1.0 Introduction
A growing concern in modern culture is children’s addiction to and overuse of technology. Children are increasingly adopting technologies like computers, phones, tablets, and video games, with some using them for hours daily (Miller, 2021). This excessive use of technology can negatively affect children’s health and well-being, resulting in problems with their physical, cognitive, and emotional health (Dyopath, 2019). Children’s interactions with their peers, the environment, and their families have all changed significantly due to the advent of technology. Technology has the potential to be a tremendous instrument that gives kids access to a wealth of information, allows them to participate in online activities, and lets them interact with individuals from all over the world (Sam, 2022). Technology can, however, negatively impact a child’s physical, cognitive, and emotional development if used excessively.
1.1 Problem Statement
Since the advent of digital media, young people have been exposed to more technology and the Internet. With estimates from the Pew Research Center indicating that in 2022, more than 97% of teenagers in the United States utilized social media, and 90% had a smartphone, this has caused a sharp increase in technology usage (VOGELS E et al., 2022). Technology addiction and overuse in children have become a growing worry due to this growth in usage, especially in light of the COVID-19 epidemic. For instance, a study by Montag and Elhai discovered that the pandemic had significantly boosted the usage of digital technology and that this was linked to higher levels of affective distress (2020). Similarly, Işkolu et al. (2023) discovered that children’s excessive usage of digital play at home was linked to lower levels of physical activity and higher levels of stress. According to the World Health Organization, children and adolescents who use technology excessively have increased rates of anxiety, depression, and sleep difficulties (2021). Similarly, research of over 1803 Bangladesh students revealed that those who used digital gadgets for more than three hours each day had a considerably higher risk of psychological distress than those who used them for less than an hour (Rashid et al., 2021).
1.2 Media and My Topic
The media have significantly influenced children’s addiction to and overuse of technology. Children are more susceptible to the effects of media than adults, according to studies, because they are exposed to more content and interact with it for longer periods of time (Smahel et al., 2015). Furthermore, media messages have the power to mould kids’ attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours. For instance, a 2022 study discovered that kids who watched more television had a higher risk of picking up hazardous habits including smoking and drinking alcohol (Ben-Joseph, 2022). Furthermore, a study conducted in 2020 discovered that teenagers who were exposed to more media messages about technology were more likely to get addicted to their gadgets (Rashid et al., 2021).
The media has been crucial in spreading awareness of the dangers of children being addicted to and overusing technology. For instance, articles outlining the potential risks of youngsters using technology excessively, such as the possibility of “digital dementia,” and the effects on mental health have been widely debated in print and online media. Similarly to this, Delgado (2021) talked about the dangers of technology addiction and overuse and the need for parents to be aware of the possible repercussions of their children using technology excessively. Sternlicht and Sternlicht (2021) also covered the six most prevalent forms of technology addiction and emphasized the importance of parents being aware of these and taking preventative actions to lower the risks of technology usage and addiction in kids.
1.3 Gap in Literature
Research on children’s excessive use and addiction to technology is still lacking, despite the growing attention this subject is receiving. There is still a need for research on the consequences of technology usage on children’s mental health, despite studies addressing the impacts of technology overuse on mental health in adults. Similarly, studies on the connection between excessive use of technology and addiction in adults have been conducted, but study on the same topic in children is still needed. Also, there is a need for research on how to support parents in controlling their children’s technology use, as well as how to handle technology addiction and overuse in a therapeutic context. Furthermore, more research is required to examine how technology addiction and usage affect other populations, including low-income children and children with impairments.
1.4 Thesis Statements
The study will also examine the influences on technology use and addiction, including parental attitudes toward technology, device access, and the environment in which kids grow up. This essay will also look at the prevalence, consequences, and possible solutions to the problem of children becoming addicted to and overusing technology. This essay will also examine how media messages can affect kids’ attitudes, convictions, and actions and how this can lead to digital addiction and usage. The results of this study are supposed to help educate parents, teachers, and policymakers about the dangers of technology addiction and usage, as well as offer solutions to lessen the problem’s prevalence.
