TECHNOLOGY

ADDICTION

TECHNOLOGY
ADDICTION
A compulsion to be online or use technology that controls some
peoples lives.
To be considered an addiction, a person must display these key
symptoms:
Excessive use*
Maladaptive behavior
Withdrawal
Tolerance
Relapse

Why Technology
Addiction?

As technology keeps advancing, more people will be at

risk for this issue.
You see young kids glued to technology far more than
when we were kids.
We have all fallen victim of giving technology more
attention than other important things at some point.

Findings

Between 5-10% of people who use the internet regularly

meet the criteria for compulsive internet use.
Internet addiction is a loss of impulse control much like
pathological gambling.
Research demonstrations show that those who suffer from
internet/technology addiction show physical changes in the
brain similar to that of drug users.
Technology addiction usually isnt a single is issue. Its often
part of a larger mental disorder and can even lead to other
disorders such as nomophobia.
Nomophobia: the fear of losing your cell phone. Plays a role
in cell phone addiction.

Signs & Symptoms

Compulsive need to be online

or have access to devices.
Loss of interest in other
activities.
Spending hours with device
without taking breaks.
Losing track of time while on
the internet.
Lying about time spent with
internet activity.
Using technology as a means
of avoiding personal problems.
Failed attempts at curtailing
usage.

Irritability when not able to

engage in technology
(withdrawal).
Requiring more time spent with
technology to achieve
satisfaction (tolerance).
Using technology at
inappropriate times/places.

Possible Treatment

Maintain a balance between technology-related

activities and real life.
Pursue more productive pastimes
Curb time using internet and devices.
Refrain from using addicting sites (ex. gambling and
pornography).
More serious cases may benefit from counseling with
an addiction specialist or joining support groups such
as Online Gamers Anonymous (OGA).

Technology Addiction

Technology addiction is more serious than what

you see day to day.
Individuals with internet/technology addiction
experience a decline in their studies, relationships,
finances and careers.
The APA doesnt yet recognize internet addiction
as a separate disorder from other addictions such
as gambling.

Technology Use Survey

Gender________ Age_________
Non-productive technology usage is using the internet/technology for excessive amounts of time
with no valuable purpose.
How often do you use the internet/technology on a daily basis? _______________________
Do you ever use your phone unnecessarily during social situations such as dinners, parties,
etc.?
(_)Very rarely
(_) Rarely
(_) Sometimes
(_) Often (_) Very often
Do you ever use your phone in the car while driving including at stoplights/signs?
(_)Very rarely
(_) Rarely
(_) Sometimes
(_) Often (_) Very often
Is your phone always within reach? For example having your phone in the bathroom while
showering.
(_)Very rarely
(_) Rarely
(_) Sometimes
(_) Often (_) Very often
Are you ever late to engagements/appointments due to losing track of time while using the
internet/technology?
(_)Very rarely
(_) Rarely
(_) Sometimes
(_) Often (_) Very often
Do you ever lose sleep while using the internet/technology late at night?
(_)Very rarely
(_) Rarely
(_) Sometimes
(_) Often (_) Very often
Do you use the internet/technology in order to forget about personal problems?
(_)Very rarely
(_) Rarely
(_) Sometimes
(_) Often (_) Very often

Problematic technology usage

Survey Findings
Of the people we surveyed :
7% qualified for being at risk of technology addiction.

33% used their phones unnecessarily during social

situations.
11% used their phones in the car while driving.
44% always had their phone within reach.
4% Were late to appointments due to losing track of
time.
26% lose sleep using technology late at night.
9% Use technology to forget about personal problems.

How We Helped

Raised awareness.
The survey itself.
Created confronting posters.
Encourage people to use
technology less.
log

off, turn off the computer, and

go do something else
Spend one hour a day technology
free

Each practiced using technology

less ourselves and pushed our
families to join.