Technology is not the first thing in most people’s minds to be paired with addiction, but it is becoming more and more common. Technology addiction may be more difficult to recognize than other stereotypical addiction issues due to the thorough infiltration of technology into our everyday lives. Most of us use some type of technology every single day, so how does one spot a seeding addiction on the rise? Here are a few signs and symptoms of technology addiction.
Spending excess time using some form of technology.
It is almost impossible to go a day without some form of technology in this modern society in which we live, but there are plenty of ways to overdose. The average person spends just over thirteen hours awake every day. If more than three or four hours of that time is consumed by some form of technology (beside the time spent at work), then there may be an issue.
Another cause for alarm concerning the use of technology is if a person would rather spend time with a computer (or other device) than spend time with friends and family. Living a life of augmented reality can cause some very serious mental issues over time. It is not a healthy way to detach from the stressors of life.
Phantom ringing is a real issue.
Phantom ringing is far more common than most people want to admit. Hearing the phone ring or a message ding when there is nothing can turn into a real issue. Some people even have trouble sleeping due to ring anxiety. They are so worried that they might miss something that everyday life is negatively impacted. This is the time to seek help for a technology addiction.
Excessive multitasking when it is not required.
Multitasking when it is not necessary is another telltale sign of addiction. Watching television, while chatting online and playing video games is not exactly the best way to commit one’s free time. It may be fun, but it only perpetuates high stress levels. We multitask daily when we go to work or maintain a home. There is no need to add to the panic of keeping up.
Physical symptoms of technology addiction are real.
Physical symptoms of technology addiction can be severe. Severe depression can result from a deprivation of sunlight. Someone who spends all day inside on the computer can suffer from depression, weight loss, weight gain, headaches, carpel tunnel, and a whole list of other physical ailments. There have even been several deaths recorded that were contributed to excessive gaming. Sleep disruption and even blood clots can result from spending hours engrossed in a computer game or sci-fi television series.