Many of us have already heard about dopamine: a neurotransmitter associated with motivation, pleasure, and reward. It is well established that dopamine is implicated in addiction processes. When we engage in activities such as playing video games or scrolling through social media on our phones, it is the immediate release of dopamine that keeps us engaged. The release of dopamine creates a sense of pleasure and reinforces the behavior.
Big tech companies exploit this knowledge by designing their products to trigger the release of an unhealthily large amount of dopamine, leading to a cycle of craving and seeking out more. Over time, this can potentially lead to a rewiring of the brain’s reward pathway. Children and teens are particularly vulnerable because their brains are still growing, and over time, it can make it more difficult for them to derive pleasure from activities that do not involve technology. As a child and adolescent mental health therapist,, whenever I hear a child say, “nothing else is fun!” I consider this a warning sign.
Warning Signs of Potential Overuse
Here are some other warning signs of potential overuse:
- Craving: An intense desire to engage in gaming or social media use.
- Loss of Control: Inability to regulate gaming or social media use despite negative consequences.
- Compulsion: A strong urge to prioritize screen use over other activities, leading to neglect of other interests or daily responsibilities.
Positive vs. Negative Tech Use
Today, it is almost impossible to live our lives without technology. Technology has benefited us in immeasurable ways, but there is a difference between positive and negative tech use.
- Positive Tech Use: This involves using technology in a way that improves our lives and helps us achieve our goals. It is intentional and serves a purpose beyond mere consumption.
- Negative Tech Use: This is characterized by passive consumption, where technology use does not contribute to personal growth or well-being but rather leads to overuse and addiction.
Seeking Help
If you are concerned about your child or teen’s excessive technology use, it is important to address it sooner rather than later. Schedule an appointment at Level up together we can help your child use technology in an empowering way.
Written by Fong Lopaschuk
