Signs of Screen Addictions

“Screen addiction” is the umbrella phrase for obsessive behaviors related to any number of technological devices with screens: smartphones, computers, video games, etc.  Although screen addictions have not yet been incorporated into the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, there has been much scholarly discussion related to adding them, especially in light of their prevalence and significance in other parts of the world, which is discussed in more depth later in this article.   As with other behavioral addictions like gambling addiction, sex addiction, and eating disorders, screen addictions often propel those who suffer from them into compulsive behaviors that produce temporary “highs” with negative short- and long-term physical, emotional, financial, and social consequences.   The prevalence, signs, and treatments of these addictions are described below.

How common are screen addictions?

Screen addictions are, clearly, most problematic in countries in which the citizens are able to afford both the devices and the applicable subscription fees.  The Economist reported that 35% of Blackberry users (specifically, traveling business executives in North America), if given the choice, would opt for their device over their spouse.  According to a U.S. market research company, almost half of Americans are expected to have smartphones by the end of 2011, and CBS news reported that nearly 5 billion people around the world use cellular phones.  Other screen addictions are more difficult to measure because, in some cases, what may appear to be a “computer” addiction may overlap with either a gaming addiction or a sex addiction (viewing pornography on the internet).  However, to put this in perspective in South Korea where the problem seems to be quite prevalent, the government operates nearly 100 treatment programs specifically in hospital settings.

If I suspect that someone has a screen addiction, what signs can I look for?

• Weight gain or loss – On the one hand, some screen addicts may gain weight due to the relatively sedentary lifestyle associated with playing games or computer use.  On the other hand, some users have become so obsessed with gaming that they ignore their body’s cues for food and water; in one instance, a 28-year-old man died after gaming for 50 consecutive hours.
• Isolation – Sometimes a person who feels awkward in social situations is drawn to alternate, anonymous means of interacting with others that allow them to feel more in control.  This can create a negative cycle of removing oneself from real social interactions to spend time interacting with characters in the cyber world.  Isolation may also be the result of attempting to hide a behavior that the person realizes is negative.  For example, some experts argue that many “internet addictions” are really sex addictions because sex addicts now have a private venue for accessing sexual materials when they previously had to acquire them in public.
• Inattention to personal hygiene – For computer and gaming addictions, personal hygiene may be ignored because the individual does not anticipate encountering anyone in a social situation (i.e., isolation).
• Depression and low self-esteem – Sometimes screen addiction may be related to feeling poorly about one’s academic, career, and/or social abilities.  If a person is depressed with or out of control in life situations, he or she may attempt to cope with these negative feelings by escaping into a more comfortable world that allows for clear accomplishments, the opportunity to be anonymous, and chances to repeat failed efforts without negative consequences.
• Neglecting personal responsibilities without regard for the consequences – In South Korea, there was an unfortunate case of a couple neglecting a newborn baby while playing internet games; at three months old, the baby died from malnutrition.  In addition to neglecting parental or family responsibilities, missing work, school, or important social events is another example.

How are screen addictions treated?

There is not yet a gold standard for screen addiction treatment in the U.S.  If you or someone you know has a screen addiction, you should arrange to meet with a psychiatrist or therapist, especially because there may be additional related yet unknown problems that may be contributing to this behavior.   In South Korea, some screen-addicted youth are sent to “boot camps” to relearn how to enjoy activities that do not involve technology and how to interact with others face to face.  In the U.S., some hotels offer discounts on accommodations and relaxing activities for voluntarily surrendering a smartphone or other device for the duration of one’s stay; however, these promotional offers are unlikely to have any real impact on someone who is actually suffering from a screen addiction.