Understanding Technology Addiction in Youth

Technology addiction refers to dependence on digital devices to the extent that it disrupts one’s normal functioning of life. A technologically addicted person finds it challenging to resist using technology even after knowing it’s harmful to them. Nowadays, technology dominates a more significant part of our work and social life, making it easier to get trapped in the clutches of addiction. A Pew Research Center survey found that 45% of teenagers are online almost constantly, and 60% felt that spending too much time with technology is a significant problem facing their generation. This major problem includes neglect of responsibilities, social withdrawal, and negative consequences. It can manifest in various forms in an individual through social media, online gaming, internet browsing, or compulsive smartphone use.  Promoting healthy usage of such devices is essential before its effects become unrepairable. Let’s now understand how to spot signs of technology addiction in youth.

Signs of Technology Addiction in Youth

There is a heavy reliance on digital devices for communication, entertainment, and academic purposes. It makes it difficult to differentiate whether one’s usage of technology is normal or an addiction. Below are some signs of technological addiction that can help in this differentiation:

• High screen time: As per recent technology addiction statistics, American teenagers spend more than seven hours each day on screens. Such high screen time can be one of the signs of technology addiction in youth.
• Lack of focus and interest: Losing interest in other activities, hobbies, sports, etc, in favor of spending more time online can be a sign of addiction.
• Difficulty disconnecting: A technology addict faces the challenge of cutting off or reducing internet usage even after knowing it harms health.
• Health issues: We can identify technology addiction through the occurrence of unusual physical health problems such as headaches, eye strain, obesity, or sleep disturbances due to staying longer on digital devices.
• Social isolation: 77% of parents feel their children get distracted by their devices and don’t pay attention when they’re together at least a few times per week. This change in behavior of preferring online interactions over face-to-face interactions with peers leads to social isolation and difficulty maintaining real-life relationships.

Cause & Effect of Technology Addiction in Youth

Technology addiction is negligence and ignorance regarding the harmful use of technology. Therefore, awareness of these causes and effects is essential to be familiar with their addictive nature.

Causes

• The availability of the internet and technology 24/hrs at one’s fingertips makes it more accessible for addictive use.
• Instant gratification and validation provided by various social platforms trigger dopamine release in the brain, which reinforces addiction.
• Peer pressure and social FOMO can implant technology addiction in youth.
• Sometimes, people use technology to escape real-life problems, stress, or negative emotions. It can lead to relying on it too much as a way to cope.
• Digital platforms and applications design their system in a way that makes it hard for people to disconnect from technology.
• Social media provides a sense of connection and belonging that can be difficult to find in real life, which induces people to spend more time online.

Effects

• It leads to social withdrawal, isolation, and difficulty forming and maintaining real-life relationships.
• Technology addiction statistics reveal that teens who spend 5 hours per day on their phones are twice as likely to exhibit depressive symptoms. This time spent on social media platforms can lead to a decrease in social esteem, resulting in symptoms of stress and anxiety.
• It can cause various physical health problems such as obesity, musculoskeletal issues, eye strain, and sleep disturbances.
• It negatively impacts academic or work performance due to distractions, procrastination, and neglect of responsibilities. Research by NCBI shows that individuals with technology addiction had a lower academic performance compared to the group without the addiction.
• Constant notifications and device distractions significantly impact one’s ability to focus and complete tasks efficiently.

Impact of Technology on youth’s well-being

Technology addiction has the power to bring tremendous change in the life of an individual. Its impact on an individual’s health depends on various factors, such as type of technology, frequency of use, and individual behaviors. Technology impact can be both positive and negative. However, it depends on how one uses it in their daily lives. If used as a source of information, knowledge, and comfort, it can positively transform one’s life. However, it can have severe interference and disturbance in one’s life if not used wisely.

Research by Embark Behavioral Health shows that increased screen time causes a rise in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), adolescent anxiety, depression, and suicide risk factors. Additionally, using electronic devices before bedtime can disrupt one’s sleep cycle and negatively impact overall well-being. While technology has revolutionized communication and connectivity, excessive reliance on digital interactions may lead to social isolation and loneliness, which in turn can worsen various mental health issues. Therefore, the impact of technology on an individual’s life varies depending on how they use it.