From the way we work to the way we socialise, unwind and manage finances, the integration of technology into our everyday lives is unparalleled. As our reliance on digital tools increases, there is a growing debate regarding technology’s impact on mental health and the possibility of technology addiction.
As a society, including individuals, businesses and policymakers, the question we are beginning to ponder is, is it possible to develop digital tools and maintain technology’s benefits while having a positive impact on our digital habits?
What is Technology Addiction?
Technology addiction is the impact and interference of digital tools upon the daily lives, wellness and mental health of individuals as a result of the excessive or compulsive use of technology. While experiencing a digital tool’s use on a daily basis is not necessarily a problem, a problem can exist when there is a lack of control on the part of the individual.
Is Technology Addiction Actually Recognised?
To an extent. There is a category of addictions known as ‘behavioural addictions’ that includes gambling disorder, which has been acknowledged. On the other hand, technology-related behaviours such as smartphone addiction or social media overuse and addiction are still in the preliminary stages of being studied.
The Connection Between Technology and Mental Health
Endless scrolling, notifications and personalised feeds are all designed to keep you online and attached to the digital world, often causing blurred lines between work, play and rest.
Common Technologies and Health Implications
Technologies impact social behaviours by:
- Leading to disrupted sleeping and eating cycles
- A rise in anxiety and depressive moods
- Impaired attention span
- Increasing loneliness and social withdrawal
Why Young People Are Potentially More At Risk
With the normalisation of online life, the increasing use of technology and screens has prompted younger generations to face unique challenges, such as managing mental health and the anxiety that often accompanies in-person social engagements.
Australia became the first country to ban social media for children aged 16 and under earlier this month. This was in response to the documented cyberbullying and social anxiety that social media use is linked to.
Youth and New Technologies
There is an increasing and concerning trend of hazardous online behaviours amongst the child, adolescent and young adult population. Developing brains may be more sensitive to the reward mechanisms in gaming and app environments.
Can Technology Fix Its Own Problems?
Although technology has a role in forming obsessive behaviours, it is also part of the solution to this problem. Changing the focus of engagement to health and well-being is a positive trend. Designed with users’ wellness in mind, technology and platforms can empower users to make positive choices for their health.
Ethical Tech Design Is Gaining Momentum
Endless scrolling, notifications, and other means of persuasive design have negative consequences on our wellbeing. There is a growing demand for ethical design to balance social responsibility with the autonomy of users to make choices willingly and without coercion.
How Startups Are Building Safer Online Experiences
There are a growing number of startups focused on building mental health and digital wellbeing products. These platforms incorporate features such as built-in usage limits, break reminders and friction features that encourage reflection before prolonged usage.
Smarter Screen-Time Management Tools
Startups are going beyond the simple tracking screen-time methods previously seen. Tools are being created that use AI-driven insights to track patterns that may be unhealthy, such as late-night use or emotionally charged usage and suggest personalised interventions to encourage healthier screen-time habits.
‘Anti-Addictive’ Platform Designs
Some startups that a focusing on wellbeing are actively eliminating addictive mechanics through:
- Removing infinite scrolls
- Designing for natural stopping points
- Reducing algorithmic amplifications
- Allowing users to set content intensity
Responsible Experiences for Children and Young People
As outlined above, the digital environment has tangible effects on younger users, meaning that creating safer online experiences must go beyond age-appropriate content. It also requires limiting dopamine-driven scrolling and algorithmic design features that encourage compulsive use:
Age-Appropriate Design
Startups for younger users focus on low-pressure design, such as removing social validation, content moderation and engagement time limits to minimise pressure, unhealthy comparisons and compulsive use.
Supporting Parents and Educators
There is a growing educational focus on digital parenting with tools like parental dashboards that offer activity insights so families can manage digital boundaries collaboratively instead of through bans.
Making Safety A Marketable Feature
Many early-stage companies are finding that rather than being a limitation, safer design is a competitive advantage. Focusing on trust and transparency with users systemically will lead to sustainable growth.
