Are we Addicted to Digital Technology?

The words 'digital addiction' is increasingly becoming more common. We're a society obsessed with Netflix, Facebook and online shopping. But have we become a nation with a digital addiction? Or should internet access be classed as a basic human right?

Digital addiction has rapidly become one of China's biggest problems. In China, teenagers can be found participating in more than 17 hours of screen time and game play a day. In 2008 China became one of the first countries in the world to officially recognise internet addiction as a clinical condition. Since then hundreds of camps have opened across the country to assist youth in dealing with their online dependencies and break out of their bad habits.

Is Australia next in line to categorise digital addiction as a national problem? UC Adjunct Associate Professor Joel Porter believes it is a complex question.

"What I see if that there are sacrifices that have had to be made in order to make space for digital technology. It has found a place in society that we never could have imagined. While it has produced some really fascinating and incredibly helpful devices like computers, phone and Wi-Fi, it also has a dark side, in that it is becoming a substitute for relationships in our lives."

I hear people say 'I could not live without my phone' and 'I would be lost without my phone'. 

This is the situation for extreme cases of teenagers in China, with many desperate parents depending on severe military-style training as a last attempt to rescue their children from self-destruction. At these military-style training sessions they spend the day marching in lines, participating in one-on-one counselling and attending relationship lectures. 

Many of the participants are tricked into attending the camp, with the majority attempting to escape during the first month. While the biggest reactions from the teens are resentment and blame, the connecting issue between the teens is loneliness. Many looking for companionship on the internet; substituting real life for online.

"The reality is that changing addictive behaviour is hard…for the person struggling with the addiction and hard work for other people (i.e. the parents) to deal with. Locking people up, putting them in a boot camp or making them feel guilty and ashamed won't change their behaviour. In fact, it might just make things worse" says Professor Porter.

He believes that unless intrinsic motivation to change is high, detox alone is usually not an effective form of treatment.

What is the cost? 

While we don't yet know the full extent of long-term psychological, relational and physical effects digital technology will have on people, we know for sure that most of us will see a decline in our attention spans, health and personal relationships.

For everyone sitting down hours on looking into a screen can contribute to a range of physical problems

Many of the youth with digital addictions in China have little-to-no sleep, minimal food/bathroom breaks and often don't see the sun or step out of their rooms for months. Which raises the question, how much is enough?

While most of us will avoid internet addiction, there is one thing we can be sure of; digital addictions will become more of a problem as technology develops and is increasingly incorporated into our lives.

Like all things its usage should be enjoyed in moderation and people should be on the lookout for warning signs in loved ones. Take the time to switch off for 24 hours, monitor children's access and try to appreciate the real world around you.

While experts remain divided on whether or not there is a need for digital detoxes, the benefits speak for themselves. Not only do you become more productive, but it can increase your attention span and allows you to relax; resulting in an increase in inner peace and happiness.

Digital Detox Tips

• Choose a suitable amount of time, nothing less than 24 hours to really make an impact.
• Plan your activities ahead; connect with family/friends, explore or find a hobby.
• Stay motivated! Keep in mind the reason why you are doing the detox in the first place.
• Fight the urge to check your emails or social media.
• Enjoy! Many people experience changes in their behaviour. Notice the things around you and really connect with people on a more personal level.

Words by Stephanie Cossetto