Overview
Technology Overuse and Addiction
Technology users who make technology a priority over family, friends and work may have a problem that will adversely affect their relationships and other commitments.
You may have a technology addiction if you:
- Compulsively check email, social media, text or use the internet excessively
- Have a preoccupation with being online
- Are lying about or hiding the extent or nature of your online or smartphone use
- Struggle with controlling your online or smartphone behavior
If you are struggling with a technology addiction, you will have some or many of the following symptoms:
- Increased use: You need to spend increasing amounts of time online to achieve satisfaction, or you cannot keep from checking incoming emails or texts constantly.
- Inability to stop: You can’t cut back on your Internet use or checking your phone, even after several attempts.
- Withdrawal symptoms: You feel restless, moody, depressed or irritable when you attempt to stop or cut down Internet or phone use.
- Lost sense of time: Everyone lets time slip by occasionally while on the Internet. You can consider it a problem if it happens to you consistently when you’re using your phone, tablet or computer, and you’re also experiencing some of the other symptoms on this list.
- Preoccupation: You think constantly about previous device or online activity or keep looking forward to the next time.
- Risky behaviors: You jeopardize a significant relationship, job or educational or career opportunity because of Internet or electronic device use.
- Lies: You lie to family members, a therapist or others to conceal the extent of your Internet involvement.
- Escape: You use the Internet as a way to avoid thinking about problems or to suppress depression or feelings of helplessness.
If you feel you have even one of the above symptoms, consider it a warning that a problem may be starting. If you feel you have to two or more of the above symptoms, please consider getting help now.
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