The behaviors of the technology addict
New technologies are already present in many homes. The new generations have at their disposal computers, smartphones, tablets and other devices that allow them a permanent internet connection for multiple purposes. Not only to access information, but also to communicate with colleagues, watch funny videos or play video games online.
All this range means that in some cases young people end up depending of these technologies and do not know how to live without them. Some behaviors that are sometimes not detected by the parents since the consumption of these devices is done in the private sphere most of the times. Therefore, from the University of Michigan Several attitudes that can alert parents of these addictions by their children have been compiled.
The behaviors of the technology addict
Those responsible for this study point out that experts in most cases define the presence of the dependence on the technologies depending on the use time. However, the attitudes of the users of these devices can tell their parents more than the browsing hours. For this purpose, data from two studies were used, where several fathers and mothers were interviewed about their children's use of these devices.
After analyzing the data of 923 families, the researchers could appreciate certain behaviors that can alert of the presence of addiction to new technologies:
- They lack control. It is very difficult for the child or adolescent to stop using the devices
- They lose interest in everything else. The children only seem to be motivated by the use of new technologies and the use of internet
- New technologies occupy your thoughts. The little ones only talk about the new technologies and the use they make of them.
- Their attitudes influence their inter-family relationships. Time with the family is reduced both in time and quality.
- Conflicts and fights appear. Children become irascible and anything that can influence their consumption of new technologies leads to bad answers.
- The son lies to use the devices. Jobs that do not exist, false consultations, any excuse is bad to use new technologies
- New technologies is the only thing that seems to make you happy when he had a bad day
How to reduce dependence on technology
To avoid dependence on new technologies, some organizations such as the Federation of Associations of Parents and Mothers of Students of Aragon suggest to parents a series of tips to avoid these attitudes:
- Encourage open and communicative communication with the children to be always ready to solve their doubts and accompany them in their learning to new technologies.
- Agree on rules of internet use appropriate to your age and place the computer in a visible area, from the start.
- Do not turn internet into something secret and that provokes his curiosity about this prohibition.
- Talk about the dangers that may involve new technologies and websites that should be avoided.
- Bet on a more active lifestyle and with less presence of the screens.
Damián Montero
