Technological revolution is unstoppable. Smartphones, social networks … they make our lives easier but can also turn into a double-edged sword. How can you know if you are addicted to technology? Here’s some signs that you should take as warnings.
Technology rules our lives. This might seem a good thing, but the wrong use we give to the Internet can turn into serious health issues and even lead us to depression. The WHO has already confirmed that one out of four people suffers from some type of behaviour disorder derived from the misuse of new technologies.
And children and adolescents are especially vulnerable. Nearly 30% of adults consider themselves addicted to technology. Among young people, these figures skyrocket to almost 75%.
It’s no news that social networks generate addiction. Mainly because they give us the chance to build a better image of ourselves and they falsely mitigate the feeling of loneliness.
As with any other addiction, identifying the problem is the first step to solving it. These are some behaviour patterns that indicate that you’re addicted to technology.
How to know if you’re addicted to technology
Those addicted to technology have the need to always be connected. Checking their smartphones will be the first thing they do in the morning and the last before they go to sleep, sometimes even using their digital device in bed.
Have you reduced physical contact with real people and started to talk only to your virtual friends? If so, you should probably worry. Many addicts give up activities they used to practice in real life only to spend more time connected.
When with friends or family, do you keep looking at your smartphone constantly? If your answer is affirmative, you might have a problem. Technology addicts surf the Internet or check their social networks or emails even when they’re in the company of others. And they feel visibly upset when anyone tells them about their excessive use of technology.
Faced with the possibility of not being able to use their device or if the Internet is not working, technology addicts feel anguish and might even suffer panic attacks.
What can you do?
All the previous signs indicate a high degree of dependence and misuse of new technologies, and quite possibly an addiction. You must start to set some rules to use the technology correctly.
Start by not using your phone at least an hour before going to bed. You will feel anxiety at first, and even insomnia. But it’s the first step to fight your addiction.
Force yourself to go out with real people. Go out for a short walk leaving your smartphone at home, ans try turning it off for short periods of time every day.
Stop constantly checking your notifications or messages, and force yourself not to answer them immediately. You need to understand that technology can make your life better, but you must never allow it to control you.
Finally, if you see that you can not solve the problem alone, do not hesitate to look for professional help.
