Older adults often ruefully shake their heads at the many children, teens and young adults who seemingly never take their eyes off their devices. However, they may not realize the deeper implications of device addiction. Also known as tech addiction, phone addiction and gaming addiction, this disorder often coexists with depression, anxiety, poor sleep and a lower immune system.

What is Device Addiction?

Device addiction is the compulsive use of electronic devices. 2022 statistics show 48% of internet users consider themselves to have a tech addiction. 6.3% of the population say they suffer from a cellphone addiction. 16% of adolescents have a device addiction. 

What are the Symptoms of Device Addiction?

• Lying about device use.  
• Checking phones and devices in the middle of the night.
• Finding it difficult to listen. 
• Becoming isolated from others.
• Neglecting other duties due to constantly checking devices.
• Phantom vibrations – thinking the phone is sounding when it isn’t.
• Accidents and injuries due to phone use.

Why is tech addictive?

Devices were designed to be addictive. The colors, sounds and vibrations promote user engagement. Former Google designer Tristan Harris stated that the “pull to refresh” feature on many devices was designed to mimic slot machines. 

Device use affects the reward center of the brain to increase GABA production. GABA produces a calming, euphoric effect reducing fear and anxiety. Many users turn to devices as a ‘quick fix’ for anxiety issues. 

What are the effects of device addiction?

Some people may look at devices as a convenient way to reduce fear and anxiety. Unlike drugs and alcohol, it’s not an especially expensive habit. And most would say that there are no side effects, however that is not the case. 

Side effects linked to device addiction:

• Increased anxiety and depression
  • Many people grab their phones to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, but research finds device use worsens these emotional disorders. A 2017 study found a remarkably high correlation between cell phone use, anxiety and depression. Addiction was more likely in younger adults. 
  • A 2022 study of college students yielded similar results. Students who are on their phones often experience higher levels of stress and anxiety. Decreased use has shown  better control over their emotions.
• Worsened Attention Deficit Disorders
  • Devices provide a constant stream of stimulation that makes it difficult to focus on anything. The format may worsen attention deficit disorders. A 2023 study showed that excessive screen time led to increased hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattentiveness in children. Other studies expand that to older ages as well. 
• Reduces Gray Matter
  • Gray matter in the brain plays an essential role in cognitive function. It aids with thinking, reasoning and emotions. A 2020 study of 18 to 30-year-olds found people who were constantly on their devices had lower gray matter than those who refrained from using their devices. 
  • The study also found people with phone addiction had less activity and volume in the right anterior cingulate cortex. This is an area of the brain associated with decision-making, emotion control, impulse control and empathy. Low gray matter and a reduction of activity in the right anterior cortex are also commonly found in people with alcohol and drug addiction.
• Sleep disruptions
  • The blue light in phones and devices fools the brain into thinking it’s daytime. It promotes feelings of wakefulness. It can interfere with sleep patterns. This issue is especially prevalent in people who check their devices before bedtime and in the middle of the night. 
  • Sleep deprivation lowers our immune system and greatly affects our cognition. It will also increase anxiety and depression. Sleep deprivation leads to medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease. It also has an effect on impulse control. People with sleep deprivation will have lower impulse control than those of whom get regular good nights of sleep. 
• Self-absorption and Delusional Perceptions
  • We commonly reach for devices to access social media. Social media not only feeds, but encourages a hunger for admiration. It encourages beauty or status over anything else. This is creating a generation of self-absorption along with not good enough because of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out).

How to Address Device Addiction

Tech addiction can be hurtful to lives. To quit can even give withdrawal symptoms similar to withdrawing from a substance. Most adolescent and young adult programs these days understand tech addiction and know how to successfully treat. 

We offer a complimentary discovery call. If you would like to explore options for helping your loved one with device addiction, please contact us here.

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