2.0 Literature Review
2.1 Factors that lead to overuse of digital play at home
Işıkoğlu et al. (2023) study looks at children’s excessive use of digital play at home. The authors conducted a qualitative case study to investigate the elements contributing to the excessive use of digital play in the home setting. Five kids, aged between seven and seven, their parents, and a psychiatrist participated in the study, which was carried out in Turkey. The project’s qualitative case study methodology used semi-structured interviews, field notes, and parental reports to collect data. The study’s findings showed that a lack of parental oversight and monitoring is a significant factor in kids’ excessive use of digital play at home. According to the report, parents frequently do not keep up with their kids’ internet activities, which results in excessive digital play (Işıkoğlu et al., 2023). The study also discovered that kids frequently struggle to control their online activities and time due to their addiction to digital gaming. The benefits connected to digital play were also discovered to motivate the kids. The study also showed that kids were frequently uninformed about the dangers of excessive digital play.
The study’s limitations include the limited sample size and the study’s singular emphasis on one Turkish city. Furthermore, no measures of digital play use or addiction were included in the study, making it challenging to draw any firm inferences from the results. The results of this study add to the body of knowledge on children’s technology addiction and usage by offering a comprehensive, qualitative examination of the problem. The study offers insightful information about the causes of children’s excessive usage of digital play and the possible effects of this behaviour. The study’s results and suggestions can also be used to guide parental control measures for children’s internet behaviour. In conclusion, this qualitative study offers crucial insights into children’s technology use and addiction. According to the study, parental oversight and monitoring are crucial for avoiding overuse and addiction (Işıkoğlu et al., 2023). The authors contend that more investigation is required to learn how excessive digital play affects kids. The study’s conclusions and recommendations can help parents develop techniques for effectively supervising their kids’ online activity.
2.2 Influence of Technology on child behaviour
Rowan (2010) examined how technology affects children’s behaviour, focusing on finding alternatives to testing and drugging. The study was done using qualitative research techniques by asking parents, teachers, and mental health experts about their experiences with technology and kids. The study’s conclusions showed that the children’s use of technology had a wide range of adverse effects, including low attention spans, sleep issues, bad social interactions, and academic challenges (Rowan, 2010). The study also discovered that the parents’ knowledge of how technology affects kids was weak and that they frequently punished or drugged their kids for using technology.
One of the study’s flaws is that it did not consider how other variables, such as family structure and socioeconomic level, affect how technology affects kids. The article’s findings add to the body of knowledge on the subject by emphasizing the necessity of addressing children’s technology addiction and usage. The study emphasizes the value of instructing kids on technology etiquette and discusses the underlying problems with technology, such as attention impairments, anxiety, and sadness (Rowan, 2010). The article also suggests possible alternatives to testing and drugging to deal with children’s technology addiction and usage. The study found that technology may play a significant role in a child’s life, but it should be used responsibly and under adult supervision. The essay suggests that parents and teachers collaborate in teaching kids how to use technology responsibly and address the underlying problems associated with digital addiction and misuse. Also, parents should watch their kids’ technology use more closely and be aware of any potential harm technology use may do to their children’s development and health.
Additionally, during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Serra et al. researched smartphone use and technology addiction among Italian kids and teenagers (2019). 184 Italian children and adolescents, ages 6 to 18, were a part of this cohort study. The study was conducted in Italy between April and June 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown. To quantify technology addiction, the study used a self-report questionnaire comprising questions about smartphone usage and the Problematic Use of Mobile Phone Scale (PUMPS). The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used in the study to assess participants’ physical and mental well-being. Of the 184 participants in the study, 39.7% had problematic technology use, and 6.5% had a technology addiction (Serra et al., 2019). More than half of the participants in the research said they used their smartphones for more than three hours per day. Also, more than a quarter of the individuals said they suffered withdrawal symptoms when they stopped using their smartphones. The study also discovered a link between technology addiction and physical and mental health, as determined by the SDQ.
The use of self-report questionnaires, which can be subjective and subject to recall bias, is one of the study’s shortcomings. The study only included 184 people, which is a very small sample size. The study’s findings indicated that smartphone use and technology addiction increased during the COVID-19 epidemic among Italian children and adolescents. The study also discovered a link between addiction to technology and physical and mental well-being (Serra et al., 2019). The study’s recommendations call for the introduction of suitable preventive measures and adequate monitoring of young people’s technology use.
