How much is too much?
Addiction has traditionally been defined in the context of substance abuse, but as the understanding of compulsive behaviour grows more sophisticated, we now consider it to be possible to be addicted to activities like sex or gambling. We've still had the reassurance, however that even those addictions could be classified as vice.
But the definition of addiction could be extended to cover any activity that is excessively indulged in to the detriment of the addict. That seems to be the conclusion of London mental health hospital Capio Nightingale, which has added ‘young person technology addiction' to its list of conditions treated.
"Mental health services need to adapt quickly to the changing worlds that young people inhabit, and understand just how seriously their lives can be impaired by unregulated time online, on-screen or in-game," says lead consultant Dr Richard Graham in the introduction to the service on Capio's website.
While the concept of technology addiction is nothing new, this is the first time we've seen a dedicated treatment service. There's even a rudimentary online test, which asks ten questions about the amount of time you willingly spend on the computer. "Did you answer YES five or more times?" it asks at the end of the test. "If so, you are probably in trouble with technology."
While parents have worried about computer game addiction since they first appeared, the relationship between young people and the Internet has come under increased scrutiny recently after a teenage girl was murdered by someone she met online and some suicides have been linked to online bullying.
As well as trying to wean presumed tech addicts off their gadgets, the Cario service offers to help young people ‘come down' after a period of prolonged gaming and help develop normal interpersonal skills as well as an all-round review of the patient's health.
Do you think technology addiction is a genuine issue or is it being blown out of proportion? Do you think you spend too much time in front of your PC or mobile phone, or are they simply tools you use to make your life a bit easier and more fun? Share your thoughts in the HEXUS.community discussion forums.
