Addiction and Technology
Expert-defined terms from the Global Certificate in Cyber Psychology course at LearnUNI. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
**Addiction #
** A chronic disorder characterized by the compulsive pursuit of rewarding stimuli, despite adverse consequences. In the context of technology, addiction often refers to the excessive use of digital devices or online platforms, leading to significant impairment or distress in daily life.
**Behavioral Addiction #
** A type of addiction that involves compulsive engagement in behaviors that produce rewarding experiences, such as gambling, shopping, or using technology. Behavioral addictions share many characteristics with substance use disorders, including loss of control, continued engagement despite negative consequences, and withdrawal symptoms.
**Cyberbullying #
** The use of digital technologies, such as social media, email, or text messages, to harass, intimidate, or threaten others. Cyberbullying can have serious consequences for both the perpetrator and the victim, including depression, anxiety, and even suicide.
**Cyberpsychology #
** The branch of psychology that explores the psychological aspects of human behavior in the digital age. Cyberpsychology examines the impact of technology on individuals, relationships, and society as a whole, and encompasses topics such as addiction, cyberbullying, and online identity.
**Digital Detox #
** A period of time during which an individual abstains from using digital devices or online platforms, often as a way to reduce stress, improve mental health, or increase productivity. Digital detoxes can range from a few hours to several days or even weeks.
**E #
therapy:** The use of digital technologies, such as video conferencing or online chat, to provide psychological or therapeutic services. E-therapy can be particularly useful for individuals who have difficulty accessing traditional in-person therapy, such as those living in remote areas or those with mobility issues.
**FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) #
** A pervasive apprehension that others might be having rewarding experiences from which one is absent, often triggered by social media use. FOMO can lead to excessive technology use, anxiety, and decreased well-being.
**Gaming Addiction #
** A type of behavioral addiction characterized by the excessive and compulsive use of video games, often leading to significant impairment or distress in daily life. Gaming addiction can affect both children and adults and can have serious consequences, including social isolation, academic or job failure, and mental health problems.
**Internet Addiction #
** A type of behavioral addiction characterized by excessive and compulsive use of the internet, often leading to significant impairment or distress in daily life. Internet addiction can manifest in various forms, including gaming addiction, social media addiction, and online shopping addiction.
**Online Identity #
** The persona or representation of oneself that is presented in digital environments, often through social media profiles or online gaming avatars. Online identity can differ significantly from an individual's offline identity and can be shaped by factors such as anonymity, self-presentation, and social norms.
**Phantom Vibration Syndrome #
** A phenomenon in which an individual perceives their digital device vibrating or ringing when it is not, often due to heightened sensitivity or attachment to the device. Phantom vibration syndrome can lead to increased technology use and decreased well-being.
**Sexting #
** The exchange of sexually explicit messages, images, or videos through digital devices, often via text message or social media. Sexting can have serious consequences, including legal issues, reputational damage, and mental health problems.
**Social Media Addiction #
** A type of behavioral addiction characterized by excessive and compulsive use of social media platforms, often leading to significant impairment or distress in daily life. Social media addiction can manifest in various forms, including excessive posting, scrolling, or messaging.
**Technoference #
** The interference of technology use in personal relationships and social interactions, often leading to decreased communication, reduced empathy, and increased conflict. Technoference can have negative consequences for both individuals and relationships, including decreased relationship satisfaction and increased loneliness.
**Telepsychology #
** The use of digital technologies, such as video conferencing or online chat, to provide psychological services. Telepsychology can be particularly useful for individuals who have difficulty accessing traditional in-person therapy, such as those living in remote areas or those with mobility issues.
**Trolling #
** The act of posting inflammatory or offensive comments on digital platforms, often with the intention of provoking a reaction or causing harm. Trolling can have serious consequences, including reputational damage, legal issues, and mental health problems.
**Virtual Reality (VR) #
** A simulated digital environment that can be experienced through specialized devices, such as headsets or gloves. VR has various applications in psychology, including the treatment of anxiety disorders, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
**Wearable Technology #
** Digital devices that can be worn on the body, such as smartwatches or fitness trackers. Wearable technology can track various aspects of an individual's physiology, such as heart rate, sleep patterns, and activity levels, and can provide feedback or interventions to promote health and well-being.