Screen Addiction

Screen addiction is when screen use becomes so compulsive that it impairs a person's daily functioning in terms of productivity, social relationships, physical health, or emotional wellbeing. Screen time is the amount of time spent using devices with a screen, such as a smartphone, computer, television, or video game console. Studies show that excessive screen time directly affects a child's development and mental and physical health.

Is it really an addiction?

Three main behaviours help identify addiction: craving, tolerance, and withdrawal.

• Craving: You notice yourself gradually more eager to spend time on screens — often wishing to drop other tasks and spend most of the day in front of a screen.
• Tolerance: The time you spend to feel satisfied gradually increases. For example, you were once content with 20 minutes on social media, but now need more and more time for the same satisfaction.
• Withdrawal: As soon as you try to cut down screen time, negative feelings such as irritability, anger, and restlessness rise, so you repeatedly fail to reduce it.

Signs

1. Screen time interferes with your daily activities.
2. You spend more time with virtual friends than with real ones.
3. The screen has become your only main source of pleasure.
4. Screen time is a major cause of family problems.
5. You keep yourself online for longer and longer.
6. The quality of your work is suffering.
7. You feel anxious when you leave your phone at home.
8. You do very little physical activity or exercise.
9. Family and friends complain about the time you spend online.
10. You try but fail to reduce your screen time.

Remedies

1. Set a fixed time for screen use.
2. Do not use screens outside that time.
3. Create screen-free zones at home.
4. Set up a reward system for reaching specific goals.
5. Reduce technology use and increase outdoor activities (sports, walking).
6. Cut down on social media use.
7. Build a habit of reading books.
8. Give more time to real family and friends than to virtual ones.

If you still cannot break out of this cycle, consult a specialist promptly. We will certainly use screens, but we must ensure they do not take control of our lives. Only then will we gain the right and reasonable benefits of technology in real life.