Technology Addiction Rehabilitation
Technology addiction is a broad term that refers to the uncontrollable urge to use technological devices such as computers, smartphones, and gaming systems. Technology addiction appears to be more prevalent among teenagers, but is found amongst the broader population as well. According to the International Journal of Neuropsychiatric Medicine, as many as one in eight Americans suffers from some type of technology addiction.
Technology addiction is a recently identified addiction that has not yet been medically classified but has been linked to the widespread and rapid evolvement and use of technological devices. What actually causes technology addiction is not all that well understood. Researchers claim it may be a combination of inherent genetic traits and elements in the environment. These three factors have been identified as possible underlying causes of technology addiction:
- State of an individual’s mental health
- Personality traits
- Environmental factors
In other words, technology abusers are likely to have underlying health issues such as anxiety, insomnia, and depression. They also appear to have tendencies towards impulsiveness. They are also individuals who tend to keep to themselves and shy away from social contact with others, so they tend to find the online and technological environment more welcoming to connect with others in a way where social contact is limited. These individuals are also more prone to technology addiction because they tend to use technology on an ongoing basis to fulfill their social needs. Individuals who experience high levels of stress in their daily environments, for example at work or school, are more prone to utilize technological devices to relieve stress and distract them from their current situations.