The Center’s Dr. Gregory Jantz on Technology Addiction in Adults and Kids

Edmonds, Washington, 1st April 2022, ZEXPRWIRE, Technology addiction is a problem that is growing more and more prevalent in our society. The Center’s Dr. Gregory Jantz has written a book, Hooked, which addresses this issue and offers solutions on how to overcome it.

According to statistics, 89.4% of Americans use the internet and out of this, 68% have disconnection anxiety. This problem has become more serious during the lockdown where people have been using the internet for work, school, and socializing. The overuse of technology can lead to anxiety disorders, insomnia, carpal tunnel syndrome, and even depression.

Similarly, technology addiction in kids is also becoming a problem. Most addictions start from thirteen to eighteen years old, so parents should set limits on their kids’ screen time. He also said that parents should be role models for their children and use technology in moderation.

However, parents tend to use technology to pacify their kids, which is not a good solution. Technology should not be used as a babysitter. Dr. Jantz said, “It’s important that we have real human interaction with our kids and that we be present with them.”

It is understandable that parenting can be difficult for some parents, but it is important to set limits on technology use for both parents and kids. “If parents are struggling in disciplining their kids when it comes to technology, they can always reach out for counseling to have more ideas on how to deal with their kids’ tantrums,” said Dr. Jantz.

To deal with technology or internet addiction, you must recognize that you have a problem. When you don’t have your device, do you feel like you are missing a limb? When you get internet problems, do you feel anxious or panicked? Do you always look at your phone to check for notifications even when you know there are none? Do you use your phone while talking to someone or texting even when you are having a conversation? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might be addicted to technology.

Dr. Greogory Jantz clarifies the reasons why technology addiction is bad.  Technology addiction leads to problems in real-life social interactions. This kind of addiction interferes with normal activities and relationships. Dr. Jantz said, “If you prefer online relationships then you have a fault sense of relationship.” This is due to the lack of social interaction in real life. Technology addiction also changes brain chemistry. When we get likes on our photos or posts, it releases dopamine in the brain which makes us feel good. However, this feeling is short-lived and we crave more likes which leads to addiction.

Multitasking is another problem pointed out by Dr. Jantz.  Technology has made us believe that we can do two things at once but this is not true. When we try to do two things at once, our brain cannot focus on either task and we end up doing both or one of the tasks poorly. “We’ve seen many videos online where people get into accidents because they were driving and texting at the same time or people falling off somewhere because they were taking a selfie. It’s not worth it,” said Dr. Jantz. Technology addiction also leads to less productivity. We spend more time on our devices than we do working or being productive.

Technology addiction also leads to anxiety and depression. Dr. Jantz said, “Anxiety is the most common mental illness in America and technology is a major contributor to that.” Technology addiction can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome which is a condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and wrists.

In Dr. Jantz’s book, Hooked, he recommended solutions on how to deal with technology addiction. He recommends doing a technology detox where you limit your use of technology for a period of time. This will help you reset your brain and give you time to focus on other things.

Technology detox can be challenging, so it should be done gradually.  Dr. Jantz recommends starting with 30 minutes to an hour of no technology use per day and increasing it gradually. He also recommends setting specific times for using technology and sticking to them. For example, you can allow yourself to use your phone for 30 minutes after dinner, and after that, turn it off.

You should also unplug from technology at least one day per week. This will help you focus on other things and reduce your dependence on technology. Dr. Jantz also recommends being mindful of your use of technology.  Pay attention to how you are using it and why you are using it. This will help you be more aware of your addiction and help you overcome it.

Technology or internet addiction is not as serious as other kinds of addictions, but it is still important to be aware of it and take steps to overcome it. The result of your technology detox may surprise you.