Technology addiction is a real thing. Whether you know it or not, someone you know might be dealing with it. But how exactly does it work?
This guide will discuss the seven things you’ll need to know about it. If you or someone you know might be dealing with it, getting help should be the next step. You can check out what The Heights can do to ensure you beat technology addiction.
You can visit their site here: https://theheightstreatment.com/treatment-programs/mental-health-los-angeles/.
Let’s dive in now and talk more about technology addiction and how it works.
1. Technology is used to satisfy a need
In today’s world, we rely on technology to perform certain tasks. There are plenty of needs we can fulfill with it as well. It can be done on an app, computer, or any other device. However, these needs for technology are either classified as good or bad.
Some people use technology to escape from something going on in reality. They also use it to relieve stress or fulfill a desire to connect with someone socially. Either way, technology can be a blessing and a curse (and so is the need to use technology).
Someone can use a meditation app like Calm if they are stressed. Guided meditations are good for those who want to destress and practice mindfulness. However, technology can also lead to someone handling stress in a negative way.
Instant gratification will make it difficult for someone to put the phone away. Because of that, the risk for technology addiction can only get higher.
2. It can have negative physical and mental impacts
Needless to say, technology addiction can get to a point where it can affect someone mentally and physically. For example, it can lead to sleep issues. Someone might not get enough of scrolling mindlessly through social media.
Or they try to fall asleep and end up picking up their phone a few minutes later. Before they know it, time flies fast and they have less time to sleep. It’s important to at least get 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night.
Anything less and it might harm your physical and mental health over time. As for other physical impacts, it can lead to eye strain. That can also lead to regular headaches.
Furthermore, it can also lead to decreased social activity. Which means you might not feel like talking to anyone outside of communication apps or even text messaging. Keep in mind that even if you are conversing with someone online, it’s not the same as face-to-face conversation with someone.
This can snowball into your everyday life as well. You may have issues with relationships. Possibly due to the fact that it would be difficult to carry a real, face-to-face conversation. The same can apply if you are in school and interacting with students and instructors.
You may also have a hard time communicating with co-workers and supervisors. But it doesn’t stop there. You may also have a hard time concentrating with what’s going on. That’s because your eyes are glued to a phone, computer, or tablet all the time.
When these impact you negatively, you’ll know that there is a technology addiction issue that is occurring.
3. It can create several risk factors
What you may not realize is that technology addiction can carve a path towards more risk factors. You may be developing mental health disorders. It can also lead to drug addiction as well.
Mental health disorders and addiction can go hand in hand. It can be due to the fact that they use various substances to self-medicate and numb the pain. It’s important that you should never consider using drugs or alcohol if you are dealing with negative mental issues.
4. Social media and reality are not always the same
You need to be aware that what you see on social media may not be what it seems. Someone may post a picture of being in their ‘happy place’. But in reality, this may not always be the case.
You may see them as being happy in a social media post. But you don’t know what goes on behind the scenes. They may be dealing with relationship issues, mental health disorders, or something else.
That’s why it’s always good to take things on social media with a grain of salt. It’s not smart to take everything at face value.
5. You can prevent technology addiction
Even if you are using technology regularly, you are in control of how and when you use it. Make a plan to set limits on when you plan on using your phone. Choose a time to shut it all down and stick with it daily.
You’ll want to also find other activities that may not require technology. This can be a hobby you can take up. You can also find an outdoor activity you find enjoyable.
6. There is help that is available
If you are dealing with early or even advanced stages of technology addiction, there is help you can receive. It’s important that you find a rehab facility that can help you get over the addiction. It is possible to bring stability back in your life.
A counselor can help you through the therapeutic process. You’ll also have a treatment plan that you will need to follow to beat your addiction. No matter how deep the addiction goes, it is possible to get successful treatment and live a fulfilling life.
7. Don’t give up
Fighting an addiction can be tough. But you have it within you to overcome it. You also have a support group of people in your life that will be rooting for you.
Technology addiction is something that can be beaten overnight. This is something that will take time. And it will take effort to beat it.
You will need to follow your treatment plan and ensure that you are taking the right steps. Make sure you stick with it so that you can successfully overcome technology addiction and take control of your life.
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