Electronic Addiction

Addiction is such a confronting word – and certainly not one we want attached to us. It may conjure up pictures of someone lying in the gutter or slumped behind a dumpster: as I said, ugly. But there is another addiction which has crept into society and is present in almost every home – electronic addiction.

You may think that claim is ridiculous; after all our modern world demands that we stay in touch and remain connected to the global family via our phones, computers, and tablets. Technology has certainly made it easier to do this, but when does helpful use cross the line into addiction? The warning signs begin when an activity which is pleasurable initially, continues to the point where it is compulsive or obsessive, and interferes with ordinary concerns and functions, such as work/school, relationships and health.

Stop and ask yourself a few questions.

• Do you check your email or phone constantly?
• Do you feel the need to answer your phone every time a text comes through, even if you’re in a meeting, dining out, or with friends?
• Do you reach for your phone in inappropriate places such as at traffic lights?
• Do you find yourself increasingly replacing conversations and interactions with people, with spending time online?
• Do you keep your phone beside your bed and allow it to interrupt your sleep?

You may be feeling a little uncomfortable by now, so let’s look at some of the broader symptoms which may indicate a problem.

Symptoms:

• Decreased productivity at school/work and fewer interactions with family members.
• Time and energy are spent on on-line connections resulting in the neglect and decline of real life relationships.
• Marked increase in anxiety and depression, made worse by disturbed sleep patterns.
• Loss of sense of time and declining ability to stick to a schedule or focus on a task which does not involve electronic media.
• Increasing isolation and defensiveness when this is pointed out.
• Dishonesty becomes more frequent as the individual lies in order to cover the extent of their electronic use, or to secretly gain access to their devices.

So if you recognise yourself or someone you know in these symptoms, it may be time to seek professional counselling support. There are things you can do to overcome addictive patterns, so contact Alli at Point Of Change Counselling to make an appointment to discuss your options.