We all check our phones the first thing after we wake up and scroll mindlessly late at night, all while neglecting the real-world connections. Technology addiction is a growing concern, impacting people of all ages. But this can turn into a serious problem and negatively impact your life. And a addiction psychiatrist is the right help you need to build a healthier relationship with the digital world.
What is technology addiction?
Technology has grown on every one of us. Technology has become integral to our lives, and we cannot spend one day without it. From personal to professional lives, technology is our constant companion. While it makes our lives a lot easier, excessive or uncontrollable urges have become an area of concern for many. Technology addiction is when the compulsion to use devices starts impacting our lives negatively.
Some concerning situations involves:
- Interference with work, school, or social obligations.
- Cause sleep deprivation
- Neglect basis needs
- Lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, when unable to access technology
- Cause financial problems
- Exposure to inappropriate or illegal content.
Types of technology addiction
Technology offers an abundance of ways to impact our lives, like social media, gaming, or gambling. Types of technology addiction includes:
- Social media addiction:
This type of addiction involves excessive and compulsive urge to use social media. Individuals can’t control their urge to check notifications or update themselves on social media platforms. These people generally face troubles in real-world relationships and end up having problems to function properly. The fear of missing out (FOMO) and the dopamine rush from social validation can fuel compulsive social media use.
- Internet gaming disorder:
When someone is addicted to online or video games, that cause problems in their daily lives, they might be suffering from this disorder. They neglect their responsibilities and experience withdrawal symptoms when they are unable to play. They mostly prioritize gaming over sleep, meals, social life, and even their health.
- Online shopping addiction:
An impulsive drive to shop online and giving in to their compulsion to buy various items online is termed as online shopping addiction. The ease and convenience of shopping online are the causes of this addiction. individuals suffering from this addiction end up buying items they don’t even need or afford, just because of their sudden drive to own something new.
- Pornography addiction:
Exposure to excessive pornography can lead to this addiction. This form of addiction can impact their future. Individuals with such addictions have strained interpersonal relationships, struggle to maintain intimacy, and have low self-esteem. The unrealistic portrayals of sex and intimacy depicted in pornography create distorted expectations in real life. It also impacts their mental well-being.
- Smartphone addiction:
Smartphones are a constant source of information, entertainment, and social interactions. However, the urge to constantly check our phones, even for seemingly nonchalant updates, significantly impact our attention span, productivity, and ability to be present in the moment.
- Online gambling addiction:
While gambling addiction is no news, this form of addiction is linked to online gaming addiction. Various gaming platforms and sports betting are on the rise. These applications have functions to incorporate gambling into gaming activities. Despite the negative consequences of online gambling, like financial dips, strained relationships, and the development of mental health issues, individuals cannot control their urges.
Signs and symptoms
As there are various technologies and devices available, the symptoms of each may vary. But there are some common signs one can keep an eye on:
Obsession: individuals will have constant thoughts about using technology which makes it difficult for them to focus on other things.
Withdrawal symptoms: when someone with technology addiction doesn’t get access to it, they experience anxiety, irritability, or restlessness.
Increased tolerance: needing greater time or intensity to feel the same effect
Physical symptoms: eye strain, headaches, and disrupted sleep
Causes of technology addiction
While addiction to technology can happen for many reasons but the exact cause can be complex and likely involve a combination of various factors. Some of the causes include:
- An individual struggling with another mental health condition like depression or anxiety can adapt to excessive use of technology as coping mechanism or to self-medicate themselves
- Technology gives a sense of escape, social connection or accomplishment which can be appealing for individuals struggling with different psychological needs.
- Lack of social connection can lead to social isolation and reduced in-person interactions, which makes using technology to make connections easy.
- The increased accessibility and convenience of internet further contribute to development of internet use disorders.
The Role of a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are the most vital part of treatment for technology addiction. They address the underlying reasons for the addiction and paving the path for developing effective treatment plan.
The first step in any treatment process involves assessment and diagnosis. For technology addiction psychiatrist can conduct an in-dept evaluation and provide an accurate diagnosis. They review the technology use patterns, assess co-occurring mental health conditions, and rule out other potential explanations for problematic behaviours.
The next step involves treatment planning and medication management. Based on the evaluation, psychiatrists develop a treatment plan including medications for underlying mental health issues, therapies and changes in lifestyle. Just be mindful that medication is not the first line of treatment for technology addiction, it is prescribed only to manage co-existing mental health issues contributing to the addiction.
In collaboration with therapists psychiatrists conduct therapies like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and motivational interviewing. Among all, CBT is a commonly used therapy to address the psychological factors of addiction. It helps the individual understand their behaviours, increase their awareness, and help develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage triggers.
Psychiatrists also monitor the progress of a patient throughout the treatment process and adjust medications as needed.
Conclusion
A psychiatrist for technology addiction can transform your life and guide you through the treatment process. Technology addiction is a treatable condition and one can make a full recovery from it. Psychiatrists are a part of a larger team of professionals that includes psychologists and other specialists. With the combine effort of all professionals, you can regain control of your tech use and find a better balance in the digital age.
