How to Break Free From Technology Addiction and Its Self-Help Trap

Human beings have become addicted to technology; it is no secret from the scientific community, who have studied its effects. We can hardly fathom what effects the plugged in lifestyle have on our brains and overall well-being. Our reliance on electronic devices for our entertainment, communication and comfort food has created a self-help trap. We are so busy protecting our self-interests because of perceived self-protection that our health and relationships suffer from the repercussions.

The joy derived from our phones, laptops and tablets has become as sweet as honey. We loyally stay stuck on them, scrolling through social media, responding to notifications and pushing aside anything that requires real life effort. Social media has become the main way we keep up with relationships, yet ironically it creates a disconnect. We are captivated by the staged lives presented and the overwhelming number of mentions by those we seek approval from. The more the approval, the stronger we feel, unaware of the little voice that deep down tells us we are not enough.

The technology bubble offers a false sense of escaping reality. In this virtual world, we are anonymous and unjudged, which offers us a hidden refuge from facing our problems. Fleeing from our battles does not make them disappear, instead only masks them until a later time; a time when the problems are larger than before. We then seek professional help or take extreme measures to cope. This not only takes a toll off one’s wallet, but also wastes precious time and energy, while the problem remains unmoved. It is like constantly pumping water out of a leaky boat – soon the buck stops with you being left in a bigger mess than before.

We must understand that addiction to technology is rooted in a lack of self-love. To have an emotional connection with yourself enables you to make informed decisions about your device use. Acknowledge when it hinders relationships, mental health and physical wellbeing. Technology addiction is a deep wound which requires healing and replacing harmful behavior with healthy habits.

We must learn to heal from within - use our internal power of will and understanding to step back from our devices and create habits that bring added value to our lives. This requires setting boundaries with technology, creating time for ourselves and doing things that give us joy. Open up to family, friends, and even strangers. Nurturing your real life relationships strengthens the feeling of connection and fulfills the heart. Find interests outside of your technology, such as cooking, camping, gardening, reading, sports, music, etc., that require effort and dedication to build. It could be something entirely new, like playing a musical instrument, learning a foreign language or hiking.

It is crucial to be mindful of how much time we spend using technology and how it affects our mental health and relationships. We must take responsibility and create a secure foundation of self-love to start diving into the depths of our true selves. Reevaluate our technology, social media and online habits. What brings us happiness and what doesn’t? Are the activities we’re engaging in positive or negative? When do we get lost in the electronic world, giving up time for our own original ideas and creativity? These questions will enable us to break free of our technology addiction, ultimately edging away from the self-help trap and embracing our true potential.