Managing Technology Addiction

Technology addiction is not being addressed like it was 10-15 years ago. How many hours a day we use a computer, mobile phone, or internet is no longer considered the only measure of addiction. We are in the digital age. The research required for homework is done via the Internet. Projects and drafts needed for the job are handled with the help of a computer. Meetings are held online. Shopping orders are placed online. We communicate with friends on social media. There are forum sites that contain detailed information on any subject. We follow the agenda through Internet channels. Some smartphones tell us how many steps we take, where we go, how the weather is, and even our heartbeat. Technology has penetrated almost every area of daily life. In this case, computer, mobile phone, or social media use is no longer done on a clock basis in daily life. There are more specific points for detecting addiction.

If the use of technology is at a level that disrupts duties and responsibilities, a yellow alert is given. This situation accompanies the decrease in productivity at school and at work. Disruption of nutrition, rest, and sleep patterns is considered an advanced level. In this case, physiological and psychological symptoms begin to appear. Some symptoms include twitching in the eyes and muscles, tremors in the hands and feet, fatigue, anger and anxiety, rapid weight gain, and inactivity. In this scenario, the individual's use of technology should first be regulated. Various hobbies can be suggested according to the individual's interests and abilities. Sports, art, nature activities, spending time with friends or a new hobby to explore. Technology use can be supported by these new activities. In this way, accurate and high-quality technology content can be used in a way that does not affect the individual's quality of life. An increase in school and work success may be possible with these regulations. Strong motivation and self-esteem are key to managing technology use. It's up to you to be a citizen, not a slave of the digital age.