Digital Addiction Among Adolescents

Technology addiction can be defined as the recurrent and compulsive technology-usage which is increasingly done regardless of drastic outcomes for the user of technology. It is important for adults to guide adolescents to learn healthy ways of replenishing their energy levels. 

It is hard to look away from computer monitors and gadget screens. However, exercising control over this human tendency is important in order to not get addicted to technology. Digital Addiction

Definition of technology addiction

Technology addiction can be defined as the recurrent and compulsive technology-usage which is increasingly done regardless of drastic outcomes for the user of technology.

What makes technology addictive?

Technology fulfills the humane want for dynamic environments and excitement with great efficiency (usually by means of augmented/virtual reality and quality graphics).

Being an escape from reality, it can be a monotony killer and a societal adhesive

What about playing video games?

One facet of human psychology is its desire to feel proficient, self-governing, and significant to other people. Exigent video games let participants feel, as they progress through levels, that they are good at something.

The same reasons and objectives that impel individuals to chase accomplishment in the actual world are often present in the virtual world. One can accumulate virtual affluence or reputation by spending time on games, and this virtual wealth and experience points may translate into some version of actual recognition: Gamers nowadays post walk throughs of their games of choice on YouTube and other such video sharing platforms, in order to reach out to other gaming enthusiasts.

A problem arises however, when the make-believe world becomes more exhilarating than the actual world.

Does addiction to technology increase an adolescent’s vulnerability to substance use/abuse?

Evidence supports the belief that people who are addicted to technology use may develop a neural alignment akin to those who are addicted to substances. An apprehension is that technology addicts are more likely to use and abuse substances as compared to their colleagues and associates who use technology in moderation. This makes technology addiction a risk factor and a gateway for alcohol addiction and drug addiction.

How to put a stop to technology addiction?

Balance.  Preventing a teen from getting addicted to technology implies making him/her strike a balance in his/her life, i.e., making him/her participate in extra-curricular activities, academics and allowing him/her to spend limited time with gadgets. This should be done in order to prevent adolescents from misusing technology as an escape from real world challenges.

No devices in the bedroom. Cell phones, computers, tablets or any other device which facilitates access to the internet should not be kept in the bedroom of the adolescent during the sleeping hours of the adolescent.

Manage gaming time.  Gaming being a privilege and not an entitlement, gaming time should be rationed so that the same time may be used more constructively.

Inculcate healthy stress management skills. It is important for adults to guide adolescents to learn healthy ways of replenishing their energy levels. Otherwise, they shall in all probability end up getting addicted to technology for entertainment and stress relief in their quest for finding easy stress relief methods.

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