It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.
—Albert Einstein
Digital Media Addiction Therapy
We generally become what we pay attention to. In our current world, there are so many distractions that take away from our lives. Every email, reply, like, tweet, etc. pulls our attention. Big tech's main agenda is to control our attention economy by finding ways to keep us online for as long as possible. We use technology to numb and distract ourselves, and in turn, we don’t spend enough time on the things that matter the most to us, leaving us feeling unfulfilled.
In moderation, technology can be very helpful in our lives, but when used excessively, it replaces healthier ways to spend time and can lead to a number of mental health concerns. While some people only struggle with one type of compulsive digital media use, many struggle with multiple types of overuse. It is not technology that is the problem in and of itself, it’s what it replaces that is problematic. In order to help people reduce their digital media use, I develop an understanding of what needs it is meeting in their lives and help them find healthier ways to have these needs met.
In order to become the person you want to be, it is important to prioritize what you want to give your attention to and let go of unwanted distractions and compulsive behaviors. To support this work, I am well versed in treating the common co-occurring conditions that tend to accompany digital media overuse/addiction, including anxiety, social anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and academic challenges. From digital detoxes to finding replacement activities– I’ll be by your side helping you develop a healthier relationship with technology.
Gaming Addiction*
People with excessive gaming seek treatment at a much higher rate than with the other four types of digital media overuse. Gaming can include games played on computers, phones, gaming consoles, tablets, etc. Many people who identify as a “gamer” also stream videos of other people gaming, spend excessive amounts of money on related purchases, and engage in researching or listening to information about gaming. All of these activities further gaming compulsivity. Video game creators have also become very adept at persuasive design making its users even more vulnerable to overuse and addiction.
Information/Entertainment Addiction*
Information/entertainment overuse involves an unquenchable desire for more information and entertainment. This type of overuse includes things like excessively researching, checking emails constantly, going down Wikipedia rabbit holes, Reddit, work-related overuse, and news. This type of overuse also includes entertainment based applications like YouTube, Netflix, and other streaming sites. With an endless amount of information available, always something new and exciting, and infinite possibilities to entertain ourselves, it can be very difficult to set reasonable limits online or avoid the desire to check the latest information.
Pornography Addiction*
Pornography, as described here, includes any sexual behaviors facilitated through online platforms and applications. This includes: videos, chat rooms, content sharing, and dating/hook up applications. Due to the nature of online dating and the seemingly endless options of potential partners, a number of people are left feeling more insecure, constantly comparing themselves to others, and feeling compelled to continue to search for the possibility that there is someone better out there. All of this searching, comparing, and endless options typically leads people to feel less invested and less satisfied with their dating lives.
Social Media Addiction*
Some of the leading social media platforms include: Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, Discord, Reddit, etc. Research has shown that two hours or more a day on social media has been linked to an increase in anxiety and depressive symptoms. The original intent for social media to help us feel more connected has left many of its users feeling polarized and isolated. Social media creates an environment with endless social comparison which in turn leaves people feeling more dissatisfied with their lives. When spending a lot of time on social media people often report feeling like they are missing out or more at odds with their loved ones.
Shopping Addiction*
Compulsive shopping can include in-game purchases for video games, Amazon shopping, eBay auctions, stock trading, online gambling, buying and returning things, etc. With credit cards linked to our phones, it only takes the push of a button to make a purchase resulting in instant gratification at our fingertips. While this is convenient for some, this is a recipe for impulse buying and poor money management for many others. We receive dopamine hits when we are searching or hit the purchase button, but this feeling is frequently short-lived and leads many people to keep going back for more to try to feel the desired effect.
*Five types of Digital Media Overuse as defined by Digital Media Treatment and Education Center
