In today’s day and age, we live in a world connected through technology. Modern technology has developed numerous valuable devices — including the smartphone and smartwatch — that have made our lives easier and tasks faster. In the year 2018, the U.S. Census Bureau released a report that examined trends in internet use during that year. It stated:
There is no question that technology provides various benefits aside from keeping us connected to one another. It has allowed us to access information easily, saves time, promotes better communication, and encourages greater innovation.
However, society tends to avoid shedding light on some of the consequences that may result from frequent or chronic use of technology. It has become something that most of us rely on in our daily lives, oftentimes without even realizing it. It is more important now than ever to emphasize the increased risks of developing a technology addiction, what that may look like, and different ways to recover from it.
When most people consider addiction, the first thought that typically comes to mind is substance use. Some people may think of behavioral addictions, although those are typically a second thought to alcohol or drug addiction. Technology addiction falls within the category of behavioral addictions.
While substance use addictions can drastically change brain functioning, so can behavioral addictions. While technology addiction is not recognized by the DSM-5 — the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, used to define psychological disorders — it can still wreak havoc on an individual’s physical and psychological health.
The brain processes all kinds of addiction in a similar way. In general, our brains are naturally wired to seek out pleasurable experiences. Interacting with technology, whether it be winning a video game or getting likes on a picture, releases dopamine, which is a natural neurotransmitter that allows us to feel good. Once exposed to dopamine surges through a specific activity or substance, the brain and body start to crave the excess dopamine. Slowly but surely, we will find ourselves using technology more and more to feel good. Over time, our brain will become desensitized to the use of technology and associated dopamine surges, motivating us to seek dopamine surges in other ways.
Technology addiction can vary greatly. Oftentimes, we will move from one form of technology use to another in search of those dopamine surges. Some of the most common examples of technology addiction include:
Once your brain is exposed to the increasing benefits of technology, it can be a difficult addiction to break. As you are working to combat your technology addiction, you will be surrounded by friends and family members that are glued to their smartphones or other technology screens. It is crucial that you stay committed to altering your smartphone habits so you can be more mindful of your present human experience.
Most smartphones offer a setting called screen time which allows you to track how much time you are spending on your phone altogether and time spent on individual applications. Screen time also allows you to set screen time limits for specific applications and schedule downtime, which makes it so only certain apps are available during the scheduled time. This can be a great way to record how much time you are spending on technology and to set limits when appropriate.
Another way that you can challenge your technology addiction or chronic technology usage would be to delete problematic apps. Often we forget that when we delete something, it is not always gone permanently, especially when it comes to applications. When you find yourself spending too much time on gaming applications, TikTok, etc., delete the app entirely from your phone. If you find yourself needing to redownload it, you can. For the time being, however, you can try to make it out of sight, out of mind.
Lastly, combat your technology addiction by turning your technology off and tuning in to the world around you. When it comes to healing and growth, this is better known as mindfulness. Sometimes we neglect to recognize how easy it is to disconnect from our phones and social media just by turning our phones off. When we give ourselves the opportunity to truly engage with the people and the world around us, we become fully immersed in the human experience. This is ideal for mental and physical health, as doing so keeps us from feeling bored, isolated, and depressed.
Technology addiction, often overlooked in our society, has become increasingly prevalent with the widespread use of smartphones and other smart devices. While technology brings numerous benefits, it also has significant downsides, including the potential to disconnect us from the world and those around us. Tackling technology addiction requires proactive steps like limiting screen time, fostering real-world connections, and removing problematic apps from your devices.
SoCal Mental Health is committed to providing resources and connecting individuals with therapeutic treatment modalities designed to address not only substance use disorders but also behavioral addictions, including technology addiction. Our directory offers access to a variety of programs that cater to different mental health challenges, helping you find a treatment plan that suits your specific needs. If you’re grappling with the challenges of technology addiction and its impact on your life, exploring the options available through SoCal Mental Health can be a crucial step towards recovery and regaining a balanced relationship with digital devices.
