Addiction To New Technologies: Symptoms, Causes And Treatment
In the current era, technological advances arrive in a relatively short period of time, and for many people this represents the need to constantly update themselves regarding these advances.
In this article We will see what are the main characteristics of addiction to new technologies we will talk about how this type of need can arise in people, and the most effective forms of treatment in these cases.
Addiction to new technologies is a strong need of the subject to keep interacting with electronic devices associated with interconnected digital platforms, which allow access to the Internet either through smartphone apps or computer programs.
Generally, in addition to needing to be connected to the web, the subject needs devices that meet specific parameters, so that they can provide a more complete experience in terms of the content they could access.
The main digital elements that can be the basis of an addiction to new technologies are two: the use of video games (especially those with online multiplayer), on the one hand, and the use of social networks for the other.
Although these two electronic elements in themselves do not harm mental health, depending on the way in which one interacts with them, alterations such as addiction to new technologies may arise. That is to say, this type of disorders do not reside in the use of video games or social networks, but in certain ways of getting used to using them (and in certain personal predispositions).
There is a whole range of addictions, each with its own characteristics and symptoms. They all represent an irrational need of the individual to have access to something or activity. There will be differences depending on what triggers the subject’s addictive behavior.
In the case of addiction to new technologies, the symptoms will be the following.
1. Compulsive need for information
Subjects who present this type of addiction feel a strong need to be constantly informed, especially regarding topics related to what is interesting in their social circle.
2. Need for cutting-edge technological devices
As the addiction to new technologies becomes more intense, it is not enough for the subject to satisfy his or her need for information through any device, but this You will need one who provides you with the latest theological advances to feel that it meets your need
3. Tendency towards isolation
People who have become addicted to new technologies become subjects relatively removed from physical social contact This means that they can socialize quietly through their electronic devices, thanks to their profiles on social networks, but personal coexistence is a nuisance or a source of stress for them.
4. Dependence on technology
These individuals focus all their attention and resources on staying up to date with technological advances, in all aspects. situation that represents a limitation with respect to facing situations outside the context of screens
For example, a technology addict may be very efficient when carrying out activities using a smart device, but if it is necessary to do something in another context, the subject will be unable to do it with the same efficiency. In the most intense cases of this addiction he may even be unable to perform this task without the help of technology.
People who experience these problems They tend to be easily distracted by thinking about what could be happening in those digital worlds to which they would like to be connected at that moment This makes it difficult for them to focus on tasks that do not have to do with this form of leisure. For this reason, they often do not pay attention when talking to others, they often postpone their responsibilities, etc.
6. Irritability
In turn, spending many hours without using these electronic devices makes these people get in a bad mood and begin to experience anxiety.
Causes
In general terms, addictions are the product of a distortion in the subject’s reward system which can lead to failure at an organic level.
When we begin to practice an activity compulsively, or adopt new habits that give us satisfaction, our brain secretes a neurotransmitter known as serotonin (the happiness hormone). The more time we spend doing said activity without distributing our time in other activities, the amounts of serotonin secreted by our brain are greater thus contributing to us becoming increasingly dependent.
Treatments
There are basically two ways to treat the anxiety that arises from stopping using these devices so much. First of all there is psychotherapy; which consists of sessions with a psychology professional where the emphasis will be on the emotional part of the subject and on the psychological causes that can trigger anxious behavior in the person.
Throughout the psychotherapy process, you learn to apply new habits to your daily life that lead the person to adopt a more active role away from the screens, without letting them “fill in” all their dead time and moments in which those who don’t know what to do. For it cognitive-behavioral techniques are mainly used
In second place are medications, which should only be used when it has been determined that the main cause of anxiety is of organic origin, and always under medical supervision. Likewise in these cases Ideally, medication should be used in conjunction with psychotherapy processes In any case, medication should always be prescribed by a doctor.
Some of the most used drugs for anxiety cases are the following:
