addiction. Just as adolescents who experiment with substances are more likely to develop substance use disorders compared to older age groups, their brains are also more susceptible to other types of behavioral addiction, including technology addiction.
How Internet Addiction Impacts Mental Health
While a small amount of screen time is generally harmless, technology addiction and mental health conditions often go hand-in-hand. For teens struggling with compulsive use, it can begin to disrupt various aspects of their lives.
Emotional Well-Being
Excessive screen time has been linked to heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. The desire to seek validation through “likes” and “follows” on social media platforms, coupled with the dopamine-driven impact of notifications, can cause significant mood swings and emotional instability.
Self-Esteem
Extensive use of social media can damage self-esteem. Apps often showcase unrealistic portrayals of life, causing some adolescents and young adults to feel inadequate or dissatisfied with their real-life experiences.
Attention and Focus
Children and teens with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be at higher risk for technology addiction. Seeking immediate stimulation or escape, they often gravitate toward video games, smartphones, or apps that require minimal sustained focus.
Signs of Technology Addiction in Children and Young People
Recognizing the early signs of technology addiction is crucial for seeking help before it negatively impacts your child’s life. Many of these signs resemble that of substance abuse disorder, including:
Compulsive Use
Teens now spend an average of 7 hours and 22 minutes daily on screens, even though the recommended amount of time is under 2 hours. Children spending most of their free time on a screen could be a sign of a problem.
Mood Changes
Experiencing frustration, anger, or agitation when away from their device, or displaying intense excitement when reconnected, can indicate an unhealthy reliance on technology.
Decline in Physical Health
Excessive use of technology can contribute to physical symptoms such as eye strain, headaches, poor posture, and disrupted sleep patterns.
Neglecting Responsibilities
As screen time increases, you may notice schoolwork, chores, or social commitments falling by the wayside.
Social Withdrawal
If they’re choosing screen time over real-life interactions with friends or family, this could be a warning sign of addiction.
Risk Factors for Technology Addiction
Pre-Existing Mental Health Issues
Conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and low self-esteem are common underlying factors that can increase the likelihood of technology addiction.
Environmental Factors
A child’s home environment, peer groups, and societal pressures can all contribute to technology dependence. Modeling responsible technology use is essential in helping children and teens develop healthy habits.
Easy Access to Devices
The widespread availability of smartphones, tablets, and computers at home and school makes it easy for young people to develop patterns of overuse.
Types of Technology Addiction
1. Social Media Addiction
Social media platforms are intentionally designed to captivate users by leveraging features such likes, comments, and shares to encourage prolonged engagement. Excessive social media use can lead to challenges such as social comparison, loneliness, anxiety, and a negative body image.
2. Gaming Addiction
Video games, especially online gaming, are highly immersive, with many games offering rewards for continuous play. Gaming addiction can disrupt academic performance, physical health, and emotional well-being.
3. Online Shopping Addiction
Online shopping apps and websites make it easy to purchase items with just one click, which can encourage compulsive buying. This form of addiction may result in financial strain, guilt, stress, and regret over unnecessary purchases.
Is Technology Addiction a Mental Health Disorder?
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has not yet formally recognized technology addiction as a mental health disorder, so it is not currently included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Further studies are required before digital addiction can be officially classified as a diagnosable condition.
However, even without formal recognition, the signs of technology addiction should not be ignored. If your child shows signs of tech addiction, a mental health professional can help. Evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (commonly used to treat substance use disorders) can help reduce the harm that online activities can have on their well-being and foster healthier habits.
Technology Addiction and Well-Being
While screen time can be harmless in moderation, excessive use can have serious negative consequences, such as mood changes, irritability, and disruptions to daily life. If your child is excessively spending time on devices, becoming irritable, and neglecting responsibilities, it may help to take the child to a healthcare provider to seek addiction treatment.
If you or someone you know experiences mental health issues, it is important to seek help from a qualified professional. Our Resource Specialists can help you find expert mental health resources and support in your community. Contact us now for more information on this free service.
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About the Author
Lawrence J. Moliterno serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Meridian HealthCare, an innovative, integrated care facility that began as an addiction treatment center. He has over 25 years of executive leadership experience in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. Lawrence holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Youngstown State University and taught as an adjunct faculty member at the YSU’s Williamson College of Business for over ten years.
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-black-and-red-computer-keyboard-7047322/
The opinions and views expressed in any guest blog post do not necessarily reflect those of www.rtor.org or its sponsor, Laurel House, Inc. The author and www.rtor.org have no affiliations with any products or services mentioned in the article or linked to therein. Guest Authors may have affiliations to products mentioned or linked to in their author bios.
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