Today, technological gadgets like smartphones are like the world in our pockets. There are many applications and games to keep us glued to them. I recall sometime in the past I was in the same room with my best friend, I texted her instead of talking to her directly. After I was done busily texting, she checked her received message; she looked at me and said, “why would you text me when we are in the same room?”  We all laughed at the situation.   

Technology has become part of our daily life, and it’s everywhere. You can be in your apartment in your hometown and have a live conference or study in a foreign country. Imagine you texting or calling your loved ones or making a business proposal then all of sudden; phones are off the surface of the planet—what will you do?

WHAT IS TECHNOLOGICAL ADDICTION?

Technology is not only focused on gadgets like smartphones, gamepads, and VR gadgets. These can lead to (IUD) internet use disorder. Technological addiction is a self-control disorder that involves using any technology-related devices Such as gaming systems, computers, phones and the internet despite its negative consequences. 

WHAT MAKES TECHNOLOGY ADDICTIVE?

“The cell phone has become the adult’s transitional object, replacing the toddler’s teddy bear for comfort and a sense of belonging.” –Margaret Heffernan.   

People born before the1980s lived had no access to the internet or personal technology gadgets. They gained knowledge, life experience or release stress and boredom primarily by storytelling, riddles, reading and writing. Technology tends to fulfil our natural human need for interaction and stimulation. It impacts the brain’s pleasure systems, be it boredom booster, a social lubricant, or an escape from reality. These easy and quick ways to fulfil our basic needs can become addictive. 

FACTORS OF TECHNOLOGY ADDICTION

Factors that contribute to the development of internet disorder are rooted either in nature or nurture with some people. A few factors include dopamine chase, multiple layers of rewards, chemical makeup and structural brain changes, depression and anxiety. 

SYMPTOMS OF TECHNOLOGY ADDICTION

Funny enough, I sometimes see my smartphone as my baby, which I cannot leave for a second. I remember when I misplaced my smartphone as a fresh college student, and I never felt like I lost something, but as time went on during the middle of the semester with my nokia 3310 phone, I began to feel left out. Symptoms of technology addiction may present in both physical and emotional. This includes backaches, headaches, poor nutrition, insomnia, depression, anxiety, mood swings, lack of interest in offline activities, procrastination, isolation and feelings of euphoria when using technology gadgets.

EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY ADDICTION

Effects of technology addiction can lead to bankruptcy, unfinished tasks, forgotten responsibilities, loss of job, damaged relationships, vision problems, lack of social skills, and dishonesty.

Technology has become like a fabric woven into our daily lives, in a nutshell which will never fade. The more we are growing; and yearning for an easy and comfortable life, the more the world advances in technology. As the saying goes, ‘too much of everything is bad’. If we can control the technology in our lives, we will not have any addictive behaviours. It’s not too late if you feel addicted to it; admit it, seek therapy.

“It’s not that we use technology, we live technology” – Godfrey Reggio.