What is gadget or screen addiction and when should I be concerned?
Gadget or screen addiction is a form of addiction where use of devices or gadgets becomes obsessive. This is further emphasized by the fact that social media and other media companies exploit a person’s attention and try different tactics to keep people glued to their screens. This usually involves extreme reactions/content that elicits a response from a user, keeping them using apps and gadgets.
There is a constant urge to check your phone, or go online excessively that has become almost instinctual for most of us. Gadget addiction affects people of all ages, races, genders etc. While some of this is a product of living in the modern age, we must also recognise that there are dangers and harms that this can cause. This was further made worse during the COVID-19 pandemic when work and school became entirely virtual, meaning we needed to rely on gadgets and screens for our education and livelihood.
When does screen/gadget use become excessive?
Common Symptoms:
- Compulsive use of gadgets. E.g., can’t stop scrolling on Instagram/Facebook
- Withdrawal symptoms. Will start getting agitated if a long while passes between use.
- Inability to deal with boredom. Apps/media companies rely on your boredom to get you to use their products.
- Self-esteem dependent on gadgets. Social media interactions become a reward for some that causes them to constantly engage with people online, to the detriment of their wellbeing
- Can become a pre-cursor to other mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, sleep disorders etc.
- Affects relationships. Neglect of your family, friends, partners.
- Children addicted to gadgets will have issues with their emotional and cognitive development.
How can Bright Ray support you in tackling issues pertaining to Screen Addiction?
Bright Ray is here to help! We have qualified counsellors who have done counselling and training on gadget addiction. Therapy sessions for screen/gadget addiction aim to encourage ways you can reduce the amount of time spent on the internet.
- Understanding any underlying issues/mental health issues that might be causing gadget/screen addiction
- Finding other ways to occupy your time, and remove your worth from being attached to your online person
- Developing strategies to regulate your usage, especially in the evenings
- Self-esteem dependent on gadgets. Social media interactions become a reward for some that causes them to constantly engage with people online, to the detriment of their wellbeing
- Parents of children with gadget addiction can employ parenting techniques that teach children not to rely solely on gadgets/screen and use effective routine-based boundaries to limit screen time
- Addressing other mental health issues that is a result of this addiction
- Improving your relationships so that your in-person bonds are more meaningful than any online interactions etc.
Your therapist can help you get perspective and set the boundaries you need to limit use of gadgets/screens and reduce symptoms.