What you need to know about internet addiction | Dr. Kimberly Young | TEDxBuffalo

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. We are all a bit too connected to our smartphones and web-connected devices. Dr. Young helps identify warning signs of Internet addiction and what we can do to manage technology in our daily lives. She also asks “How young is too young?” for screen time, warning parents about the dangers of technology use in children as young as two. She offers strategies for how we can build “Screen Smart” schools, and introduces her new 3-6-9-12 Parenting Guidelines for managing tech use at home.

Psychologist Dr. Kimberly Young launched the first study on internet addiction in 1995, wrote "Caught in the Net" in 1998, and has worked ever since to develop and discuss research and treatment for a rapidly evolving problem.

Young is a professor at St. Bonaventure University and founder and director of the Center for Internet Addiction Recovery in Bradford, Pa. She founded the first inpatient clinic for Internet addiction recovery in the United States at the Bradford Regional Medical Center and her work has been featured in The New York Times, Newsweek, Time, USAToday, CNN, Fox News, Good Morning America, MSNBC News, and The Today Show.

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[PeanutXBaby]

Internet addiction needs to be taken seriously.

[MuahMan]

My weakness and addiction to the Internet has destroyed my concentration, many relationships, and generally made me unsocial. When I have to leave my house, I can't wait to get back home and get back on the computer. I've wasted years that I will never get back. I've destroyed my own life with technology.

[PeanutXBaby]

When I dramatically cut my technology use, I was finally able to read books again. I went years with out reading because I couldn't concentrate enough to read a few pages let alone a book.

[tangbein]

At some point I removed the internet from my apartment for around 3 months. I was attending an art school at the time and the first difference I noticed was that I was able to study for things I wasn't interested in at all. We had an art history exam. I didn't have any interest in the subject, but yet I had no problems sitting down and study for it. I gained the discipline of a samurai. My creativity could also run freely. I had lots of ideas in my head and had the discipline and drive to make those ideas come true. It was a fantastic time. I think the internet can be really harmful for creative people.

[aashleyk]

You never really know how addicted you are to the internet and how productive you can be until you no longer have it. A year ago we didn't have the Internet for like 2 months or so. And before when our internet was not on I got really bored. I started writing and I'd be angry all the time. I was agitated and on edge. I would come home from school and try the computer to see if it would work. I couldn't focus on anything. I was bored mad.
Within the last year I spent a few months off the Internet at home and I started reading. I read a new book every few days. And over time my writing improved and I found myself speaking clearly and I felt a lot better and more productive. Now I'm back to using the Internet and feeling wrong. I'm thinking about taking a break or lowering my usage of Social Media.

[gorian]

I think it's true that giving an iPad for a child is a harmful and not wise action

[andylehoux]

My internet went off for 3 minutes
I met my family
They were nice people

[zacharyfernandez]

I've been watching YouTube videos for the past 8 hours. . . My wake up alarm just went off.

[cosmicwoman]

Im addicted to internet because i feel lonely.

[lvega]

I am constantly on the internet because I feel like I learn something new each moment I'm on the net, whether I'm watching a YouTube video or reading a news article and the comments. I don't watch internet porn or play online games or do chat rooms anything. I feel anxious if my phone isn't with me.

[SonyCamry]

I seriously believe that internet/video games/ porn cause some kind of brain damage. I used to be so intelligent growing up. I was the top of my class. When i was 16 my Father bought me a laptop and i started spending hours online and also watching porn. I also played a lot of playstation. All of a sudden my cognitive abilities declined. I started developing social anxiety and depression. Was it the internet? Maybe. But all i know is every time when i spend a lot of time on the internet / video games/ porn it ruins my mind.

[jonettheonly]

I really wish I could get over this. My life sucks.

[nai-chiachen]

RIP.
According to Wikipedia, Dr. Young died of cancer on February 28, 2019 at age 53.

[falconbritt]

I just read (in 2021) that screen time starts thinning the neocortex (thinking ability) even in adults (brain fog, anyone?) and impairs our executive function skills as well. It's not just a dopamine addiction, which is bad enough, long hours on the screen are causing mental impairment. Right now, many of us are isolated due to lockdowns, and we're more prone to screen addiction.

[Suitee]

March 10, 2024 -- I have so much respect for this lady. Sad that she died of cancer but her voice, work and books can continue to be accessed and are quite relevant to this day.

[Pawznhooves]

I'm so glad somebody finally addressed this! Having this in mind has seriously changed my life for the best.

[MournfulMystic]

I'd like to see the whole internet shut down for a month or two so that the whole world is forced to interact more and have a complete break from the online world.

[theresabelleza]

Wanted to maybe write this in a journal but maybe I could write it here in case anyone relates, I’ve been struggling with depression for a while now and I used to think my digital addiction was a result of it but I actually now think its vice-versa. Im feeling sad and tired all the time because I’m so much more concerned with enriching my digital life than my real life. Im only happy when Im watching tv or when I’m scrolling and once I’m pulled out of it to go to school or work or even to hang out with friends, I get frustrated and all I do is count the time until I can endlessly watch or scroll again. It was enough to make me think that I will never be happy, I will never love my job or love what I’m learning or connect deeply with people. I have no hobbies, I feel lonely, and Im anxious when Im out of the house. This addiction is real and I am just now coming to terms with it. Ill try out this 48-hr detox next weekend and come up with some more strategies to combat this. Maybe now that I found the root of my depression and anxiety I can cope with it much better. Glad I found this video, its validated what I’ve been thinking...

[BaneRedfield]

not joking most of my free time in my 20s was wasted in front of the computer..wasted my 20s on the internet..32 now and don't know what to do

[qthequokka]

Summary:
Gaming addiction should be quit cold turkey.
Internet addiction is similar to food addiction, which cannot be quit cold turkey. Instead, just like food diet, we should control the internet to positive usage only.