Addicted to Technology
School, work, friends and family are all significant sources of stress for teens and young adults. “Techno-stress” describes another type of stress facing young people today – one brought on by the onslaught of technology young people use on a daily basis.
A recent study shows that young people are spending a significant amount of time each day using technology and media such as e-mail, instant messaging, cell phones, video games, computers, TV and music:
- 16- to 18-year-olds: Roughly 20 hours
- 13- to 15-year-olds: Roughly 16 hours
- 9- to 12-year-olds: Roughly 9 hours
- 4- to 8-year-olds: Roughly 5.5 hours
“Techno-stress” is also affecting older teens and young adults. Research from the University of Maryland shows that American college students are “addicted” to cell phones, social media and the Internet, demonstrating symptoms like withdrawal, craving and anxiety similar to drug and alcohol addiction.
“From a young age, people are spending an excessive amount of time with technology, and a growing number are becoming dependent on it,” says Lucy Taylor, LPC, the clinical director at Passages To Recovery, a wilderness rehab program for young men. “As a result, they are overloaded, over-stimulated and under more stress than ever.”
The Risks of Social Networking
Between video games, surfing the Web, shopping, gambling, viewing pornography and visiting social networking sites, young people spend more time immersed in technology than in active, real-life pursuits.
Particularly with social networking sites, says Taylor, users experience a great deal of anxiety if they aren’t able to constantly check and update their Facebook and MySpace pages. But when used excessively, these sites may feed a culture of promiscuity and instant gratification.
In fact, in many cases, not having racy photos and explicit content on a social networking page is the exception to the rule. And according to research from the Kaiser Family Foundation, teens who include sexual content on their Facebook pages are likely having or planning to have sex.
There are also potential legal implications surrounding the use of social networking sites. In a recent case, a teenage girl visited a man in his 30s whom she met online and accused him of rape. Investigators used comments and photos she posted online as evidence against her. Postings may potentially be viewed by prospective employers as well – and once information is posted online, it can stay there forever.
“Social networking sites change the way young people relate to others,” says Taylor. “Because they are exposed to so much at a young age, many become jaded and have to re-learn basic social skills to function well in the real world.”
Treating Compulsive Online Behaviors
Because emotional or interpersonal issues are often at the core of video game addiction and other compulsive online behaviors, treatment requires a blend of assessments, therapy, relapse prevention planning, and the development of new coping and interpersonal skills. Treatment can take place at any of the following stages in the addiction process, though early intervention leads to the best outcomes:
- Discovery
- Experimentation
- Escalation
- Compulsion
- Hopelessness
Passages To Recovery uses an assessment tool that addresses a variety of compulsive behaviors, including cybersex, pornography, online affairs, gambling, gaming and shopping. The assessment, combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy and other therapeutic approaches, helps young people realize they have a problem and commit to the treatment process.
“Wilderness therapy is about stepping into the person you want to be,” says Taylor. “Our program is designed to build each individual’s self-esteem, help them experience success in their relationships, and introduce them to activities that fulfill their needs rather than closing out the world through technology.”
With Internet addictions, it is important that the family be involved in family therapy because they need to look at what needs are not being met through the family system, adds Taylor. Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT) is one model suggested in working with families. This type of therapy includes joining, evaluating and restructuring, and can quickly help modify the way the family looks at the individual and their Internet addiction.
Parenting in the Internet Age
The reality is that technology isn’t going anywhere so parents have to take steps to protect their children and ensure that they lead balanced lives.
Get Educated. You’re probably aware of many of the dangers online such as predators and scam artists, but there are many risks you may not be aware of, such as cyberbullying and sexting. Find out as much as you can about Internet safety by researching online and speaking with other parents. Then share the information and advice with your child.
Find Other Interests. Many young people give up their favorite hobbies and activities to spend more hours online. Helping them reconnect with real-life passions will make video games and other online pastimes less attractive.
Practice Social Interactions. One of the best ways to combat compulsive online behaviors is to create healthy social experiences. In small groups, young people at Passages To Recovery’s wilderness rehab program practice setting boundaries, expressing themselves, listening, and building and keeping friendships.
Set Limits. From a young age, set limits on the amount of time your child spends on the computer and monitor what they do online by putting the computer in a visible place like the living room or dining room. Rules such as “You must do all of your homework and chores before you can get online” ensure that young people don’t spend countless hours in front of the computer.
Parents should set time limits of approximately 20 minutes for their pre-teens and adolescents, according to Taylor. At that time, young people need to take a break from focusing on the screen and move around. Staring at a screen for longer periods of time can actually mimic a state of consciousness that resembles dreams.
“Spending too much time online can take a heavy emotional toll on young people,” notes Taylor. “When in doubt, don’t hesitate to say ‘Turn it off.’”