Addiction to technology and the internet

What is technology addiction?

Technology addiction, also called cyber-addiction, is a compulsive use of the smartphone, the internet or social media that the person cannot control and that interferes with everyday life. It is not about the number of hours in itself, but about the loss of control and the distress that appears when being connected is not possible.

The smartphone is usually the vehicle for other potentially addictive behaviours: social media, messaging, online shopping, pornography or betting. In many cases the device becomes a way to escape from having to face uncomfortable emotions such as boredom, loneliness or anxiety.

Symptoms and warning signs

Recognising a cyber-addiction is not always easy, because the use of technology is normalised and is necessary for work and studies. The key lies in the degree of control and in the consequences.

• Checking the phone compulsively, even without notifications.
• Anxiety or irritability when access to the phone or the internet is not available.
• Losing track of time online and neglecting sleep.
• Lying about or downplaying the real amount of usage.
• Needing to connect as soon as waking up and as the last thing before sleeping.

Smartphone addiction in teenagers

Teenagers are especially vulnerable because their brain is still developing impulse control and because much of their identity is built through social media. The fear of missing out on what is happening in the group, known as FOMO, fuels the need to be permanently connected.

Warning signs at this stage include a drop in school performance, isolation from the family, sleep problems and disproportionate reactions when device use is limited. Early support prevents the problem from becoming entrenched.

Causes

Technology is designed to capture and hold attention: notifications, variable rewards and infinite content continuously activate the brain's reward system. On top of that base, personal factors come into play, such as low tolerance to boredom, social anxiety, shyness or difficulty managing emotions.

In many cases permanent connection works as a way to avoid distress or direct contact with others. Understanding that function is the first step to changing it.

Consequences

Problematic use of technology affects rest, concentration and mood. Lack of sleep and overstimulation increase irritability and anxiety, while constant comparison on social media can undermine self-esteem.

On a relational level, the person becomes isolated from their real environment even though they are highly connected virtually, which generates loneliness and conflict with a partner or family.

Treatment at Reconectar

At Reconectar we treat technology addiction with an outpatient, individual and personalised approach in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The goal is not to demonise technology, but to recover a healthy and conscious relationship with it.

We work with cognitive therapy to identify the thoughts and emotions that trigger compulsive use, and with motivational techniques that reinforce change. We set realistic usage guidelines and help you recover activities and relationships that the screen had displaced. The whole process is confidential and without hospitalisation.