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Technological Addictions

  • Psychiatry in the Digital Age (J Shore, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Modern methods of communication and engagement, such as social media, video games, and online shopping, use a variety of behavioral techniques to encourage and reward frequent use, opening the door to addiction. The technological addictions (TAs) are a set of disorders that accompany the technological advances that define the digital age. The TAs are an active source of research in the literature, with promising treatment options already available.

Recent Findings

There are promising therapeutic and psychopharmacologic treatments for a broad range of TAs. Stimulants, antidepressants, and cognitive therapies may all be effective for internet gaming disorder (IGD). Cognitive therapies may be effective for other TAs, such as social media addiction (SMA), online shopping addiction (OSA), and online porn addiction.

Summary

Society’s dependence on addictive technologies will only increase. Many of the TAs can be addressed with medication and therapy, with more research and literature developing at a rapid pace.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 462 1st Ave, NB20N11, New York, NY, 10016, USA

    James Sherer

  2. Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 357 West 29th Street, 3A, New York, NY, 10001, USA

    Petros Levounis

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  1. James Sherer
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Correspondence to James Sherer.

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Sherer, J., Levounis, P. Technological Addictions. Curr Psychiatry Rep 24, 399–406 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-022-01351-2

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