Digital and Online Addiction

We can all enjoy scrolling online for various reasons but when are we at risk of online/digital addiction and does this even exist? This is something that professionals are starting to talk about, although it is not yet acknowledged by the World Health Organisation (WHO). However, the WHO do acknowledge gaming as addictive and 12 step programs are acknowledging internet addiction, so we are seeing some recognitions. I have not researched this thoroughly, but this topic is certainly catching my attention.  Having worked in this area for over 20 years, it is interesting to be able to observe how addiction trends can change over time.

You can often see some common behavioural traits, amongst people who struggle with addictions.  People tend to isolate themselves to indulge in their distraction of choice.  Often people want to escape how they feel, or distract from thoughts/circumstances.  Seeking forms of escape from distress or reality can lead to compulsive distraction/avoidance behaviours.  If a source of distraction suddenly stops, it can trigger real discomfort and agitation.  The addiction can become priority focus, sometimes over family members.  Friends can feel rejected; work can be neglected and bills and other responsibilities ignored. This can trigger a cycle of guilt and shame which further increases discomfort and the desire to distract from reality.

I would argue that digital addiction could be as problematic as alcohol or drug addiction.  It may be more insidious and less obvious but concerningly it is easily accessible and often essential for daily functioning.  Daily needs such as banking, communications and work are often carried out online.  Digital addiction could spread far and wide on a societal level. 

On dating sites, serial daters could be experiencing digital addiction, with the belief that one more swipe could lead to that perfect person.  Finding that special person may lead to a constant checking of your phone. Leaving your phone by your side whilst socialising with family/friends, or using your phone at these gatherings can send a negative message to those around you. Children’s interactions with parents are at risk of being affected with digital gadgets and online activities distracting from bonding opportunities. Can loneliness trigger excessive online focus, and lead to increased feelings of loneliness?

I feel a sense of fortune to experience life as a child in the 70’s and the Manchester music culture in the 1990’s, before digital obsessions came in handheld devices.  Many became hooked on the internet and early social platforms, with this progressing from computers and laptops to handheld phones. It is interesting to be able to reflect on the past before the internet was part of your phone, to now where we often rely on the internet on our phones. Possibly pro’s and cons for both eras. 

We are facing many social issues, such as isolation and loneliness.  People are struggling to find good quality interactions and friendships. Many interactions can look glam on insta, yet offline have less substance.  Crimes and scamming are rife, with people cashing in on these vulnerabilities and posing as the ideal mate.  The search for likes can replace the experience of validation in important primary relationships offline. 

These problems are already being addressed as many social groups are forming and meeting offline.  Many find the offline social interactions are quenching that need for good quality interactions offline. We are also seeing online policing improving and more support for children, who can struggle when managing online issues. Social anxieties are increasing for some and children can also struggle to interact socially offline. Schools may be feeling the ripple effect from some of these challenges, with some schools banning phones during school hours.

We need to clearly identify and define the problems, to be able to focus on solutions. 

·      Do you prioritise your phone and the gateway to online content over your everyday life?

·      Are your interactions mainly online rather than offline?

·      Do you focus on the online world more than the offline world?

·      Which world do you invest most time and focus?

Many are finding that walks in nature a great way to be more mindful, helping people to connect with reality and the offline world again.  For a sense of wellbeing it is important to ensure that we do not risk losing our sense of self, purpose and meaning.  Grounding yourself with your daily life, your own wellbeing and the wellbeing of people around you is important for a sense of balance and good mental health. If we prioritise likes from strangers and mindless distractions over daily functioning, it may negatively impact on lifestyle balance.

Focusing on daily functioning will improve your mental health and bring more mindfulness into your life.  This can help to improve a sense of being grounded and balanced. Focusing on improving areas of your life that may benefit from more focus, will always feel better in the long run, rather than distracting and leaving problems to snowball.