Technology addiction

Technology addiction

What does technology addiction mean?
Technology addiction (also called internet addiction or internet use disorder, among other names) is a broad term used to describe any obsessive tech-related behavior – be that gaming, online shopping, social media, video watching or anything else
What are the effects of technology addiction?
Technology addictions can have a severe impact on one's mental health, exacerbating or contributing to anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as other disorders. Technology addiction also can lead to restlessness, irritability, agitation, and anger.
What are some technology addictions?
Some of the most common examples of technology addiction include:
Excessive texting.
Online gambling.
Online auctions.
Compulsive web surfing.
Unrestricted video game playing.
Prolonged social media interaction.
Watching pornography.
What causes addiction to technology?
Addiction to screens generally develops when the subject seeks to divert its attention from discomfort. Boredom, sleeplessness, lack of purpose or even social isolation can be triggers. Lack of parenting can also encourage the onset of these disorders, as can the lack of opportunity to engage in other activities.
What Are the 6 Most Common Types of Technology Addiction?

Some of the most common forms of technology addiction are:

Gaming Addiction
Gaming has become more popular than ever before and are available not only on consoles and computers but also right on your phone. Some of today’s most popular games include Fortnite, World of Warcraft, League of Legends, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, Roblox and several others. Part of what makes gaming so addictive are built in rewards, hidden features, and side quests. Every time an individual completes a level, beats a boss, kills an opponent, or unlocks a new player or level the individual receives a boost of dopamine, resulting in gaming-induced pleasure. Some games are never ending. Socially interactive games such as eSports have also become increasingly popular. Such games may be more socially engaging than one-player games but can also lead to a false sense of social interaction. Gaming can also be compounded with gambling (example: eSports betting) and lead to a dual addiction of both gaming and gambling.

Social Media Addiction
Social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat and others are highly addictive, and YouTube can also be grouped into this category. Every time an individual receives engagement via a “like,” “follow” or “comment” the individual’s brain releases feel-good neurotransmitters, ultimately resulting in wanting more engagement. Social media, like social gaming, can invoke a false sense of social engagement leaving individuals feeling isolated and alone. Endless scrolling of social media feeds, constantly refreshing feeds or binge watching TikTok or YouTube videos also serve as a way to fend of loneliness, fight off boredom and fill other psychological voids. Doomscrolling and a fear of missing out also play a large part in social media addiction. It is also important to note that social media addictions that involve vanity such as posting selifes, using filters, and a hyperfocus on physical appearance of self or others can transcend into other disorders such as body dysmorphia disorder or plastic surgery addiction and other ways of altering one's physical appearance.

Online Gambling Addiction
While Gambling Disorder is a diagnostic addiction unto itself, it is important to recognize and treat the pathological digital usage in tandem with pathological gambling when gambling is done virtually. Online gambling includes but is not limited to online casino games, online poker, online sports betting, eSports gambling, day trading, and cryptocurrency trading. As previously mentioned, Internet Gambling Disorder is recognized by the American Psychiatric Association as a diagnosable mental health disorder. Of all the various forms of addictions, including substance use addictions, gambling addiction has the highest rates of suicide. As such, it is imperative to address problem gambling as soon as issues arise.

Pornography Addiction (online sexual addiction)
Porn addiction involves obsessive and compulsive watching of porn, and often coincides with excessive masturbation, hypersexual disorder, and an emotional dependency to porn. Oftentimes porn addiction results in an individual’s sex life becoming less satisfying and becoming less interested in real sexual engagement. As such, porn addiction often results in real life relationships deteriorating. Excessive porn usage often results in feelings of shame, guilt, loneliness, sadness and frustration.

Online Shopping Addiction
An online shopping addiction, also known as compulsive buying disorder, is a behavioral addiction that involves impulsive and compulsive buying of good and services online. Online shopping addictions often serve as a temporary way to induce pleasure and feel good, and as a way of avoiding negative emotions and evading boredom. Online shopping is not only about the purchasing in and of itself, but is also about the excitement of browsing prior to the purchase.

Work-Related Digital Addiction
Individuals who are addicted to their work are often praised for being hard workers, and while there is great admiration for good work ethic, problems can arise when individuals become dependent on their work. The work becomes a means of escape, and relationships, mental health, and general wellbeing can suffer.