2.3 How media messages can shape attitudes and behaviours
A study by López-Guimerà et al. (2010) provides a review of the media’s impact on female eating disorder attitudes and behaviours. With a focus on research done between 1996 and 2009, the study incorporated various studies from English and Spanish databases. To review the literature, the study employed a qualitative methodology and examined a total of 74 papers that were written between 1996 and 2009 (López-Guimerà et al., 2010). The research includes investigations of females from various nations, ranging in age from 10 to 24. The authors investigated the processes that might be involved in how media may affect eating habits and body image.
According to the study, the media significantly influences females’ attitudes and behaviours around their bodies and eating disorders (López-Guimerà et al., 2010). In particular, the study discovered a link between exposure to mass media and increased body dissatisfaction, disordered eating patterns, and the chance of developing eating disorders. The study also discovered that variables including age, gender, and cultural context reduce the impact of media on eating disorders and body image beliefs and behaviours. The scientists also discovered that identification, imitation, priming and reinforcement, and self-regulation are some of the mechanisms by which media might affect eating habits and body image.
The study’s primary flaw is its complete reliance on a literature review and the absence of empirical data. Also, the study only considered articles published between 1990 and 2010; therefore, it might not be applicable to more current studies on the subject. According to the study’s recommendations, future research should concentrate on the potential moderating effects of variables, including age, gender, and cultural context, on the influence of mass media on females’ attitudes and behaviours related to eating disorders and body image. The study also urges more investigation into the potential long-term impacts of mass media on girls’ attitudes and behaviours related to eating disorders and body image.
3.0 Methodology
A quantitative strategy was applied for this investigation. This research methodology aims to ascertain the link between variables by gathering and evaluating numerical data. Secondary data from Internet sources, including online surveys, publications, and reports, was used for this study. A quantitative method is being used to evaluate better the incidence of technology addiction and overuse among kids. The research topic is whether youngsters are becoming addicted to or overusing technology and this can be answered by gathering and examining numerical data. The use of quantitative approaches also enables the comparison of findings across many data sources to offer a complete picture of the research issue and aid in discovering any noteworthy trends or variances.
Data from online sources, including surveys, articles, and reports, are collected as part of the study process. The data gathered will be examined using statistical techniques like regression analysis and correlation analysis. The analysis’s findings will be used to estimate how common technology addiction and overuse are among kids. The youngsters in the study’s sample range in age from 10 to 18. The sample size was chosen based on the available data and the study’s goal. The sample was chosen using a random sampling technique to ensure that the findings are typical of the population under study.
4.0 Results
4.1 Factors that contribute to technology addiction and overuse by children
In the past ten years, the accessibility of technology has dramatically risen, making it more available to kids of all ages. With the Internet, smartphones, and other devices readily available, technology is convenient for kids to use all the time. The most prevalent forms of technology addiction, according to Sternlicht & Sternlicht, include gaming, social networking, texting, online shopping, online gambling, and online pornography (2021). The Internet and technology are both readily available, which makes all of these activities possible. The accessibility of technology might also lead to excessive use because kids may get used to having access to it all the time (MentalUP Educational Games, 2019). Due to its accessibility, kids have started abusing it excessively and become addicted. As a result, it is crucial to establish limitations and guidelines for kids using technology.
Parental participation can significantly prevent children from being addicted to or overusing technology (Anise et al., 2021). It has been discovered that parenting practices directly affect how much time kids spend in front of screens and how much technology they use. Parents that are more involved in their children’s lives and keep an eye on their use of technology may be able to stop technology addiction and overuse (Anise et al., 2021). When it comes to when and how their kids can use technology, for instance, parents can create rules that are enforced, such as restricting the time spent on gadgets and allocating time slots just for particular kinds of apps. By establishing a positive example for their kids, parents can also be good examples of responsible technology use. For instance, demonstrating to children how to utilize technology for beneficial tasks like finishing homework, reading, or researching. Finally, parents may also help their kids manage their emotions and anxieties by teaching them appropriate coping mechanisms and offering assistance when necessary.
