Digital Addiction: The Problem and Its Treatment
.jpeg)
Digital
technology is one of the most prominent features of our era, as it has become
integrated into various aspects of life, including the economy, politics,
social life, and education, among others.
One of its
dangers is that it adds a virtual dimension to human life, in which a person
can present themselves and choose whatever they wish without constraints or
boundaries. This has driven both adults and children to become increasingly
attached to it, abandoning real life and escaping into that virtual world. As a
result, individuals’ consumption of it has increased significantly, until a
person may find themselves addicted to this world and unable to leave it even
for a few hours.
Therefore, we
will explore the manifestations of this addiction, its causes, and ways to
treat it.
Definition of Digital Addiction
Digital
addiction refers to the excessive use of websites and online platforms in a way
that negatively affects an individual’s ability to carry out their normal life
tasks, resulting in psychological, behavioral, and social disturbances.
A survey
conducted by researchers at Stanford University on a sample of young people
found that 12.5% of the participants suffered from problems related to
excessive internet use, particularly email, gaming, pornography, and online
shopping. This behavior was described as similar to the craving associated with
alcohol and drug use.
Symptoms of Digital Addiction
Despite the
clarity of the definition, a person may wonder about the signs that indicate
whether they or a member of their family suffers from this condition. These
include: preferring to spend time with electronic devices, experiencing tension
and discomfort when away from them, persistent social isolation, mood swings,
and a gradual decline in hobbies and interests until they become limited only
to electronic devices.
The person may
also exaggerate the importance of these devices and speak about their
achievements within them as though their life derives its value solely from
those websites or games. They may reject any criticism of their relationship
with these devices, deny their behavior entirely, or offer weak justifications
to defend it. They may become preoccupied with them to the point of neglecting
work or academic responsibilities, and may even eat hastily in front of
electronic games—or skip meals altogether if eating interrupts their play.
Forms of Digital Addiction
Its
manifestations vary depending on each individual’s circumstances and lifestyle.
Among them are:
1.
Video Game Addiction: In this case, the individual
becomes deeply immersed in games for long periods. Winning in games stimulates
the production of dopamine in the brain, prompting the individual to repeat the
experience in order to trigger the release again, eventually leading to
spending long hours playing without realizing it.
2.
Information
Gathering Addiction: This type can be a major trap
because it gives addiction the appearance of knowledge. A person may sit for
hours collecting information that they do not actually need.
3.
Addiction
to Pornographic Websites and Chat Rooms: The person
feels excitement about forming social relationships in chat rooms, and the
situation may escalate into a desire for further forbidden pleasure and
stimulation shared with others in their virtual world.
4.
Social
Media Addiction: The person becomes addicted to
attracting attention, collecting likes and comments, and following the news of
others, spending most of their day moving between these platforms.
Effects of Digital Addiction on Individuals
1.
Deterioration
of Social Life: When individuals sit together at
home or in gatherings, each person becomes absorbed in their own screen and
isolated in their virtual world, increasing the distance between spouses,
children, and members of society.
2.
Decline
in Psychological, Mental, and Physical Health: Prolonged screen use causes reduced concentration and
memory, increased irritability, as well as distraction and hyperactivity in
children. It also negatively affects physical strength due to lack of movement,
causes dry eyes and gradual weakening of eyesight. On a psychological level, it
can lead to anxiety, stress, depression, sleep difficulties, and feelings of
loneliness.
3.
Decline
in Moral Values: Continuous exposure to corrupt
influences causes the heart to grow accustomed to them over time. Eventually,
the person may begin to accept them and follow them in pursuit of status within
the virtual world.
Ways to Address This Problem
1.
Purification
of the Self: This focuses on correcting the
diseases of the heart and soul, such as the love of showing off and vanity, as
well as cultivating awareness that Allah is always watching. This awareness
becomes reflected in one’s actions, so that the eyes and hands fear disobeying
Allah, which in turn shapes how a person interacts with technology.
2.
Remembering
the Purpose of Creation: The more a person internalizes
their true purpose—worshipping Allah—and remembers that they will be held
accountable before Allah for their time, the more they strive to regulate their
use of technology and avoid wasting time on websites and electronic games.
3.
The
Role of the Family: Parents may give children devices
believing they will benefit them in the future, to reduce their disturbance, or
so they can keep up with their peers. Parents should therefore understand the
importance of technology, learn about appropriate screen-time limits for
children according to their age, monitor the development of the child’s
relationship with technology, and educate them about its dangers and proper
use. Parents must also set a good example for their children.
4.
The
Role of Society: Mosques, schools, universities, and
professional and labor unions should organize awareness programs about the
dangers of excessive technology use, connect these discussions to real-life
experiences, conduct periodic assessments to measure people’s level of
attachment to it, and refer those who need help to specialists.
5.
Using
Control Applications: There are applications that help
monitor the time spent on websites, set usage limits, and automatically close
them when the allowed limit is exceeded. Parental control tools can also help
monitor children’s screen-time activities.
6.
Providing
Alternatives: A person should establish healthy
and enjoyable alternatives for themselves and their family instead of screen
time, such as exercising, reading books individually or together and discussing
them, playing family-friendly games, setting clear rules about not using phones
at certain times, and accompanying righteous people who encourage them to use
their time in ways that please Allah.
Screens and
technology have become a part of our lives that cannot be completely
eliminated. However, they can be regulated to maximize their benefits and
minimize their harms as much as possible. A Muslim is intelligent and
discerning; they do not abandon themselves to ruin, nor do they prevent
themselves from goodness that may increase their knowledge and bring them
closer to Allah, making them beneficial to themselves and their fellow Muslims.
They simply strive for moderation, sincerity for the sake of Allah, and Allah
will never allow the reward of those who do good to be lost.
Read Also:
-
4 Ways to Overcome Screen Addiction
-
Metaverse will alter definition of tech addiction
-------------------------------------------------------------
