Tag: Addiction

This fall a documentary called “The Social Dilemma” began airing on Netflix. In it former employees of large technology companies are interviewed and tell about how their work initially appeared to be helpful for society but later, because of its impact, led them to resign from their positions.

Actors who are portraying a family in this show, have different ways of interacting with social media. A teenage son, who is constantly online is challenged to not touch his phone for a week and, if successful, would receive a new screen to replace the one that is broken. Unfortunately, the notifications and ways that the social media had manipulated him to form an important part of the teen’s life, prevent him from lasting more than a couple of days.

The Social Dilemma points out the fact that the word “user” is one that describes not only a person on social media but also a person who is involved with substance abuse.

This week, Prince Harry’s wife, Megan Markle has been criticized for stating the same thing. Perhaps she watched the documentary!

Mental Health diagnosis is done using criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association. Social media addictions are not given status and Internet Gaming Disorder is only listed as a tentative disorder in the appendix of this manual.

There are nine criteria listed for Internet Gaming Disorder in the DSM-5 appendix including preoccupation, tolerance, escape, persistence, withdrawal, conflict, problems, deception and displacement.

I didn’t grow up with computers and because of significant changes in technology over time, I have been slow to transition into the options that are commonly used by those who are younger or more technically inclined. In fact, I have frequently had to go to the office to get my phone which I use as an alarm clock. Forgetting it there gives you an indication of how little I think about it and how little need I have for its features.

Computers, phones and other technology are not a problem for everyone. It’s what you do with them that can lead to problems though If you find that you or those who you care about are so absorbed by social media that the criteria listed are realized, perhaps it is time to seek outside help.

Identifying and observing healthy boundaries will help you to balance your time offline and your online use. Limit the time you use your phone or computer. (Set an alarm as internet searching can be mesmerizing!) Don’t have your phone with you during mealtimes or when you are with other people. Don’t trust people that you don’t know who want to be your “friend”. Use your common sense when if comes to offers that seem too good to be true. (They probably are).

Also, remember to do things offline that can be neglected with too much internet use. Go for a walk. Read a book. Phone a friend. Enjoy a technology-free day.

Treat the internet like a tool rather than an intimate partner and you will soon find improved mental health and balance in your life!

It’s an incredible addiction that drives people to stay awake for all hours at night checking their phones, tablets, or computers, in order to see who is looking at them. What is the point? People who judge their worth by this type of response are not worth much. They are missing out on personal contact with those who can make a difference to them and who are able to support them as they progress through life.

The really bad side is the way it opens up an avenue for bullying by others who act against your interest. Young kids commit suicide because of this and it works both ways. Without the support of personal friends and families this is driving people to do horrible things.

Terrorists are also using social media to recruit others to their cause. They are able to get inside the heads of their victims as the conversations are private and dangerous. Many have fallen for it and are either dead or preparing to die on suicide missions.

This is the modern world and everything is now so available that authorities are at a loss to deal with it. Videos designed to distract and engage people for hours on end are often fake stories that are meant to shock. Over the Christmas period some of these were so disgusting and detrimental to individuals targeted that one wonders the motive behind them.

The frightening thing is how believable they are. Without going into details and giving them publicity the claims made would have been helpful to those seeking to destroy people’s faith in certain politicians, tennis players, and others.

This is the rubbish that pervades the minds of children and is inciting more of the same. Some do extraordinary and dangerous acts to post on the Social Media with the purpose of getting people to click on the videos or imaged. The number of hits adds to their psyche as something that boosts their ego.

While the psychiatry benefits or harm are not published they should be. This is a dangerous time-wasting pastime that is worse for some than taking drugs. It is a drug and it is highly addictive as one can easily spend an hour or two without even being aware of how much time has passed. It detracts from normal learning and family time while important things ar missed.

Nothing can or will change the habits of people and one should look to the amount of money made by the company to know that the goal in making one addicted is money. These sites are great advertisers and they get highly paid every time one is exposed to an ad. This is what should be noticed by those who can’t avoid connecting to them.