How to tell if you’re a digital addict, why your addiction could be hiding a deeper problem, and ways to wean yourself off devices

Addicts have a craving for something that’s missing in their lives. Women and girls tend to get addicted to social media, and males to electronic games.

Make dining and bedside tables smartphone-free zones, and don’t take the device with you to the bathroom; enjoy more creative activities in your leisure time

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Children and adults find it hard to tear themselves away from gaming, streaming, social media or chatting online. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 9:15pm, 13 Oct 2021Updated: 3:07pm, 15 Oct 2021

A lot of people spend most of their spare time in digital worlds, and studies show that increased during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some find it hard to tear themselves away from gaming, streaming, social media or chatting. But when can you say someone’s addicted to digital devices, media or platforms, how does someone become an addict?

“It’s really serious if you neglect other areas of your life, such as your friends, family, hobbies, and at some point personal hygiene too,” says Martina Haas, a psychologist specialising in media and online addiction.

These people are so occupied with digital devices that they hardly eat, sleep or shower. Although they’re aware that their behaviour has adverse consequences, they can’t stop, she says.

People are spending much of their spare time in digital worlds, and studies show that increased during the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo: AFP