TECHNOLOGY: THE NEW ADDICTION?? by MARTINA FALCINELLI

Technology: The New Addiction?

This modern world keeps offering new gadgets to make our lives easier. Cell phones make it easier to keep in touch with your friends and family. Personal digital assistants, or PDAs, let you access your email no matter where you are. There are several products that combine all kinds of uses into one hand-held tool. But as helpful as these things can be, can they also come to control us?

Some people may be becoming addicted to the technology they use (BBC, 2008). What starts out as a convenient way to stay in touch can turn into a compulsive need to use those devices and check messages at all hours of the day. Whether it’s on the phone or on the computer, technology addiction can be as destructive as alcoholism (LeClaire, 2006). Since daily life surrounds us with technology, it’s important to make wise choices about using it.

How does technology become an addiction?
Technology use can become overuse and addiction when it starts to take away from the time you’d normally spend on socializing with friends or family, relaxing, or doing a hobby. This isn’t saying it’s bad to check your email, but it may be an issue if you have to check it every few minutes. Some people even get up in the middle of the night just to check their messages (BBC, 2008).

Of course, it’s not that extreme for everyone. True addiction can be more difficult to notice than that. Other, more common, signs of possible addiction include:

• Loss of interest in hobbies and social interactions
• Inability to turn off the phone or PDA
• Keeping devices near or at easy access all the time
• Physical issues like carpal tunnel syndrome

These symptoms can range in seriousness. Sometimes problems with overuse may not be noticeable until they’re already out of hand. If you’re not sure whether your technology use is unhealthy, ask people around you if they’ve noticed any bad habits you may have missed.

Getting a rush from using technology can also be a sign of addiction. Feeling anxious about not checking messages also may be a concern. There are plenty of good reasons to use your digital devices. But when it stops being about keeping in touch and is more about the feeling you get, you may want to consider changing your patterns of use.

Tips for healthy living with technology
There are plenty of easy steps you can take to prevent technology use from becoming addiction. Here are a few tips to help stay in control over the devices.

Unplug for 30 minutes. “You never exactly leave the office unless you turn whatever you’ve got off,” says Wichita mayor Carlos Mayans (Wilson, 2005). When the business day is over, consider taking some time out. It’s okay to turn off the phone and the PDA for a while. Instead, why not read a book or have a quality family dinner?

Focus on the people around you. Whether it’s in a meeting or at home, the people you’re with deserve your attention. Try to listen to them and treat them with respect by putting off checking your messages until later.

Keep a healthy balance. Technology isn’t bad, but it’s important to try to balance it with other parts of your life. Don’t let every part of the day revolve around your computer or digital devices. Consider whether it’s really necessary to take it with you to the gym or the restaurant. Try to make a time and a place for each part of life.

Prioritize. Consider what’s more important, taking a phone call or spending time with your family? Checking your email or talking to your friend? You’re in control, so you can choose to put technology in its place and put relationships first.

Find more meaningful ways to spend your time. Try taking up a new hobby. It’s good to get out and be active to fight against the lure of technology. Why not go for a walk or a bike ride? When you start spending time and energy in other areas, you may end up wanting to check your messages less.

If you feel that someone you know might be overusing their technology, you may want to let them know. Some ideas of ways to approach them include:

Ask them to turn off their phones and PDAs. If you’re having a meeting or a conversation with someone, it’s okay to ask them not to use their devices. But be polite and gentle. Focus on asking, not demanding.

Encourage them. Let them know that you value their thoughts and input. When you notice that they’re paying attention, try telling them you appreciate it.

These are only a few suggestions. As newer technology fills our world, it’s important to be aware of what we’re getting into and how to adapt. Technology isn’t going away, so it’s good for everyone to know how to live with it in a healthy way.