Digital addiction: What defines it, developing safe online habits

JACKSON, Tenn. — Most of us are on our digital devices for several hours a day. Whether it’s our phone, tablet or computer we spend a lot of time online.

That fact is a concern for mental health experts who say Americans are spending too much time in front of screens. Dr. Nidhi Gupta, a leading pediatrician from Franklin, Tennessee, talked with us on what she sees as digital addiction.

She says it may stem from youth and adults facing challenges such as anxiety, social isolation and cyberbullying; which can impact both mental health and academic success.

“In my research on this topic, we have uncovered that the human mind is being manipulated by the content that we access on our digital devices,” Dr. Gupta said. “And extensive screen time for all ages has the same, dare I say, worse impact on the brain then other addictive behaviors like smoking, drugs and alcohol.”

Dr. Gupta says her goal is to help our society understand the science behind digital addiction and develop safe online habits. She also hopes to help others gain practical strategies to enhance focus, emotional intelligence and self-management.

The nonprofit, Phreedom Foundation, is dedicated to promoting smart technology use to enhance the health and well-being of children and families.

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