People who are addicted to gadgets (devices) may not realize that they are already experiencing health problems due to overuse of these objects. whereas,the impact is not kidding. Gadget addiction can increase the risk ofsoemotional disturbances, neck pain, difficulty with activities, lack of sleep, to certain diseases.
Addicted gadgets closely related to internet addiction. This is because most shows, games (games), or an interesting feature on gadgets which are frequently used can be easily accessed via the internet.
According to experts, gadget addiction can cause the same euphoric effect as other addictive behaviors, such as gambling or viewing pornography. Based on research results, gadget addiction can change brain chemicals which ultimately affect a person's physical, psychological, and behavioral conditions.
Characteristic-Cenvy Gadget Addiction
A person is said to be addicted to gadgets if most of his time is spent using gadgets, such as smartphone, tablet, laptop, or portable gaming device. The term for this condition is nomophobia (no mobile phobia), which means fear for daily activities without smartphone and gadgets in other forms.
You can measure the level of addiction to gadgets by answering the following questions:
- Do you often feel uncomfortable if the gadget is not with you?
- Do you mind or are reluctant if you don't hold your gadget, even if only for a moment?
- Do you often use gadgets at mealtime?
- Do you frequently check status or uploads (post) on the gadget in the middle of the night?
- Do you interact more with gadgets than with other people?
- Did you spend a lot of time making nudge on Twitter, replying to statuses on Facebook, or sending emails using your gadget as a form of communication with other people?
- Do you play gadgets more often, even though you know that you should be able to do other things that are more productive?
- Do you tend to use gadgets?, even though you are busy with schoolwork or office work?
If the answer is more "yes", then you can be said to be addicted to gadgets.
Effects of Gadget Addiction
Anyone who is addicted to gadgets can experience various adverse effects, no matter their age or profession. Some of the impacts that can arise due to gadget addiction are:
Physical effect
Some of the negative impacts on physical health due to gadget addiction are:
1. Eye problems
Because too long staring at the screen of the device, the eyes can become problematic. Some eye problems that are at risk for addicts gadgets are tired eyes, dry eyes, and impaired vision.
2. Pain in certain body parts
People who are addicted to gadgets may not realize that their necks often bend and their fingers don't stop typing on their screens. This makes them susceptible to neck pain, shoulder pain, and pain in the fingers and wrists.
3. Infection
The screen of the gadget is a nest of millions of germs. There is even research that states that germs E. coli The most common causes of diarrhea are found in gadgets. This makes people who are in frequent contact with gadgets more at risk of infection.
4. Lack of sleep
Gadget addicts are often willing to stay up late, so the quality and time of sleep is reduced. If left prolonged, this can cause sleep disturbances. These health problems can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even infertility.
Due to lack of sleep, addict gadgets it will be difficult to concentrate and experience fatigue throughout the day. This can increase the risk of injury or accident while working or driving.
Psychological effects
Not only physical problems, gadget addiction can also cause psychological problems, namely:
- Become more irritable and panicky
- Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
- Stress
- Often feel lonely because of hours spent without socializing with other people. This can increase the risk of depression and anxiety disorders
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating when studying or working
- Problems in social relationships, whether with family, friends, coworkers, or partners
Wise in UsingGadgets
The following are tips that you can apply to be wiser in using gadgets and avoid the risk of addiction:
- Do not use gadgets while walking, especially when operating a motorized vehicle. This can harm yourself and others. Stop the vehicle and stop for a moment if you feel there is an important notification.
- Set and limit the use of gadgets, for example a maximum of two or three hours a day. If work requires you to use gadgets, then try to find other activities that don't use gadgets after work.
- Do not use gadgets when eating together or at family events. Prioritize direct forms of communication so that you and your family can enjoy togetherness and stay close.
- Determine a gadget-free area, for example not using gadgets when in the bathroom, kitchen, or bedroom.
- Replace time using gadgets with healthier activities, such as exercising or reading a book.
- Do not play gadgets when going to sleep.
The tips above can also be applied to children at home so that this habit does not interfere with their learning activities and academic achievement.
To reduce and overcome gadget addiction, discipline is needed. However, it is important to maintain the health and safety of yourself and others.
If you still find it difficult to get rid of your dependence on gadgets, especially if this has caused difficulties in carrying out daily activities and work, you should consult a psychologist or psychiatrist for help.