Dr.Ramya Sampath, MBBS, MD, DNB (Psy.), Consultant Psychiatrist discusses the stark differences between gadget use and abuse and how to keep a check on them
This catchy quote on a t-shirt got me thinking - Life would have been much easier if apple and blackberry were just fruits! Do you kickstart your day forwarding messages in whatsapp or posting your cup of coffee in facebook? If yes, continue reading to realize how gadgets have got integrated into your sense of ‘self’ and how to safeguard yourself from being a gadget-olic. Recently I met a lady who revealed, “Except when I am sleeping, I am constantly on the phone aimlessly refreshing my mailbox or facebook feed”. Even pets have begun to realize that gadgets have indeed become man’s best friend. Research suggests that at least 64 per cent of people now spend up to 4 hours daily of leisure time in front of a screen. Just like TV watching, over-using of mobiles has been linked to higher rates of obesity and diabetes. We have started to establish our personality based on how others evaluate us in social media. A sense of achievement creeps in when our selfie or comment hits a century likes.
Affection turned addiction
We are in love with our electronic devices, for they have become a virtual member of our family. Our devices guide us from finding a route to choosing a boot. Health advices, cookery tips and what not! There are even apps which remind to blink your eyes once a while.
Virtual ‘YOU’ taking on the Real
People putting forth a different personality on social media may end up losing their real life identity. Studies reveal that more than 70% of people carry their favourite devices along on vacations. When gadgets gain a top priority in our life, we end up neglecting alternate real-life pleasures. We have become so dependent on them that we fail to see what lies beyond those moments of madness.
Are we becoming gadget dependent?
Understanding addiction- A medical perspective:
When gadget overuse becomes an addiction, there are biological changes in our brain, with faulty regulation of the ‘happiness’ pathway involving dopamine, the primary neurotransmitter mediating pleasure. Addiction symptoms include (a) compulsion to use , (b) loss of control in limiting the use despite adverse consequences and (c) emergence of a negative emotional state (e.g., anxiety, irritability) when access to the gadget is prevented. If you experience the above symptoms and your gadget is interfering with your relationships and responsibilities, consider seeking professional help from psychiatrists. Since addiction is biologically mediated, medicines can help you to gain the lost sense of control over your gadget use.
Gadget-related health hazards
| Physical symptoms | Emotional symptoms |
|---|---|
| Back, neck, and shoulder pain (tendency to slouch ,bad posture) | Poor coping abilities in tough situations |
| Eye pain and dryness | Lack of social skills (face to face conversation, expressive language) |
| Carpal tunnel syndrome (pain and numbness in hand due to prolonged use) | Attentional problems, forgetfulness |
| Obesity (sedentary life style, unhealthy snacking habit) | Sleep issues (insomnia, poor sleep quality) |
| Fibromyalgia (multiple aches, muscle stiffness, and easy fatiguability) | Guilt, loneliness and low self esteem |
| Anger outburst and irritability | |
| Nomophobia (Fear of losing your gadget or data connectivity) |
Tips to tackle Gadgets-overuse:
Reminding the words of Albert Einstein “I fear the day, technology will surpass human interaction”
After all, you can put your phone down but stay connected…