https://www.ted.com/talks/sherry_turkle_connected_but_alone?subtitle=en&geo=de
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aGJBlEY8UM
Digital Dependency and Its Consequences
Overview
This self-directed lesson introduces digital addiction as a compulsive behavior, covering its definition and primary symptoms. Learners will identify the signs of digital addiction and reflect on their own technology habits to recognize potential digital dependency.
Lesson Overview and Learning Objectives
Lesson Overview:
This self-directed lesson introduces digital addiction as a compulsive behavior, covering its definition and primary symptoms. Learners will identify the signs of digital addiction and reflect on their own technology habits to recognize potential digital dependency.
**Each learner will need a journal to jot down notes throughout the lesson. We recommend a pencil or pen and paper, not a digital device. Please gather your supplies before continuing.**
Learning Objectives:
- Define digital addiction as a form of compulsive behavior.
- Identify and understand symptoms such as compulsive checking, difficulty disconnecting, and feelings of anxiety when separated from devices.
- Reflect on personal technology habits and recognize potential signs of digital dependency.
Understanding Digital Addiction – Definition and Symptoms
Lesson Overview:
This self-directed lesson introduces digital addiction as a compulsive behavior, covering its definition and primary symptoms. Learners will identify the signs of digital addiction and reflect on their own technology habits to recognize potential digital dependency.
*Reminder: You should have your pencil/pen and paper ready for the journal prompts and self-reflection activities before continuing!
Lesson Content:
- Learner Prompt: How many times do you check your phone each day? Take a moment to estimate your screen time and write it down in your journal.
- Learner Reflection: Do you know the general screen time of people in your age group? Think about how your time compares with theirs. If you don't know the general time for your age group, do a quick internet search to get the estimate before you compare it to your time.
Definition of Digital Addiction:
- Digital addiction is a compulsive need to use digital devices, often interfering with personal well-being and relationships.
- Interactive Element: Reflect on your initial thoughts on this definition. Have you noticed any behaviors in yourself or others that might fit? What are they? Add this reflection to your journal.
Key Symptoms of Digital Addiction
Compulsive Checking:
Feeling the urge to check your phone for notifications, updates, or messages repeatedly, even without a specific reason.Difficulty Disconnecting:
Experiencing discomfort or anxiety when away from digital devices, such as feeling “lost” or “left out.”Fear of Missing Out (FOMO):
A psychological driver for frequent checking, causing anxiety about missing information, events, or connections.
Interactive Element: Do you find yourself compulsively checking your phone? How often do you feel anxious when separated from your devices? Please add these to your journal.
Read the attached article: Frontiers | The Psychology of Addictive Smartphone Behavior in Young Adults: Problematic Use, Social Anxiety, and Depressive Stress
Scenario Analysis
Scenario 1: Compulsive Checking During Family Time
Scenario:
Jamie is having dinner with her family, but she can't resist checking her phone every few minutes. Even when she puts her phone on the table, the urge to check for messages or updates is so strong that she finds herself glancing at it whenever there's a lull in the conversation. Her parents express frustration, feeling like she’s not truly present with them, which leads to some tension at the dinner table.
Prompt Questions:
- What symptoms of digital addiction are evident in this scenario?
- How might this behavior impact Jamie’s relationships with her family?
Reflection Prompt:
Have you ever felt a similar urge to check your phone, even during in-person interactions? How did it impact the quality of your time with others? Please add this to your journal.
Scenario 2: Feeling Anxious Without the Phone
Scenario:
Alex forgets his phone at home one day before heading to school. Throughout the day, he feels anxious and distracted, constantly wondering if he's missed any messages or important notifications. In class, he can’t focus on the lesson, and during lunch, he finds himself unable to engage fully with his friends. By the time he gets home, he’s frustrated and tense, immediately checking his phone for missed notifications.
Prompt Questions:
- What symptoms of digital addiction are evident in this scenario?
- How might this behavior impact Alex’s focus and mental well-being during his day?
Reflection Prompt:
Have you ever felt uneasy or anxious without your phone? What impact did it have on your ability to stay present and focused? Again, add this to your journal.
Watch the attached YouTube Video: "Connected, but alone?"
Self-Reflection Exercise
Journaling Activity:
- Write a private reflection (1-2 paragraphs) on your own digital habits. Consider:
- How frequently do you check your phone each day?
- What emotions do you experience when separated from your devices?
- Are there areas where you could make changes to improve your digital wellness?
Optional Prompt for Deeper Reflection:
- “Identify one small action you can take to reduce digital dependency. It could be limiting screen time, turning off notifications, or designating device-free time during certain parts of the day.”
Additional Resources for Understanding Digital Addiction
Readings:
“The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains” by Nicholas Carr
- This book examines the cognitive effects of prolonged digital exposure and how the internet reshapes our mental capacity.
“How to Break Up with Your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life” by Catherine Price
- A practical guide offering insights and steps to address digital addiction and improve digital wellness.
- A brief scholarly article that discusses the signs, symptoms, and societal impact of digital dependency, particularly in young adults and teens.
Online Blog Series by Common Sense Media
- Topics cover screen time, mental health, and balancing technology use in daily life. Includes articles like “Digital Well-Being: Tips for Parents and Teens” and “Building Healthier Digital Habits.”
Multimedia Content:
TED Talk: “Connected, but Alone?” by Sherry Turkle
- Turkle discusses how digital devices change our social lives, often substituting screen time for face-to-face connection.
YouTube Channel: The Digital Wellness Institute
- Provides short, engaging videos covering digital wellness, mental health, and actionable tips for maintaining a balanced relationship with technology.
Podcast Episode: “Digital Minimalism” on The Happiness Lab
- This episode explores how to adopt mindful technology practices, especially in response to the digital overload many experience today.
Documentary: “The Social Dilemma” (available on Netflix)
- A thought-provoking film that explores how social media algorithms are designed to increase screen time and the broader implications on society.
Mindfulness App Recommendations: Headspace and Insight Timer
- Both apps include specific guided meditations and mindfulness exercises to help users reduce compulsive phone-checking and enhance focus.