Are We Hooked to Our Screens?

Increasingly, due to the nature of work and a post-pandemic world, more time is spent on electronic devices. Technology has allowed us to work remotely, balance our lives, and get easier access to healthcare if we have mobility issues. Many of us catch up on our reading with podcasts during walks or long commutes to work, which has changed the nature of how we interact with each other. On the other hand, time saved is often spent browsing social media, or in common parlance “doom scrolling,” leaving us feeling more anxious, isolated, and held to an impossible standard as seen on someone’s video or post. There is a lot of talk about people owning their excessive screen use, and making statements about being “addicted” to Twitter, YouTube, etc. Is there such a thing as a screen addiction? How do we define addiction anyway? Nonsubstance addiction research is ever-growing, and any process that is used to cope or mediate emotions repetitively with adverse consequences can be called a “behavioral addiction.” This can encompass gaming, gambling, internet use, pornography use, and compulsive buying shopping disorder.

We will take a closer look at behavioral addictions, the definition, and the epidemiology of gambling and gaming disorders. We will also discuss how gaming addiction, particularly in young adults and in older individuals can impact a lifetime. We will discuss current treatment options, boundary setting, and explore things that impact response to treatment such as building “Recovery capital.” We will also examine the connection between spirituality and social connection and its impact on behavioral addiction recovery. Participants will be given a take-home handout to renegotiate their behavior with devices as well as reflection points. We will conclude with the work of organizations such as #IcanHelp who are actively creating a safer virtual world, and things to think about at home.