What if technology never existed? How different would your life be without the internet?
Technology is one of the most influential things that people see and use everyday in today’s modern world. It can become addictive very quickly.
The American Psychiatric Association states, “Excessive and compulsive use of the internet or online activities can lead to negative consequences in various aspects of an individual’s life. Technology addiction can potentially involve various forms of online activity.” This is a growing concern from toddlerhood with how much children are on screens with tablets to their adolescent years with phones and social media through adulthood where people have disengaged from meaningful in person relationships to escaping in to a superficial artificial world on their phones.
According to a 2024 survey, “50% of Americans spend 5-6 hours on their smartphone every day”. The American Psychiatric Association does not officially recognize phone addiction as a diagnosable condition however it is defined as, “Phone addiction is the obsessive and compulsive use of a mobile phone, despite the usage causing issues like anxiety, decreased attention span, and stress.” Though some use their phones excessively to escape feelings of anxiety and depression, just like any other addiction it actually makes the depression and anxiety worse over time.
What if someone you know is addicted to technology so much that they can’t seem to put the tablet or phone down and when they do they seem agitated?
Technology is very addictive for anyone but there’s a growing concern with children and teenagers. Teens grow up following trends and want to stay relevant with everything so they turn to the internet because it has everything on it. Technology isn’t all bad of course but there are a lot of things that can become harmful or affect everyday life. Various exposure to things on the internet can change how a person thinks, feels, and interacts with daily tasks for anyone of any age.
Studies suggest detoxing from phone and technology addiction but having regular breaks throughout the day without your phone and access to digital media like video games, social media, etc. There should also be designated unplugged family time whether that’s at times for dinner or before bed. Regularly planning and engaging in activities away from phones and screens is another way to help everyone in the family gain a healthy balance with their phones and screens.
As we head back in to class with the new year this week, don’t forget BCPS and Kenwood are trying to help students learn that healthy balance with their phones and technology. Not only does our policy of no cell phones in class for anything help students focus on their academics to perform better in class but having time away from their phones also helps create a healthier balance with their phones.
Technology and phones can do more harm than people realize. It’s a new year and a time for new goals and maybe this is the year to set the goal to develop healthy boundaries with your access to technology, screen, and phones.
Sources:
Digital Safety Alliance. “Digital Detox: Why Your Teens Might Need Some Time Away from their Phone”. Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. 5 May 2024. Web Accessed 7 January 2026.
Gomez, Suzette. “Phone Addiction: Warning Signs and Treatment”. Addiciton Center. Recovery Worldwide, LLC. 2026. Web Accessed 7 January 2026.
Gainsbury, Sally. “Technology Addiction”. University of Sydney. 2026. Web Accessed 7 January 2026.
