Argument #1: Technology does not affect the brain in
the exact same way as other addictive substances.
"Michael Rich, an associate professor of
pediatrics at Harvard University, says, 'we don't think the
word ‘addict’ is the correct word to use. There's not a
measurable physiological change when you're using or
withdrawing, unlike alcohol, heroin or tobacco.'" (Ladika "Technology
Addiction")
According to Christopher Ferguson, there is a
misconception that technology is addictive because it
activates some of the same types of dopamine releases as substance
abuse. He states that these pleasure centers are
"involved in anything fun." (Ladika "Technology Addiction)
Argument #2: Overuse
of technology is not an addiction in and of itself, but rather
a sign of a deeper underlying condition.
The table shows "the presence of psychiatric
distress among mobile phone users." (Sharma "Technology
Addiction Survey")
Overuse of technology "has been associated
with several mental health concerns such as poor psychological
well-being, poor self-confidence, anxiety, depression, lower
emotional stability, and lower life satisfaction." (Ali "Could
You Be Addicted to Technology?")
Sources:
Ali,
Shainna.
“Could You Be Addicted to Technology?” Psychology Today, www.psychologytoday.com.
Sharma, Manoj, et al.
"Technology Addiction Survey: An Emerging Concern for Raising
Awareness
and Promotion of Healthy use of Technology." Indian
Journal of
Psychological Medicine 39.4 (2017) ProQuest. Web.
23 Feb.
2019.
