Technology addiction is a fairly new phenomenon. It’s often described as a serious problem involving the inability to control use of various kinds of technology, in particular the Internet and internet enabled devices like PC’s, smart-phones, tablets and social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Now that it’s effortless to text and access the Web and social media from almost anywhere, more of us are dependent on communicating via the tiny computers we carry with us. It’s no surprise that health experts are seeing a rise in addictive tendencies that involve technology. Like other types of addiction, technology addiction can range from moderate to severe, and some researchers say that like other addictions, people who use their phones or stay online for many hours a day experience a “high” and also feel withdrawal when cut off. It’s not simply the amount of time spent with the digital device that defines an addict, though, but how excessive use adversely affects someone’s mental and physical health, daily life, relationships and academic or job performance.

According to Hilarie Cash, PhD., co-founder of the ReSTART Internet Addiction Recovery Program, symptoms can include:

Compulsive checking of text messages

Frequent changing of Facebook status and uploading of “selfies” or the urge to document your life, or the life of your family, online.

A feeling of euphoria while on the Web

Social withdrawal

Loss of interest in activities that don’t involve a computer, phone or gadget

Feelings of restlessness when unable to go online

Internet Addiction Disorder has also been linked to stress, sleep disorders and depression.

Technology addiction isn’t always easy to recognize, especially since many of us must now be “plugged in” so much of the time, whether for work, school or for other reasons. If a technology addiction is tough to spot, it can be even harder to admit. In fact, denying how much time is spent on devices, social media and the Web is a common warning sign. That’s why it’s important to understand the basics about this disorder, including the causes, tell-tale symptoms and risk factors that may be involved.

You should know:

Technology addiction is an umbrella term that may include addictive behaviour to cyber-sex and online porn; video gaming; gambling; eBay and other online auctions or shopping; social media; excessive texting; or smart-phone overuse as well as information overload.

Over usage of the internet.

Smart-phone users display signs of Internet addiction. While there’s currently no standard for what constitutes smart-phone addiction, some experts define it as spending more than seven hours a day using the phone and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when cut off from the device.

Internet Addiction Disorder may bring on chemical changes in the brain similar to those caused by substance use disorder. Children who suffer from Internet addiction have an increased risk of depression, problems at school, obesity and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Causes
Since technology addiction has yet to be classified as an official mental health condition and is largely used as an umbrella term to describe a variety of obsessive or compulsive online behaviours, what causes someone to develop this addiction isn’t very well understood. Like other types of behavioural addictions (think compulsive gambling, shopping or eating), an addiction to technology may result from a combination of biological, genetic and environmental factors.

Symptoms of Technology Addiction
Recognizing the signs of technology addiction is the all-important first step to getting help and starting on the road to recovery. Start by asking yourself these questions, which include questions devised by leading Internet Addiction Disorder experts Dr. Kimberly Young and Dr. David Greenfield and other sources. Answering “yes” to five of these questions may indicate that you or a loved have a problem with technology addiction:

Do/Have you or a loved one…

Feel preoccupied with the Internet (meaning thinking about previous online activity or anticipating the next online session)?

Feel restless, moody, depressed or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop Internet use?

Stay online longer than originally intended?

Use technology as a way of escaping problems or relieving feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression?

Feel the need to respond immediately to your smart-phone?

Constantly check the phone even when it does not ring or vibrate? (Phantom vibration, or thinking the phone vibrates when it hasn’t, is a real phenomenon.)

Ignore what’s happening in real time in favour of what’s happening in the virtual world?

Jeopardized or risked the loss of a significant relationship, job or educational or career opportunity because of the Internet?

Lied to family members, a therapist or others to conceal the extent of involvement with the Internet?

Become defensive when confronted about the behaviour?

Other warning signs of technology addiction include:

A sense of euphoria while plugged in

Neglecting friends and family

Skimping on sleep to be online

Withdrawing from other activities that were once pleasurable

Physical symptoms of technology addiction may include:

Weight gain or weight loss

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Headaches

Neck or backaches

Dry, red eyes

Risk Factors
The more you know about technology addiction, the better your chances of stopping a problem from getting worse and seeking help if you or a loved one need it. Here are several red flags that may indicate an increased risk:

Gender. Both men and women can develop a technology addiction.

Mental health disorder. A psychiatric disorder such as anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or bipolar disorder may raise the odds of developing an addiction to technology. Similarly, low self-esteem, loneliness, restlessness and withdrawal can be predictors of overusing the Web as a way to connect with others and increase self-confidence.

Another type of addiction. According to Dr. Young, more than 70% of Internet addicts also suffer from at least one other addiction, primarily to drugs, alcohol, smoking and/or sex. Studies have shown that using technology can bring about the same chemical reaction in the brain as is found in those with these types of addictions.

Technology Addiction Treatment
Even if there’s not a nearby, dedicated facility, you or a loved one can still get help. Most addiction specialists and treatment/rehab centres can tailor their treatment methods for addictions related to technology. In fact, some of the same principles used for treating other types of addiction, especially cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and the 12-step philosophy, have been shown to be effective for treating Internet addiction. Treatment options for technology addicts can include inpatient, outpatient and after-care (post-rehab) support and self-help support groups, as well as individual, group and family counselling and workshops for addicts and their families.

While there are no official 12-step recovery groups specifically for technology or Internet addicts, if you or a loved one is suffering from an online gambling addiction, Gambler’s anonymous is a good resource. Cyber-sex/online porn addicts may benefit from sexual addiction recovery meetings. These support groups serve much the same purpose as group therapy, but on a longer-term and somewhat more social basis.

Since technology addiction is an emerging problem and one that’s not very well-studied to date, it’s best to talk to your health care provider about treatment options. A person’s mental health history; what kinds of technology they’re addicted to; and personality can all play roles in deciding on the best approach.

Courtesy https://www.addiction.com