Screen time addiction in adults is associated with borderline personality traits and psychological distress

Mental health

Via Marc Lallanilla

Does surfing social media contribute to mental health problems?

Perhaps, according to the author of a recent study, addiction to computer screens, smartphones, televisions, game consoles and other digital devices is related to mental illness.

And while most studies have examined the effects of screen time on children and adolescents, research published in the Annals of the Human and Social Sciences, examined Investigate effects in adults.

And the results are not encouraging.

The growing interest in and use of screen-based technologies around the world has led to increased interest in and use of screen-based technologies around the world, study author Adeena Ahmed, a clinical psychologist at Lifeline Islamabad Rehabilitation Center in Pakistan, told PsyPost. I pondered its pros and cons.

When I read previously published articles related to screen time addiction, I realized that the topic was of little importance, says Ahmed.

To analyze these issues, Ahmed conducted a study with 150 adults from Rawalpindi and Islamabad in Pakistan who completed the Internet Addiction Test, a 20-item questionnaire designed to assess the level of addiction. An individual’s Internet addiction.

The questionnaire addresses several aspects of screen time use, including spending more time online than intended, neglecting responsibilities, preferring online interactions to real-life interactions, and experiencing negative emotions while offline.

Everyone knows about the negative effects of screens and that behavioral addictions can have consequences similar to substance addictions, but we still have little empirical evidence to support this debate. , Ahmed said.

Participants also completed questionnaires to assess symptoms related to borderline personality disorder and psychological distress.

According to the Mayo Clinic, borderline personality disorder is a mental illness marked by self-image problems, unstable relationships, inappropriate anger, impulsivity, and frequent mood swings. Frequent and difficult to manage emotions and behavior.

The study found a relationship between screen time and both borderline personality disorder symptoms and psychological distress. People who spend too much time on screen are more likely to show signs of borderline personality disorder, including mood swings and emotional imbalance.

They are also more susceptible to psychological stress, including symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Research shows that men are more likely to be addicted to screens than women, with men scoring significantly higher on screen addiction. “I expected the same rate of addictive behavior on screen for both genders,” Ahmed said.

Ahmed says: We all know that we live in a world where the use of screen-based technology is something we cannot avoid.

The findings of this study can help the average person at least control their screen time and try to balance it. Any behavior or substance we use in excess can lead to addiction and can cause further psychological disorders, Ahmed said.