TECHNOLOGY ADDICTION IN ADULTS

 

TECHNOLOGY ADDICTION IN ADULTS





It's not uncommon for both youth and adults to feel a need to constantly be “plugged in” to social media and the internet, but this often leads to a fear of missing out, and fear of being left out in young people.

Coupled with the neurological changes that take place in the brain while being online, technology addiction can be added to the list of behavioral addictions.

Prevalence of Technology Addiction

It is difficult to determine how many teens and young adults suffer from technology addiction, but a 2012 study found that 4.4% of European adolescents had what researchers termed “pathological internet use” and approximately 14% displayed what they called “maladaptive internet use.”

Other studies have found that approximately 10% of people’s internet use interferes with their work, family or social life.

To complicate things further, the developers of technology like video games and social media are actively trying to create products that tap into our addictive tendencies, talking openly about creating a “compulsion loop.”

Technology Addiction in Parents



In the past decade, there have been profound changes in the types of digital technologies available to the general population, with a particular increase in the use of mobile devices in the home.

Recently, a new wave of research has examined these associations with parent mobile device and internet use. Mobile device use is associated with a decrease in verbal and nonverbal interactions and encouragement.

The disruption in parent-child interaction due to technology has even been labeled “technoference”.

In one longitudinal study, parents’ interrupted attention by their devices was associated with child externalizing behaviors and parenting stress.

Treatment of Technology Addiction

Technology addiction falls into the category of compulsive behavior that it is difficult or impossible to simply abstain from, like food or sex addictions. Thus, treatment for technology addiction involves educating teens and young adults about what is happening in their brains and bodies, recognizing the consequences of their compulsion, helping them to set limits and interrupt the compulsive cycle, and find alternatives.

However, there are several treatment options recommended by medical professionals and researchers that have proven effective.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of structured psychotherapy also known as talk therapy. The short-term treatment helps patients learn how to spot inaccurate or negative thinking. Over time individuals develop the skills necessary to view and handle challenges healthily and efficiently. During sessions, patients work with a mental health professional like a psychotherapist or clinical social worker.

  • Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)

Motivational enhancement therapy (MET) is a form of counseling therapy created to help patients battling substance use or behavioral disorders. The focus of MET is to overcome any ambivalence blocking the achievement of goals and rapidly motivating internal change. It is a collaborative and non-confrontational effort often used with other treatments like CBT or medication. During therapy, mental health professionals practice motivational interviewing to help patients identify their feelings during and right before technology use.

  • Exposure Therapy

Exposure therapy is a form of psychotherapy used to help people confront their fears. During treatment, individuals avoid using technology for increasing amounts of time in a safe environment. After several exposure sessions, patients slowly break the pattern of fear triggering their compulsive technology use.



Creating a Healthy Balance

It is true that technology can fulfill many human needs, but its overuse comes with risk. Being addicted to technology is in some ways akin to an addiction to alcohol and other drugs, with many of the same effects on the developing brain.

 We must do all we can to prevent any sort of addiction from occurring in our children's lives. Technology can be a protective factor if used properly, and healthy adults can play a role in student technology addiction prevention by showing young people the benefits to be gained from a healthy, balanced approach to technology use.

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