6 Ways to Prevent Digital Obsession

6 ways to prevent digital obsession

Ever walk into a room where everyone was intently focused on their handheld devices? Have you ever had a romantic dinner ruined by a date who made it more of a priority to answer text messages rather than engage in a live conversation? Or, have you ever seen people attempting to drive while staring at their smartphone? Of course, you have…

Even though technology has improved our lives in profound ways, it has also presented a number of unique challenges. It’s clear that we’re becoming increasingly dependent on technology. But is dependency turning into obsession? And does digital obsession come with a price?

Leading cognitive neuroscientists have identified new brain disorders linked to society’s overdependence on technology. These disorders range from separation anxiety over misplacing a device to hearing a phantom ring when no one is calling. Many of the disorders are accompanied by psychiatric issues, including ADD, anxiety, OCD and various types of psychoses. Also, the compulsive need to stay connected to the internet at all times has become a type of addiction to many people. To prevent the negative effects associated with technology-induced disorders, try these six simple steps:

Take a Tech Timeout

It’s not unusual for parents to limit their kids’ TV or tablet time, so why shouldn’t that same rule apply to adults? Establish a time when all devices will be turned off for the remainder of the evening. Not only will this provide a break from calling, texting, browsing the internet and posting content on social media, it will also afford you the opportunity to spend more quality time with friends and family as well as give you a reason to pick up that book you’ve been meaning to finish.

Note: When setting aside time for a tech timeout, be mindful of your particular situation and if you should be available to receive emergency calls.

Schedule Weekly Internet Fasts

A great way to curb the adverse effects of digital obsession is to reserve one day of the week (for maximum effect, choose a day you have off from work) for an internet fast. Rather than sitting around staring at a screen all day, spend some time working on a hobby, engaging in physical activity or enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors. You might be surprised at how many things you can do, and how much fun you can have while taking a break from the internet.

Create a Technology Free Bedroom

One of the best ways to avoid the dangers of digital dependence is to remove TVs, computers and other electronic devices from your bedroom. Creating a relaxing environment, free from the distractions of the outside world, may facilitate better sleep, increase intimacy with your partner, and reduce the amount of electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) your body absorbs. EMF radiation damages healthy cells and is known to increase the risk of cancer.

One Screen at a Time

It’s common for people to use more than one form of technology at the same time. For example, a person may browse the internet or make online purchases on a desktop computer, laptop or iPad while talking, texting or tweeting on a smartphone all while watching TV. To prevent your attention from being divided by multiple devices, follow the “one screen at a time” rule. This should aid your ability to focus while also giving your overstimulated brain some much-needed downtime.

Use Your Brain, Not Your Computer

Our reliance on our brains to remember facts and to problem solve has significantly diminished in recent decades. With the advent of Google and Siri, it has become convenient to search the internet for help even before accessing our brains for the answers. Don’t allow the internet to become a cognitive crutch.

Never Talk and Text

Technology can link people from different parts of the world in seconds. While this has opened new avenues of human connection, it frequently places a strain on our relationships with each other when used inappropriately. “Technoference” is now a word that means the interference of technology in couple relationships. One study demonstrated that Technoference lead to lower relationship and life satisfaction. Don’t sacrifice your relationship with people physically close to you. Keep phone and text conversations to a minimum when you are with other people.

Use these six tips to reduce your chances of developing a technology based brain disorder and to live in harmony with technology rather than being controlled by it.

At Amen Clinics we have spent decades helping people treat their brain and can help you, too. Call us today at (888) 288-9834 or visit our website to schedule a visit.

11 Comments »

  1. Thank You for such a wonderful article ! I agree that screens are the biggest addiction of this age. I will forward this article to help people to be in charge of their devices not the other way around

    Comment by Jill Davis — December 27, 2017 @ 4:45 AM

  2. I think another serious thing to consider is that though one can deal with multiple tasks at the same time the brain can only handle one at a time, and is speeding up so it can jump back and forth between those various tasks.

    I believe a lot of ADD like issues are stemmed from chronic stress bouncing between too many things for too long and the brain can’t keep up. It becomes in a state of stress that gets overwhelmed and can’t even focus.

    I say this as someone who really struggled hardcore with ADD in the past. Now that I’ve learned to de-stress and slow down ADD is long gone. Eating clean and real food is essential I believe also 🙂

    Comment by Greg McGrew — December 27, 2017 @ 5:48 AM

  3. This was a timely article! Good reminders to steer clear of trouble. To progress we can not allow anything to take control of our mind, our hearts, or our bodies except God who is trustworthy as our maker and certainly knows what is good. Modesty in all things is the Bible’s admonition. Thank you!

    Comment by Patricia Burkey — December 27, 2017 @ 10:11 AM

  4. Thanks for your comment, Greg. Can you please be more specific on how you managed to reduce your ADD symptoms and learned to de-stress?

    Comment by Rima — December 28, 2017 @ 8:49 AM

  5. That’s great that you overcame your ADD and are eating real, clean food now. I have been a strict veg for 52 years and it has helped me very much. I still have to avoid dairy, read ingredients and be careful.

    Comment by Adrienne — December 29, 2017 @ 8:37 AM

  6. I agree with all of this %! I’ve limited my 13 year old’s screen time as well as mine. Technology is very addicting and we HAVE to have our phones in our hands or we freak out on what we think were missing, a FB status update, IG post, etc. I feel we are forgetting how to have interpersonal relationships and actually TALK to communicate instead of sending a text. I also feel it’s disrespectful for people to be on their phones while trying to have a conversation with them especially on dates or having family time. Technology can definitely be our friend and has proved to be time and again but too much can be our downfall. Less is better in my opinion.

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