Technology Addiction
On average, how long do teenagers spend on screens per day?
8-9 hours, excluding homework.
What is classified as an addictive substance?
Illicit drugs, prescription medication, and alcohol.
Define psychosis
Psychosis is a mental state where a person has trouble distinguishing between what is real and what is not.
What is problematic use disorder?
A problematic pattern of substance use that affects your health and well-being.
What is addiction?
Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, environment, and an individual’s life experiences.
When does technology become worrisome?
Skipping school, irritability without technology, issues with sleep, losing interest in offline activities.
What variation in brain structure might make someone more susceptible to addiction?
Differences in dopamine.
What are the core symptoms of psychosis?
Hallucinations: experiencing or perceiving things that aren't real.
Delusions: Strongly held false beliefs, even when there is evidence.
Attributes of Problematic Use
- Still has some control
- May cause stress
- Improves with boundaries
- No withdrawal
Attributes of Addiction
Loss of control
Causes major life problems
Needs professional help
May involve withdrawal symptoms
What characterizes Internet Gaming Disorder?
Preoccupation with gaming, withdrawals when not gaming.
What impact does substance use have on brain development during adolescence?
Substance use can interfere with brain maturation, making you more susceptible to addiction in the future.
What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a long-term and severe mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and experiences reality.
Problematic use happens when tech use... (What does problematic use cause?)
- Causes stress, anxiety, or emotional discomfort
- Hurts school, sleep, relationships, or health
- Continues even when you want to stop
How might someone’s environment affect their substance use or recovery?
Family & Peer influence
Socioeconomic Factors
Trauma & Abuse
Accessibility
What are healthy habits to break away from tech addiction?
Who is at higher risk for developing addiction?
Those with mental health disorders such as: Depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and schizophrenia.
What are the core symptoms of schizophrenia?
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Disorganized Speech or thinking
- Disorganized or Catatonic Behavior
- Negative Symptoms
What is the difference between symptoms and impairment?
Symptoms: scrolling endlessly, doom scrolling, staying up too late
Impairment: missed homework, failing classes, lack of sleep
What are the levels of substance abuse?
- Experimentation (Social or Recreational Use)
- Regular Use
- Risky Use
- Dependence
- Addiction
What role might culture and identity play in tech addiction?
Some cultures or families encourage constant technology connection for social, educational, or safety reasons.
Marginalized teens may rely more on online communities for connection and safety.
Coping with stress, discrimination, or trauma might lead to more online time.
What are some biological causes of addiction?
Genetics
Gender & Ethnicity
Brain Chemistry
What are some causes of psychosis?
- Genetics (Family History)
- Brain chemistry and structure
- Stressful life events and trauma
- Substance use
What are some signs of problematic use?
- Skipping school or activities
- Hiding device use
- Sleep issues or fatigue
- Mood swings or anger when offline
- Losing interest in real-life hobbies
- Continued use despite consequences
What are some coping strategies and healthy alternatives to addictive substances?
- Exercise and physical activity
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Creative outlets
- Social supports
- Seeking professional help