Technology is an enabler of many things. It has brought us closer together (figuratively speaking) from the standpoint of globalization. Its pervasive evolutionary effects touch every aspect of our lives and our dependency on it has changed the way in which we view ourselves and the world. The reality of this new dependency is creating a 21st century technology addiction.
Everyone wants to be wanted, wants to be needed, and wants to feel included somewhere. It’s human nature and even those who say they don’t probably do. Technology has given us the tools to stay in touch, maintain persistent contact, and exist together without necessarily having to be in the same place. The itch of wanting or needing attention from others gets scratched so often now that for some, it becomes an insatiable desire that is never fully satisfied. Like any addiction, the psychological need for stimulation starts to control every aspect of life.
Look around you. How often do you see people engrossed in constant perusal and manipulation of their technology? Access to attention, real or perceived, has captured our awareness and holds it hostage in the hopes that the insatiable itch gets scratched. We all love our gadgets because they give us access to what we think we need and want. Be it desktop or portable, these tools exacerbate the need for persistent attention. Technology is wonderful and does so much for all of us. But, as is consistent in life, too much reliance on any one thing or person can cripple an individual and deny them peace of mind.
Young people are especially vulnerable. Their desire for attention and inclusion is no different now that it ever has been. What is different is the tools now exist to facilitate the almost unquenchable need for constant validation via communication. I call it Attention Anticipation Disorder (AAD). The anticipation of receiving attention from someone becomes a mental need for that contact, regardless of whether it’s substantive of frivolous. Unfortunately this need preempts all other matters of importance in life. School, family, work, community, etc. all take a back seat to the potential that we are about to be on the receiving end of some attention. The world will have to wait……I’ve got mail! The satisfaction of the ubiquitous attention supersedes the substance of the communication. That is how priorities get screwed up and the disorder starts to claim its victims.
Real danger comes when there is a lull in attention; a reduction in frequency or an outright absence of communication. Then the need forces the individual to stimulate attention by saying or doing something that is sure to warrant a response. These periods of virtual darkness can leave a person feeling lonely and unsatisfied. Attention makes us feel good. Anticipating attention feels good only so long as the attention actually comes. When it doesn’t, then anticipation alone can be excruciating. “Chasing the high” is often associated with drug addiction. I see a major correlation as it relates to AAD.
I am not a doctor or a scientist and I have zero intention of doing any research. I just pay attention to the world around me and offer my opinion when the mood strikes me. In my own family I have seen AAD invade our home and take over to the point where rational thought and reasonable activity are supplanted by addict-like behavior. Take the time to observe the role of technology in your life and the lives of your children. Look for the warning signs of obsession. Self-impose limits personally and for your family. Enjoy all its benefits but don’t hesitate to pull the plug when it starts to get in the way of all that is important to you. Who knows? Maybe one day we will all start looking at each other and talking again.
