Top 6 alarming things about technology addiction: it's like drugs or alcohol

Many people underestimate how much time they spend online. This leads to denial that there is a problem, especially when discussing the negative impact on mental health, relationships, or work and academic performance.

The dopamine produced by screen time and internet use is the same as that produced by many types of illicit drugs, but it is difficult to spot the point at which the pleasure of recreation turns into addiction. That's why Dr. Catherine Carney, a psychiatrist and addiction expert at the Delamere Private Rehabilitation Clinic in Cheshire, has named six things everyone should know, the Express reports.

Most do not recognize it as an addiction

Often, local doctors do not consider it necessary to classify this addiction separately. This is a big mistake.

Excessive use of social media can affect people differently depending on their personality or social context, making it difficult to establish a clear clinical definition. While the long-term psychological and physiological effects are still being studied, the WHO has already taken steps to recognize some related issues, such as excessive and problematic video game use.

It's not just about games and social media

"Technology addiction can include a variety of activities that are primarily centered around the excessive and/or compulsive use of digital devices," explains Dr. Carney. "This can include shopping, dating apps – even compulsively checking work emails."

Social anxiety can be a trigger

"Individuals who have difficulty interacting face-to-face may use technology as a coping mechanism or an escape route from uncomfortable social situations," explains Dr. Carney.

Social media, games, or messaging apps can make communication safer or less intimidating, but over time, this reliance on digital communication can turn into a technology addiction.

It's not just a problem for young people

While it is true that young people, especially teenagers, are among the most active users of technology, some studies suggest that 20-25% of teenagers show some signs of problematic online use. However, the number of people over 55 who are overusing technology has also increased dramatically since the pandemic.

This can lead to other addictions

"The dopamine pathways activated by technology use are similar to those activated by substance use," warns Dr. Carney. "This shared mechanism may increase the risk of developing addiction to substances such as alcohol or drugs as people seek to recreate or enhance pleasurable feelings."

Technology addicts may experience "withdrawal" symptoms

"Similar to developing a tolerance to substances such as recreational drugs and alcohol, addicts may need to spend more and more time using technology to achieve the same level of pleasure or enjoyment," says Dr. Carney.

When they don't have access to technology, they may experience psychological discomfort such as irritability, anxiety, and restlessness, which mirrors the withdrawal symptoms seen in other behavioral addictions.

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