Addiction

Teenagers and those from higher-income households may be more likely to become addicted to technology, according to an online survey given in 17 countries. About 44% of the 15 to 19 year olds who participated and 39% of people living in high income households said they struggle to take breaks from technology, but other age groups and income levels were not far behind. While only a professional can diagnosis an internet addiction, this online screening tool can help you find out if you have an unhealthy relationship with the internet.

Teenagers and those from higher-income households may be more likely to become addicted to technology, according to an online survey given in 17 countries. About 44% of the 15 to 19 year olds who participated and 39% of people living in high income households said they struggle to take breaks from technology, but other age groups and income levels were not far behind. While only a professional can diagnosis an internet addiction, this online screening tool can help you find out if you have an unhealthy relationship with the internet.

A study by researchers at Swansea University and Milan University find that symptoms of Internet withdrawal -- increased anxiety, blood pressure and heart rate -- are close to what drug addicts experience. Participants in the study, ages 18 to 33, were self-confessed Internet addicts who reported spending an average of five hours a day online.

A study by researchers at Swansea University and Milan University find that symptoms of Internet withdrawal -- increased anxiety, blood pressure and heart rate -- are close to what drug addicts experience. Participants in the study, ages 18 to 33, were self-confessed Internet addicts who reported spending an average of five hours a day online.

Technology has enormous benefits but can be addictive, authors Ann Myers and Jill Berkowicz write in a blog post. In this piece, they share the science behind technology use and offer tips for helping children develop a healthy relationship with technology. They also share the latest research on physical health and screen time including the physical effects of too much screen time for children and adults including dry eyes, retinal damage, neck and shoulder soreness, and slouching. There is also now research that connects too much screen time for children to diabetes in adults.  In addition, the authors look at the addiction of the instant feedback offered by digital devices and what it does to the brain.

Technology has enormous benefits but can be addictive, authors Ann Myers and Jill Berkowicz write in a blog post. In this piece, they share the science behind technology use and offer tips for helping children develop a healthy relationship with technology. They also share the latest research on physical health and screen time including the physical effects of too much screen time for children and adults including dry eyes, retinal damage, neck and shoulder soreness, and slouching. There is also now research that connects too much screen time for children to diabetes in adults.  In addition, the authors look at the addiction of the instant feedback offered by digital devices and what it does to the brain.

Curious about why everyone around you (perhaps including you) is seemingly addicted to technology? A new book entitled Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked may be able to give you some insights, including how tech companies are devoted to keeping the addiction alive, and how we need to address the issue before it literally consumes us. Many are calling this book a must read for parents in the Digital Age.

Curious about why everyone around you (perhaps including you) is seemingly addicted to technology? A new book entitled Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked may be able to give you some insights, including how tech companies are devoted to keeping the addiction alive, and how we need to address the issue before it literally consumes us. Many are calling this book a must read for parents in the Digital Age.

Recent research shows fewer teenagers are using illicit drugs and alcohol, and Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, suspects that this trend directly correlates to the rise of digital devices. Volkow's upcoming research study will consider the possible role interactive media such as smartphones and computers play in the trend. Dr. Volkow describes interactive media as “an alternative reinforcer” to drugs, adding that “teens can get literally high when playing these games.”

Recent research shows fewer teenagers are using illicit drugs and alcohol, and Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, suspects that this trend directly correlates to the rise of digital devices. Volkow's upcoming research study will consider the possible role interactive media such as smartphones and computers play in the trend. Dr. Volkow describes interactive media as “an alternative reinforcer” to drugs, adding that “teens can get literally high when playing these games.”