Digital addiction gets us all
What is digital addiction? For me, it’s a way of life. But all jokes aside, digital addiction is a very real and very damaging phenomenon. However, information on this topic seems fairly new and less intensive than information surrounding other addiction disorders. Perhaps this is because the concept of being addicted to technology seems ridiculous because it is such an integral part of our daily lives. For this reason, it is nearly impossible to completely cut off using technology because our jobs, our educations, and our social lives depend on it in some capacity. Regardless, it’s possible to stop using the toxic parts of our technology and it’s possible to stop using them in ways that are unhealthy. Social media cleanses, or social media breaks, have gained popularity in recent years because it is all too easy to find yourself constantly checking social media pages or posting. The rush of getting validation through likes, comments, and followers is potent, especially to the younger generation (us included).
In addition, the prospect of becoming famous because of the internet is also tempting. We grew up in an odd limbo, where technology was rapidly developing but also readily accessible from birth. I vividly remember having to go to my mom’s office to use the family computer, but I also received my own laptop at 13. Social media was a new concept in my early childhood, but by the end of elementary school, everyone I knew had a Facebook account. Later, it switched to Snapchat, then Instagram. I felt like I had to keep up with the movements. But because of this, I was checking 4 or 5 different platforms each day, multiple times per day. I had games that took all my spare time, and I remember when Pokémon Go came out and I would sneak out with my sister to catch Pokémon.
It becomes a habit to immerse yourself in technology, but the cost can be high. Do you find yourself feeling less confident after using social media? What about the energy exerted when you spend multiple hours per day perusing your feed? Is it worth it? Though ironic, tell us your thoughts on Twitter @TheMCCourier1 or on Instagram @mccourier1. Another option is to send us an email at monmouthcollegecourier@gmail.com
Caroline King - Staff Writer