The term “new technologies” refers to the new media that range from the internet, computers to video games, i.e., they are technologies that are related to telecommunications, computing, and audiovisuals. Therefore, we can include here all the following on the issue of rising addiction to new technologies and the internet.
- Internet
- Mobile phone
- Video game
- Television
Bearing in mind that most of the new technologies, with the exception of TV, did not exist 30 years ago. It has been easy for almost all of us to perceive the important change that they have produced in our daily lives, from the way of working to the way to interact with other people or occupy leisure time.
If we consider the daily time dedicated to the main new technologies pertaining to young people and adolescents, in particular, it is very likely that it exceeds six hours a day, that is, a quarter of the time. Although the lifestyle of older adults has changed, without a doubt, the most spectacular change has occurred in adolescents, those who were born with new technologies already present.
No doubt an important social alarm has been created, but is this alarm really justified?
Is it true that the use of new tech devices by minors and young is producing negative consequences?
The studies carried out suggest that there is no prototypical problem with internet users, although it is possible to speak of a population at risk, especially adolescents and young people, who are hooked on Messenger, Facebook, WhatsApp, and a number of interactive games.
Some of these young people may feel lonely, and the use of the internet as a communication tool could have the final cause of being able to interact with others in a circumstance of relative personal safety. The curious thing is that it seems that greater use of the internet is associated with a reduction in communication with the family, a reduction in the circle of friends, and an increase in the levels of depression and loneliness of the users, which has come to be named as the paradox of the internet.
Cyber-sexual Addiction
Favored by easy access to millions of places, available 24 hours a day and free, and where anonymity is essential. These applications allow the user to choose the sexual fantasy that appeals to him with the push of a button.
Internet Relations
These are interactive environments that provide support, safety, acceptance, and a sense of belonging to a group. “Internet friends” quickly become too important at the expense of relationships with family and friends in real life.
Interactive Games
In addition to the clear social component (establishing new relationships), they have a fantasy component, such as virtually creating characterizations of themselves.
Information Overload
It creates a new type of compulsive behavior when the subject spends an increasing amount of time searching and collecting data on the web and organizing information (downloading music, movies).
In this scenario, it is a rallying call of our times that we properly monitor this rising addiction and go for treatment when needed.
