Is screen addiction a true thing?

Sleep issues, poor academic performance, problems in relationships, and other issues can all result from excessive screen time.

Screens and digital technology are a part of our everyday lives, from smartphones to tablets to computers to televisions and even smartwatches. Even though they offer us a lot of benefits, this "cohabitation" has also brought about problems. Excessive use can make it hard to sleep, make it hard to do well in school, hurt relationships, and more.

Consequently, the term "screen addiction," also known as "screen use disorder," or "Scud," has entered public discourse.

The subject has already gotten a lot of attention, especially during and after the COVID-19 lockdown, but what does the scientific literature have to say about it? The facts are a little clearer thanks to our recently published research.

What is addiction exactly?

The loss of control over an object (a substance or behavior) that was initially a source of gratification for the user is what defines addiction, regardless of its form. It is a disease that lasts a long time, makes you weak, and causes a lot of stress that hurts the person over time. Attempts to reduce or stop the addiction frequently result in relapses. Craving, or a recurrent and irrational desire to use the substance in question, is the primary determinant of relapse.

With the help of these fundamental principles of addictology, we can crucially distinguish between three types of drug use: non-problematic use, problematic use (which does not result in a permanent loss of control), and addictive use (which is an illness characterized by cravings, relapses, and loss of control).

All addictions are classified according to the same core set of criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) medical classification system, with some exceptions for behavioral addictions (such as gambling and gaming).

                                                      IMAGE CREDIT- PEXELS  BY KAROLINA 

It is essential to keep in mind that there is currently no recognized diagnosis for screen addiction when approaching this debate that is fraught with controversy.

Obtaining dependable data Since 1994, our lab has studied addiction, particularly through the Addiction Aquitaine research cohort's collaboration with Charles Perrens Hospital in Bordeaux, France.

In 2015, citizens and elected officials from the French town of Martignas-sur-Jalle collaborated with scientists from Bordeaux University and the French National Centre for Scientific Research, or CNRS, as well as Charles Perren's Hospital (the Addictology Unit and the Care Centre for Addiction Support and Prevention, or CSAPA) to investigate the various kinds of screen use, both harmful and harmful, on a town-wide scale.

Our lab jumped at the chance to investigate the DSM-5's definition of addiction in relation to screen habits with a focus on the general population when asked.

The study looked at how different age groups used screens over the past year. We distributed 1,200 surveys to a total of 401 people, and we analyzed the responses of 300 adults and adolescents aged 11 to 84.

Screen addiction was defined in this study as the persistent and recurrent use of screens (such as televisions, computers, smartphones, tablets, and handheld devices) that results in clinically significant impairment or distress as manifested in at least five of the following signs over a 12-month period:

• Preoccupation: Do you spend a lot of time thinking about screens, even when you are not using them, or planning when you can use them next?
• Withdrawal: Do you feel restless, irritable, moody, angry, anxious, or sad when attempting to cut down or stop using screens, or when you are unable to use screens?

• Tolerance: Do you feel the need to use screens for increasing amounts of time, use more exciting screens, or use more powerful equipment to get the same amount of excitement you used to get?
• Loss of control: Do you feel that you should use screens less, but are unable to cut back on the time you spend using them?
• Loss of interest: Do you lose interest in or reduce participation in other recreational activities, e.g., hobbies or meetings with friends, due to screens?
• Continue despite problems: Do you continue to use screens even though you are aware of negative consequences, such as not getting enough sleep, being late to school/work, spending too much money, having arguments with others, or neglecting important duties?

• Deceive/cover-up: Do you lie to family, friends, or others about how much you use screens, or try to keep your family or friends from knowing how much you use them?
• Escape adverse mood: Do you use screens to escape from or forget about personal problems, or to relieve uncomfortable feelings such as guilt, anxiety, helplessness, or depression?
• Risk/lose relationship/opportunities: Do you risk or lose significant relationships, or job, educational or career opportunities because of screen use?