Are We Hooked to Our Screens? A Reflective Review on Current Evidence and New Directions

Abstract

There is an increase in the amount of time spent on our screen devices over the last couple of decades. More aspects of our daily lives have shifted to internet-based services, schooling, and work, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people are finding it hard to step away from social media, gaming or other screen-based entertainment. When overuse of screens starts having severe consequences, the diagnosis of a behavioral addiction should be considered. Nonsubstance addictions have been studied for brain imaging characteristics as well as diagnostic reliability. Resources for evidence-based treatment are hard to find. Treatment is based on a biopsychosocial approach, with therapy, medication, mindfulness, support groups as primary sources of help. Ill effects of youth and social media use are a growing concern and a focus of future work as well as advocacy. Lifestyle medicine focuses on building our internal as well as external resources for recovery, similar to the concept of recovery capital in addiction medicine. Future research on diagnostic criteria, treatment methods and treatment retention are needed to form robust treatment approaches for a growing problem.