The Brain Is Insatiable for Reward in Technology Addiction

Üsküdar Üniversitesi Founding Rector, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, wrote an article on the topic of "Digital Addiction" this week in his Hürriyet Aile column.

Smart devices, whose use has increased with technology, have brought with them the risk of digital addiction. Digital addiction, which has become one of the most important problems of today's people, negatively affects everyone, young and old. Digital addiction can actually be considered as problematic use of technology. Technologies can disrupt the brain's reward and punishment system.

The smart use of smart devices, which have now become a part of our lives, is of great importance. Technology, which we thought only affected children and young people, emerges as a significant threat to people of all ages.

When problematic use of new digital technologies continues for a period, it can turn into digital addiction. Before it turns into addiction, problematic, troubled, and incorrect use, in other words, misuse, occurs for many years. After this, it becomes an addiction.

Unexpected reward stimulates the brain the most

Technological devices provide great conveniences, especially in communication. They particularly accelerate human relationships. Individuals can access all kinds of information in their own safe environment but in a very insecure way. These technologies appeal to the feelings of curiosity and wonder. The feelings of curiosity and wonder in humans are also related to the reward and punishment system. What triggers reward in the human brain is not expected rewards, but unexpected rewards. Unexpected rewards stimulate the brain the most. Expected rewards do not provide as much pleasure as unexpected ones.

Addiction is referred to as reward deficiency syndrome

New technologies and digital media also utilize this characteristic of the human brain very intensely. This situation, which could previously be experienced once or twice a week when going to the cinema, now happens every day, even every moment. You open your smartphone and give your brain a reward anytime, anywhere you want. All of these are behavioral addictions. The brain's reward and punishment system is disrupted. Addictions are generally now called reward deficiency syndrome, meaning the brain is never satisfied with reward. In such situations, drugs do the same thing, computer games do the same thing, and movies have the same effect.

Will technology use us, or will we use technology?

Individuals need to manage technology. If technology manages the individual, their life is ruined. There is no such thing as time management left for the person, but if the person manages technology, they dominate it. The important question here is: Will technology use us, or will we use technology? Currently, in people who misuse and are addicted, technology uses these people; in other words, technology is the subject, and addicted people are the object. Therefore, we will try to be the subject, not the object. We will be the manager, not the managed.

Technology should not be used as a reward or a threat

In the treatment of digital addiction, individuals are taught conscious use in a psychotherapy-like manner. A behavior chart is kept. Especially in adolescence, they use it for an hour, follow the given rules, and get a 'plus'. They are discharged when they reach a certain number. When they learn this, and if parents also apply it at home, the child improves.

Technology use needs to be taught with controlled limitations from an early age. Technology use is definitely not recommended especially between the ages of 0-3. We never recommend using it like a reward or for feeding. Incorrect behaviors such as using it as a threat or giving it when they insist are wrong.

The principle of "Stop, think, and act" should be used

Individuals should use the principle of "stop, think, and act" in their fight against addictions. The frontal lobe of the brain says, 'Stop, think, and then do.' The brain should be given that training. It is important for a person to learn to use their brain. A person can succeed in controlling themselves, but if they cannot, then professional help should be sought. Children should be taught conscious use and digital literacy. A child takes their parents as role models. Whatever the parents have done, the child often imitates them.

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