What is Addiction?
The concept of addiction is the inability of a person to quit any substance, object, activity or behavior that causes problems, and to lose control of himself. A person's mental characteristics, genetic predisposition, environmental factors, family structure, environment and cultural characteristics are the most important factors in terms of a person's susceptibility to addiction. As a result of addiction, serious psychological and physical problems are seen in the person. There are many types of addiction. Some of these are;
-Substance Addiction
-Alcohol Addiction
-Shopping Addiction
-Technology Addiction
-Gambling Addiction
Addiction, which has many more types, can cause mental and physical problems as it progresses, as well as cause the person to develop psychiatric diseases. Substance abuse or other behavioral addictions can be treated. Especially those who really want the treatment and do what needs to be done have a very high rate of quitting the substance/behavior. addiction treatment; It is advanced together with psychotherapy as well as pharmacological approaches.
What is Technology Addiction?
Technology and the internet used in every aspect of life make everything easier, as well as the loss of usage control is very serious. may cause damage. As in other addictions, the symptoms seen when technology and internet are deprived are considered as technological addiction. This addiction, also known as internet addiction, pathological internet use (PIC), inappropriate internet use and excessive internet use, is the excessive use of the internet and not trying to prevent it. Understanding the symptoms of technology addiction is difficult in terms of the role it plays in our lives. However, a few of its symptoms are listed as follows:
-Mood swings,
-Focusing too much on the Internet and social media
-Not being aware of how much time you spend on the Internet,
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-Withdrawal symptoms when technology and internet are not used Living,
- Neglecting social life, work and school life, and interpersonal communication,
-Failure to fulfill responsibilities as a result of repeated use.
In addition, technology addiction can cause problems such as depression, stress and sleep disorders.
Unlike other addiction treatments, researchers agree that total avoidance of the Internet is not effective. Instead, treatment for technology addiction should focus on time management and balancing or controlling use.
To reduce the use of technology:
• Creating new goals and plans,
• Trying to spend more time outside,
• Using To set goals to reduce it,
• Stop using the applications used,
• Join a support group,
• Get family therapy
Solutions that can be done between.
How Does Technology Addiction Develop and Appear in Children?
Exposing children to the screen and using technology has become an increasingly important issue in recent years. With the widespread use of developing technology and digital media, the duration of children's screen exposure has increased, and there are many studies on the positive or negative effects of this situation. Recent studies have shown that the use of internet and technology in Turkey has increased considerably among young people and children. In a meta-analysis, it was determined that the usage rate was 13%. In a study conducted by TURKSTAT, internet usage for children aged 6-15 was 50.8% in 2013, while it was 82.7% in 2021. When internet usage is analyzed by gender; It has been observed that the internet usage rate of boys, which was 53.7% in 2013, increased to 83.9% in 2021, and the internet usage rate of girls, which was 47.8% in 2013, increased to 81.5% in 2021.
The Effects of Technology on Children
Virtual world, children's developmental processes It affects their minds and psychology in various ways. These effects may vary depending on the duration of use, ingredients, age and other factors:
a. Attention and Focus Problems: The fact that the virtual world has plenty of stimulating content can distract children and prolonged screen use can cause attention and focus problems.
b. Social Skills and Communication: Since the Internet is an environment where virtual interactions are intense, it can affect children's face-to-face communication skills and negatively affect their social skill development.
c. Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence: Negative comments encountered in the virtual world or constantly comparing oneself with others can negatively affect children's self-esteem and self-confidence.
d. Sleep Problems: Sleep problems are a common problem in children with excessive screen time. Difficulty in falling asleep, inability to get a full and uninterrupted sleep, and irregular sleep hours are the symptoms seen in children with excessive screen exposure. With the effect of blue light on sleep patterns and exposure to stimulating content, children may have difficulty getting enough sleep.
e. Anxiety and Depression: The constant emphasis on excellence and success on the Internet can increase the levels of anxiety and depression in children. The effects of social media on constantly comparing oneself with others and focusing on the number of likes can also be effective in this regard.
f. Problems in Language and Speech Development: For young children, overexposure to the screen can negatively affect language and speech development. Content presented on television and other screens may cause delays in language development by replacing interactive interactions that can improve children's language skills.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has offered some recommendations for children's screen exposure time:
a. 0-18 Months: It is recommended that babies younger than 18 months should not spend any time in front of the screen. During this period, children should focus on real-world interactions and stay away from screens.
b . 18-24 Months: Children in this age range may only be exposed to family-watched screen time with high-quality educational content. However, this time should be limited and the time children spend in front of the screen should be carefully monitored.
c. Ages 2-5: Children between the ages of 2-5 should also focus on high quality and educational content and should be exposed to screen time under parental control. A maximum of one hour of screen time per day is recommended.
d. Ages 6 and Up: Screen time becomes more flexible for children over 6 years old. However, it is important for parents to pay attention to regulating their children's screen usage and watching the content on the screens.
What Can Parents Do About This?
The most important work that can be done to prevent excessive use and addiction of technology and internet is to explain technology addiction, to raise awareness among young people and parents, to show how to use the right technology, and to teach the harms of technology addiction. Parents should carefully manage children's screen time, direct children to different activities that will maintain balance, and raise awareness of safe internet use.
1. Awareness and Education
First of all, it is important to raise awareness on social media, internet and online game addiction and to carry out training activities. Individuals should be informed that addiction may develop if the use of these platforms becomes uncontrolled. Educational institutions, families and society can raise awareness about addiction by organizing seminars, workshops and awareness campaigns.
2. Balanced Usage and Time Management
Balanced usage and time management are important to reduce the risk of addiction. It is of course normal to interact with social media, the internet and online games, but the hours spent on these platforms are limited for children. must be set. Using these platforms by determining certain time periods and focusing on other activities for the rest of the time is an effective strategy in preventing addiction.
3. Real-World Interactions and Hobbies
Children should be encouraged to devote time to real-world interactions and hobbies. Activities such as meeting face-to-face with friends, spending time with family, doing sports, doing art, reading books make it easier and richer to stay away from the digital world.
4. Parental Control and Communication
Parental control and communication are very important. Parents should regulate the social media and internet use of children and young people and control the content. In addition, it is important to establish an open and healthy communication with children and young people, to understand their experiences in the digital world and to guide them when necessary.
5.Help and Support
If social media, internet or online gaming addiction negatively affects a child's life, it is important to seek professional help and support. Psychologists, psychiatrists and addiction specialists can help a person fight addiction and contribute to overcoming addiction by initiating appropriate treatment processes. It may be preferable to go to family therapy.
6.Natural Environment
Strengthening your child's bond with nature by playing games and exploring in parks, gardens or natural environments may reduce the child's connection and interest in technology.
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