Staring at our devices have become pleasurable moments. We experience this sense of pleasure at the dinner table, at a red light, or waiting in line at the grocery store. “Pleasurable behaviors are also addictive,” says David Greenfield assistant clinical professor of Psychiatry at University of Connecticut School of Medicine and founder of Center for Internet and Technology Addiction.
And it is costing us our health.
Mentally, the average attention span has decreased from 12 to 8 seconds due to technology addiction (less than a common goldfish).
Physically, our necks and eyes are strained, along with elevated blood pressures. Insomnia continues to escalate due to the blue screen light which tricks our brains into thinking it is daytime. This creates an imbalance between the brain’s serotonin and melatonin levels that are responsible for influencing our mood, cognition, and sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin is a hormone that starts increasing naturally approximately 2 hours prior to bedtime and signals darkness/sleep to the body. Research shows that 1-2 hours of blue screen light exposure suppresses melatonin by 23-38%. No wonder, most of us can’t sleep at night.
Emotionally, we are more disconnected and numb than ever before due to the artificial online connectedness. Teenagers and adults both crave a degree of escapism. Escaping our reality is fun; yet only temporary medicine. A certain level of free expression and exploration is emotionally inviting in the online world. However, very frankly, our digital connections are artificial connections often masked with bullying, judgment, and unreasonable expectations.
These expectations are the reason why nearly one-fifth of individuals using technology say it is a source of stress. Good news – there is no pill or vitamin required to help your much needed digital detox. No expensive recipe. No formal exercise routine. All you have to do is unplug. Instead of making it a habit to look at your phone, take time to redirect your energy towards improving your concentration and connecting with your loved ones (physically and emotionally). Start putting the energy back into your real life; not the digital one.