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 or addictions to technology. It is not technology that is the problem in and of itself, it’s what it replaces that is problematic. In order to help you reduce your technology use, we will work together to develop an understanding of what needs it is meeting in your life and help you find healthier ways to have these needs met. 

Information or entertainment addiction involves an unquenchable desire for more information and entertainment-based applications. This type of overuse includes activities like excessively researching, checking emails constantly, going down Wikipedia rabbit holes, constantly scrolling on Reddit, work-related compulsivity, and excessively watching or reading the news. This type of overuse also includes entertainment-based applications like YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, 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. Additional side effects of internet addiction can include sleep disruption, increased feelings of isolation, and a decline in attention span.