Last month, I challenged you to unplug at least a couple hours a day or maybe, if you were brave, to make an entire day “tech free.” The comments varied—from people saying it was helpful and would accept the challenge to many others who said there was no way they could create boundaries when it came to their devices.

This latter group interested me, and I decided to look deeper into the research being done on technology addiction.

If you’re one of the many who cannot go to sleep without first checking Facebook or Twitter, this is for you.

Do you understand what is actually happening in your brain? As with other addictions, dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain responsible for pleasure, is released when someone “likes” your status update or mentions you on Twitter. And, just like other addictive substances, the dopamine release is short-lived and leaves you craving more. In essence, we’ve become a bit like Pavlov’s dogs—every time our phone sounds an alert, we’re on it instantaneously, despite what else we might have going on at the moment.

This leads to an issue I am seeing with increasing frequency in my therapy practice: Real world personal relationships being negatively impacted by virtual activity/addiction.

Many clients are expressing frustration—it seems their partners are more interested in what’s happening online than in actuality. The issues range from never feeling fully heard or seen (because the person they’re baring their soul to is simultaneously “listening” while instagramming their meal, because who can live another second without seeing another kale salad or heart-shaped almond milk foam on a cup of organic fair trade coffee?) to more serious conflicts that include infidelity, gambling, porn obsession, and cyber stalking to name a few.

This is more of an inquiry into getting real with yourself on how much you need your devices and how much of your feelings are determined by what is happening on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the impact technology and, more specifically, social media is having on your relationships. Drop a comment below and share on Facebook and Twitter (ironically enough).

I hope you have an amazing weekend and, as always, take care of you.

Love Love Love
Terri

P.S. Check out this music video spoof on Instagram obsession if you feel like a little chuckle 😉

Terri Cole is a licensed psychotherapist, transformation coach, and an expert at turning fear into freedom. Sign up for Terri’s weekly Tune Up Tips and follow her on Twitter.

*Image courtesy of Leo Reynolds.