The most common physical effect of using screens is eye strain. About 50% to 90% of people who work on computers every day experience digital eye strain and computer vision syndrome. Symptoms include dry eyes, blurry or double vision, headaches, and neck and shoulder pain. While many of these symptoms improve when you stop using screens, prolonged eye strain can lead to permanent vision problems.
Screen Addiction
In our screen-mediated age, the internet is a staple, streamlining our lives and connecting us effortlessly. Devices such as smartphones have revolutionised how we communicate, access information, and conduct business. Yet, this convenience comes with a caveat: a potential for addiction. When online engagement turns into compulsive behaviour, disrupting work, personal relationships, and daily routines, it is time to reassess your technology use.
We understand that it is a fundamental human inclination to look outside for satisfaction and gratification, with distraction and overwhelm rapidly becoming the norm. However, if we aspire to lead happier and more creative lives, we must embrace our experiences as they unfold, initiate change from that point, and learn how to use technology less and more effectively.
What is screen addiction?
While not yet officially classified as a mental disorder, “screen addiction,” also known as Problematic Internet Use (PIU)[i] or Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD), entails excessive technology usage leading to dependency. Mainly associated with smartphones, tablets, computers, and televisions, it manifests as a compulsive urge to engage with electronic devices, disregarding negative impacts on daily responsibilities like work, school, or social interactions. This addiction spans various technological platforms, including cell phones, social media, video games, online shopping, and internet browsing.
What causes screen addiction?
Modern technological devices bombard us with constant notifications and entertainment – a new message! A new post! A new dating match! –, tempting us into a cycle of perpetual engagement. These stimuli trigger a rewarding response in the brain, driving further usage. However, not everyone is equally susceptible to this effect; many daily users, like those for work or school, remain unaffected by addictive tendencies. In fact, scientists attribute the development of internet addiction to the rewarding nature of online activities[ii].
It is well-established that addictions activate the so-called pleasure pathway in the brain, releasing dopamine and other neurochemicals. Over time, continued engagement in addictive behaviour, in this case: checking your electronic device time and again, can lead to the buildup of tolerance in these pleasure centres, necessitating increased engagement to achieve the same level of pleasure. Furthermore, dependence on these activities for brain stimulation can result in withdrawal symptoms when offline or not having your electronic device on you.
When does screen addiction turn into a problem?
With laptops, tablets, and cell phones commonplace in today’s landscape, the question of how much screen time is too much naturally arises. It is important to understand that everyone experiences online engagement differently[iii]. While some can effortlessly disconnect from technology’s daily grip, others struggle to disengage. The tipping point is reached when internet use begins to overshadow crucial aspects of life—be it school, work, or relationships. If virtual realms and online followers have become more important to you than real-world responsibilities and relationships, and if their absence causes anxiety, it is a clear indicator that some form of digital abstinence is required to regain control over your life.
Signs & symptoms of screen addiction
Physical effects
Co-occurring Disorders
Depression
Depression is the most common mental health condition associated with screen addiction. According to a study, moderate to severe depression levels are linked to increased screen time, with four or more hours of daily screen time indicating the tipping point for a heightened risk of depression.[i]
Insomnia
Screen usage before bedtime can disrupt sleep quality in several ways. Blue light emitted from devices can hinder the production of melatonin, a hormone responsible for inducing sleepiness. Additionally, engaging in stimulating activities such as playing games or watching exciting videos online can increase alertness, further complicating your ability to fall asleep.
Stress
Though some perceive screen time as a respite from daily pressures, research indicates that it paradoxically exacerbates stress. Fear of missing out (FOMO), diminished self-esteem, and loneliness are key stressors associated with screen addiction. Additionally, it is suggested that individuals indulging in entertainment and social networking on screens experience 19% more emotional stress than those focused on professional screen use.[ii]
Alcohol abuse & anxiety
Research shows that individuals grappling with screen addiction are more prone to problematic drinking behaviour and anxiety. [iii] These conditions often exacerbate each other. Depression or anxiety can lead to social withdrawal, relying on the internet as the sole social outlet, while alcohol can facilitate socializing. Thus, both alcohol and internet use offer temporary relief from feelings of isolation and anxiety.
NEOVIVA’s approach to screen addiction treatment
Similar to treating substance addictions, addressing screen addiction involves a comprehensive treatment plan encompassing behavioral therapy, support groups, and mindfulness training. However, unlike substance abuse, there is no detoxification process or specific medications for screen addiction. Instead, treatment focuses on modifying thoughts and behaviours that fuel the compulsive urge to go online.
At NEOVIVA, we define three stages in the process of screen addiction recovery:
1. Assessment
Conducting a comprehensive addiction assessment is crucial as screen addiction often coexists with underlying disorders. It is essential to identify and address these concurrently with the addiction to optimise recovery outcomes.
2. Treatment
Your treatment programme at NEOVIVA includes daily group therapy, individual counselling, and a special emphasis on mindfulness-based strategies. Encouraging you to change your thoughts and behaviours related to screen use and addiction, CBT can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms, and identify triggers. Meanwhile, mindfulness practices cultivate present awareness, diminishing the urge for screen time. Supported by a medical and physical assessment, your treatment will include body-focused methods for nervous system regulation augmented by state-of-the-art methods, such as rTMS, designed to alleviate the urge to access the internet and enhance mood.
3. Continuing Care
As we strongly believe in the significance of ongoing support, we encourage further progress upon returning home by providing a comprehensive Continuing Care programme after you complete your treatment at NEOVIVA.
Reach out
At NEOVIVA, we understand the challenges associated with excessive screen use and the impact it can have on your well-being. Our comprehensive approach is designed to assist you in reducing screen time and establishing healthier habits that can be sustained over the long term. Furthermore, we recognise that coping with screen addiction may lead to the development of substance abuse issues. If you find yourself grappling with such a dual diagnosis, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us to discover how our professional treatment can assist you in reclaiming a healthy lifestyle.