Study finds tech addicts mimic drug addicts in withdrawal
Many people know they are addicted to their smartphones, email and other gadgets but a new study has found that this is an addiction in a very real sense with people deprived of their tech experiencing symptoms akin to a dug addict trying to kick the habit.
Researchers at the University of Maryland reported in their ‘World Unplugged’ survey that four in five students questioned had reported symptoms of distress, confusion and isolation within a mere 24 hours of logging off.
A “clear majority” even failed to complete the voluntary 24hr tech free period.
Prof Susan Moeller, research leader, said: "Students talked about how scary it was, how addicted they were. They expected the frustration. But they didn't expect to have the psychological effects, to be lonely, to be panicked, the anxiety, literally heart palpitations.”
The study invited nearly a 1,000 university students to keep a diary of their thoughts as they experienced a pre-digital era world.
One participant wrote: “I literally didn’t know what to do with myself. Going down to the kitchen to pointlessly look in the cupboards became regular routine, as did getting a drink.”
Not all of it was negative however, 21% stated they saw benefits in being unplugged, reporting more in depth conversations with friends and family.