“Digital addiction is not just about the number of hours we spend online; it’s also about the quality of our offline lives.” Adam AlteR
Adam Alter’s book Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked is a wake-up call for anyone who spends a significant amount of time staring at screens. In it, Alter outlines the ways in which technology has become addictive and how this addiction is affecting our lives, especially those of our children. While screens and technology can be incredibly useful tools, they can also be harmful when we become addicted to them.
As Alter notes, the issue of screen addiction is not just a personal problem, but a societal one. The companies that create these addictive technologies have a vested interest in keeping us hooked, and they use all sorts of tricks and techniques to keep us engaged. From the “like” button on social media to the infinite scroll on news sites, these features are designed to keep us coming back for more.
Children are particularly vulnerable to this addiction, as they are growing up in a world where screens are ubiquitous. According to Alter, children who spend too much time on screens are more likely to experience a range of negative effects, including:
Poor academic performance
Sleep problems
Obesity
Anxiety and depression
Decreased social skills
One of the key reasons why screens can be so addictive is that they provide a constant source of stimulation. The brain is wired to seek out new and interesting information, and screens are always offering something new to look at. This constant stimulation can make it hard for children to focus on other activities, like reading or playing outside.
One of the key reasons why screens can be so addictive is that they provide a constant source of stimulation.
Another factor that contributes to screen addiction is the social pressure to stay connected. Children who are not constantly online may feel like they are missing out on something, and this can create a sense of anxiety and FOMO (fear of missing out). As one parent quoted in the book notes, “I feel like if my daughter is not online, she is not part of the conversation.”
So what can parents do to help their children break free from screen addiction? Here are some tips from Alter’s book:
Set clear rules and boundaries around screen time. Children need to understand that screens are a privilege, not a right, and that there are limits to how much time they can spend on them. Establish clear rules around when and where screens are allowed, and stick to them.
Encourage other activities. Children need a range of activities to help them grow and develop, and screens should not be the only option. Encourage your child to read books, play outside, or participate in other hobbies and interests.
Model good screen habits. Children learn by example, so if you want your child to develop healthy screen habits, you need to model them yourself. Set aside time each day to unplug and engage in other activities, and make sure your child sees you doing this.
Use technology in moderation. While it’s important to limit screen time, technology can also be a useful tool for learning and entertainment. The key is to use it in moderation and to make sure it doesn’t become a crutch.
Be mindful of your child’s emotional health. Screen addiction can be a sign of underlying emotional problems, such as anxiety or depression. If you notice that your child is using screens to cope with difficult emotions, it’s important to seek professional help.
Create “tech-free zones” in your home. Designate certain areas of your home as off-limits for screens, such as the dinner table, bedrooms, or play areas. This can help establish healthy boundaries and encourage more face-to-face interaction.
Use “tech breaks” to promote mindfulness. Set aside a few minutes each day for a tech break, during which you and your child can unplug and engage in mindfulness practices like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
Encourage physical activity. Regular exercise can help reduce the negative effects of screen time, so encourage your child to engage in physical activities like playing sports, dancing, or simply going for a walk.
“The average person checks their phone 221 times a day.” (p. 10) Adam Alter
9. Get involved in your child’s digital life. Rather than banning screens outright, try to stay involved in your child’s online activities. Ask them what they’re watching, playing, or reading online, and use these conversations as an opportunity to talk about digital citizenship, online safety, and healthy screen habits.
10. Seek professional help if necessary. If you’re concerned that your child’s screen use is interfering with their daily life, it may be time to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can help your child develop healthy coping mechanisms and find a healthy balance between screens and the real world.
By incorporating these tools and tips into your family’s routine, you can help your child break free from screen addiction and develop a healthier relationship with technology. As Adam Alter writes, “We need to be mindful of how we use screens, and to use them in a way that enhances our lives rather than detracts from them.” (p. 219)
Ultimately, the key to helping children break free from screen addiction is to be mindful and intentional about their use of technology. While screens can be a powerful tool, they should not be allowed to take over our lives. By setting clear boundaries and encouraging a range of activities, parents can help their children develop healthy habits and a balanced relationship with technology. As one parent quoted in the book notes, “I want my children to be happy and healthy, and that means finding a balance between screens and the real world.”
“Screens can be so alluring that they seem to override everything else in our lives, including our jobs, our relationships, and even our safety.” Adam Alter
A few more quotes from the book
“Digital devices offer an endless supply of stimuli, and our brains are wired to seek out novelty and rewards. The result is that we can become addicted to the information and experiences that these devices offer.” (p. 3)
“Screens are training our brains to be easily distracted.” (p. 25).
You can buy the book on Amazon:
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