Screen and technology addiction

 Just like tobacco and alcohol use, screen time can become an addiction that can damage your health and relationships if it’s not kept it check.

“Screen addiction is a group of behaviors that are negative, some negative outcomes, that can happen when we use too much technology during our day,” says Kathryn Lorenz, MD. “Prolonged use of watching TV, video games, scrolling through social media – all of that use acts like a digital drug for our brain.”

Screen use releases dopamine in the brain, which can negatively affect impulse control. Dr. Lorenz says studies have shown screen time affects the frontal cortex of the brain, similar to the effect of cocaine.

Similar to drugs, screen time sets off a pleasure/reward cycle that can have a negative impact of your life.

Set a Good Example

Part of limiting kids’ screen time is setting a good example as a parent.

Dr. Lorenz recommends monitoring and limiting your own screen usage. She adds, “Don't have TV on in the background, behind all of our activities. If I do that my kids are staring off between questions of their homework. So, model turning the TV off.”

Set a Good Example

Part of limiting kids’ screen time is setting a good example as a parent.

Dr. Lorenz recommends monitoring and limiting your own screen usage. She adds, “Don't have TV on in the background, behind all of our activities. If I do that my kids are staring off between questions of their homework. So, model turning the TV off.”

Long-term Effects

In children, effects of screen addiction may include:

Speech delay

Cognitive impairment

Difficulty with problem-solving and creative thinking

Cyber bullying and exposure to predators

Body weight issues and poor bone health due to lack of physical activity, which later in life can add up to heart disease and other health conditions

Depression and anxiety

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