Children are more likely to grow addicted to and overuse technology due to the content’s accessibility on the Internet. According to research by the University of the People, on average, kids spend 8 hours a day on screens (2020). Children with ready access to content risk developing a technology addiction and abusing it excessively. According to Fasoli (2021), technology has created a “compulsion loop” that makes it challenging for kids to resist the impulse to use it. This is further supported by the assertion that youngsters frequently develop addictions to media like video games and social media (Sternlicht & Sternlicht, 2021). The availability of this stuff makes it simpler for kids to develop digital addictions and overuse. Thus, it is critical to be aware of the possible risks associated with content’s ease of access and to take action to reduce kids’ online time.
The lack of alternatives to technology use is a significant factor in children being addicted to and abusing it. According to a University of the People report, 54% of children between the ages of 8 and 12 use technology for more than two hours daily (2020). This can be because there are few options for hobbies and interests outside the digital realm. The article by Fasoli also emphasizes how the decline in physical activity brought on by the rise of digital technologies has left kids with fewer options than technology (2021). Social media and video games can replace in-person social interaction and energetic play that keeps kids moving. Children are more prone to develop a dependence on technology and the activities that surround it if these activities are not provided. In conclusion, a lack of alternatives to children’s technology use and addiction can be significant factors. This might result from a decline in social interaction and physical activity, leaving technology the primary enjoyment source.
4.2 Effects of technology overuse and Addiction by Children
Technology can be an excellent learning tool, but it can harm children’s physical, social, and emotional health if used excessively or incorrectly. The impact of excessive technology use on physical health is the clearest. Due to the strain of staring at a screen for a long time, technology use has been connected to weight gain, neck and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, and visual difficulties (Dyopath, 2019). The average amount of time kids spend online has climbed recently, according to research by the New York Times (2022), with some kids using their gadgets for up to nine hours a day. This period can seriously impact children’s physical health, especially if they are not participating in any physical activity.
The second consequence of excessive technology use is mental health. Technology use can result in a rise in stress, worry, and depression, as well as a decline in memory, focus, and attention span. According to Gilmartin (2020), this is because of the brain’s overstimulation, which can lead to acclimatization to frequent and swift changes and difficulties focusing on tasks. In addition, when the brain develops dependent on technology to complete activities, using technology can reduce one’s capacity for problem-solving. Social advancement is the third consequence of excessive technology use. As youngsters get more accustomed to speaking through technology rather than face-to-face, using technology might cause isolation and a decline in communication skills (Bellis et al., 2021). This may result in feelings of isolation and a lack of social skills, which can hinder the growth of relationships. Technology can also be used to harass and intimidate others, which can be detrimental to children’s mental health.
Academic performance is the fourth consequence of excessive technology use (Bellis et al., 2021). Because it can be a distraction and reduce concentration, using technology can result in a decline in academic performance. Also, since students can acquire answers online, technology use may result in a rise in cheating. In order to enhance academic success, it is crucial to ensure that technology is used effectively. Finally, excessive and compulsive use of technology might negatively affect children’s cognitive development. A lack of real-world engagement and stimulation can cause “digital dementia,” which is a decline in cognitive performance, according to a study (Delgado, 2021). Concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making issues may result from this. The distraction of technology might also result in a decline in academic performance.
4.3 Strategies on how to reduce the prevalence of technology overuse and addiction in children
Because of the potential for harm to children’s mental and physical health, technology usage and addiction are developing worry. Here are some methods to prevent youngsters from being addicted to or overusing technology:
- Create and carefully enforce usage restrictions for technology. For instance, establish a time limit for electronic use and ensure your child follows it.
- Monitor Technology Use: Keep an eye on your child’s use of technology. Be sure kids are not accessing inappropriate content by keeping an eye on their online behaviour.
- Encourage your youngster to participate in alternative activities like reading, playing sports, and spending time with family and friends.
- Teach your youngster that you do not need to be continuously connected to technology by setting an example for them. Be an example of responsible technology use while being aware of your overuse.
- Convoke Your Child: Openly address the risks of technology addiction and usage with your child. Please make sure they are aware of the significance of responsible technology use.
- Consider Expert Help: Contact a specialist if your child struggles with digital addiction or usage. A mental health expert can offer vital assistance and direction.
Using these methods, parents can lessen the prevalence of technology addiction and overuse in kids. It is critical to remember that, when utilized correctly, technology can be an effective and beneficial tool.
5.0 References
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