Technology Addiction: Orlando Counselor on Why Teens are So Addicted

Roughly 75% of teenagers have access to computers, video game consoles, and smartphones. With such a high percentage of teens having access to personal technology, 40% of teen boys say they spend too much time playing video games and 36% of teens say they spend too much time on social media. Technology, when used in moderation, can be healthy and recreational for teenagers, but many teens find it difficult to put the screens down. This may not be their fault, however, as video games and social media are designed to be addictive and therefore to put down. This can be especially difficult for teenagers with ADHD who have difficulty with self-control and self-regulation.

By using the Hook model, you can get a better understanding of how social media hooks teens to use their products for hours on end. Here are the 4 steps to this model:

1. Trigger: The trigger in this case is the notifications you get on your phone. Triggers are what lures you toward the product.
2. Action: By clicking on the notification, this action leads you to using the product.
3. Variable Reward: Social media immediately rewards you with pictures, comments, videos, etc. With this immediate gratification, people are more likely to look at the endless content to keep getting “rewarded.”
4. Investment: The more an app is used, the more information you’re giving it about you. The algorithm will cater what comes up to your interests, and this creates the cycle of use.

What are the signs my teen is addicted to technology? Here are some signs of a tech addiction:

• Issues with stopping the activity and controlling their behaviors
• Craving the activity
• Negative emotional responses, such as anger, when unable to partake in the activity
• An inability to recognize their issues with their activity use
• Prioritizing the activity over interests and obligations

Disordered gaming or social media use have correlations with loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Relationships, friendships, academics, and finances can become strained due to technology addictions. It should be noted that technology use can cause ADHD symptoms and change reward patterns in the brain, however in these cases it can be turned around. There are correlations with ADHD symptoms and screen use, such as how gamers with symptoms of ADHD are at a higher risk of a video game addiction and how young people with ADHD on average have more problematic screen use.

What can I do to help?

• Be a role model. Use social media the way you wish your teen would use it.
• Don’t judge your teens social media use, and try to understand their interests
• Set consequences and boundaries with your teen
• Encourage in-person activities that are similar to their online games. For example, if your teen is into building games, introduce them to robotics or woodshop.
• Have them earn their electronics time for socializing and maintaining a positive relationship with their peers, playing a sport, getting involved martial arts, dance, gymnastics, high school band, etc.

Source:

Edge, J. (2023, July 18). Why screens mesmerize our teens – and how to break the trance. ADDitude. https://www.additudemag.com/technology-addiction-video-games-social-media-adhd/

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