3 Myths About Technology Addiction

We live in an age where technology is so integrated into our daily lives, that it’s difficult to imagine a world without cellphones or Wi-Fi.

Some have expressed concern over people increasingly spending more on technological devices – is this really a problem? Or even worse, an addiction?

Here are three myths about “technology addiction”:

Technology is a Drug

Those concerned about addictive behaviours claim that using technology for long periods has the same effect on the brain as using drugs. The ‘pleasure centres’ of the brain release hormones whenever we do something we enjoy.

However, studies have shown that using technology releases the same amount of this hormone as when you appreciate any everyday activity. Narcotics, on the other hand, release much higher levels of this hormone.

Technology Leads to Social Isolation

One of the reasons technology was created was to fill the gaps in our lives. In this instance, it allows you to communicate with your friends when you are unable to in person.

Repeated Exposure to Technology Causes Addiction

This assumption does not take into account that what may appear as “technology addiction”, might actually be a symptom of another issue, such as depression or attention-span problems.