Engaged in technology
Who does not have a friend who is unable to be relaxed if he has left his mobile at home and is forced to do without him for a few hours? Surely you know someone whose only source of entertainment and leisure are video games, or people able to spend hours surfing the net day and night as well. Or maybe we are the ones affected when we can not do without consulting our whatsapp on our smartphone.
Will we be hooked on technology?
One of the biggest fears you have (especially, parents) when talking about the information highways is that it reduces the time spent to socialize. Young people experience theneed to establish relationships, objective that can also be met through the network and at all times. The problem can come if one is related solely by the computer or the telephone.
Like the other additions, being hooked on technology also causes dependence. It is paradoxical that these technologies, designed to give greater ease, independence and freedom in communication, if misused (and abuse) of them end up enslaving:we become dependent on the apparatus.
It should also be noted that we are facingan addiction of a psychological nature, not chemistry, which is what substances such as drugs, tobacco, alcohol, etc. can generate. At least this brings something positive, and that is that the individual does not suffer the terrible physical consequences that cause chemical addictions. In the case of addicts to technologies, a specific activity becomes the most important in the life of the individual, seizing their feelings, behavior and thoughts. And, like any addict, you also get to experience withdrawal symptoms.
How to detect addiction to technology
The extreme cases need specialized attention, because we are talking about an addiction to technology that has ended up dominating the person. But it is not necessary to reach this point for us to do something. Let's simply stop to reflect on the use we are making of the technology that we have available and start taking measures to put some limits. Think of the following questions:
- Have you come to lie to disguise the excessive amount of hours you dedicate to the use of technologies?
- Do you spend free time on technologies, leaving aside other leisure options?
- Do you need to spend more time every time you connect to the Internet or play with a video game?
- Are you in a bad mood or have anxiety? in case of not being able to use the mobile, computer, etc.?
- Do you neglect or break the bonds of friendships personal?
- You spend a lot more time in a virtual conversation (even during sleep hours), what you are able to dedicate to a personal relationship, work and your obligations?
- Do you make the Internet the refuge to meet people or to maintain a relationship of courtship?
- Do you use the Internet to get out of troubles or why are you in low spirits?
If the answer is affirmative in most questions, start thinking that it is good that you mark a pattern of behavior so that the technology does not end by "dominarte".
Measures to avoid addiction to technology
The following preventive measures can help us to make more responsible use of technologies, especially computer technologies. These are:
- Set schedules that limit their use.
- Do not use more than two hours a day in the use of the computer. And if possible, we will use it when we no longer have any other task to do, so that we do not take time away from our duties and responsibilities.
- Do not give up any hobbies for the use of technologies, although with them you are learning.
- To avoid creating a habit,alternates the days of usor.
- Turn off the phone when you go to sleep, unless you wait for an important call and know for sure that it will happen.
- If you spend too much talking on your mobile, think about switching to a prepaid card to control the money better.
- Try to measure yourself in the use of musical devices (IPods, MP4, etc.). Not only to avoid isolation and resort to other activities such as reading, but also for your health: it is proven that its continued use and high volume end up damaging the ears.
Consequences of technology addiction
- Low performance in studies or work.
- Social skills are not developed.
- Sedentary, with risk of obesity.
- Other activities of a physical or intellectual nature are not practiced.
- Dependence on technology.
- Social or family isolation.
- Difficulty falling asleep: the addict is unable to disconnect.
Marisol Nuevo Espín
